NIO begins delivery of the new ES8 SUV

Chinese electric carmaker NIO, has officially started deliveries of 2020 ES8, the flagship model from its smart electric vehicle range. The new ES8, is available in six and seven-seat configurations, and comes with a combination of 160kW PM and 240kW IM motors and a 100kWh liquid-cooled battery pack.

The company says these ensure the new ES8 strikes a balance between long range and high performance with 0 to 100kph in 4.9 seconds and NEDC extended range of up to 580km. The ES8 retail prices start at RMB 468,000 (Rs 49.46 lakh) before subsidies, while the Signature Edition comes with eight option packs and prices start at RMB 558,000 (Rs 59 lakh) before subsidies.

The new ES8 features a revised chassis that is 96.4 per cent aluminium, which is one of the highest contents in a production car, in order to cut weight and aid performance. The revisions to the chassis, led by engineers in UK, have resulted in an immensely stiff structure delivering 44,140Nm/deg of torsional rigidity for sharper handling and five-star safety.

The first generation ES8 SUV was launched in 2018, and since then has seen many updates. In fact, not many maybe aware about NIO ES8 SUV’s Indian connection. The EV maker has an association with Tata Technologies that was initiated in mid-2015, very close to NIO’s inception as an ambitious next-gen EV start-up. Since then, Tata Technologies has engaged with NIO to drive major engineering aspects related to the development of the ES8, such as body structures, closures and exteriors, advanced manufacturing engineering, PLM, and off-car connectivity.

Powerful, personalised and safer
The new all-wheel drive ES8 offers five driving modes that include performance and efficiency modes as well as the option to individually personalise drive settings. The e-SUV with 400W of power, generates 725Nm of torque from the novel motor set up. The SUV comes with 21” wheels that are fitted with Continental’s ContiSeal self-repair tyres, whilst Brembo four piston brakes provide a 100-0kph stopping distance of just 33.8-metre. NIO says the ES8 SUV now offers even smoother ride, thanks to a revised active damping system that measures the road surface 500 times per second with a damper adjustment range of 50mm. Safety is assured with the new ES8 featuring 25 active systems.

In terms of creature comforts, on the inside four interior colour themes enable 18 colour combinations along with a further ten ambient lighting colours. Sumptuous Nappa leather and a microfibre headlining give a premium environment with luxurious lounge seating with electric foot and backrest, able to recline 160deg. The vehicle safety and other information details is conveyed via 9.8-inch cluster and 11.3-inch centre with HUD to minimise distraction. An NFC card key offers easy access with the ability to control key functions as well as have deliveries to the car through smartphone or wearable device. Flexible storage has been extended with 24 storage locations providing 95 litres in the cabin including an armrest cubby that is opened via gesture recognition.  In total, a substantial 1,900 litres of extended storage is available with rear seats folded flat.

The delivery ceremony for the first car was held in Hefei Advanced Manufacturing Centre this week. William Bin Li, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of NIO, delivered the first 2020 ES8 to Jia A, member of the ES8 Founders Edition.

William Bin Li, founder and CEO, NIO said: “The mass production and on-time delivery of the ES8 demonstrates NIO’s efficient operations and manufacturing capabilities at this time. Since NIO was established, we have released three excellent premium smart electric models to our users. And we will continue to improve user satisfaction of services and fulfil our promises as a user enterprise.”

NIO says as of March 31, 2020, its cumulative deliveries of 20,675, makes it the only Chinese model in the top ten sales chart in the luxury SUV segment.