NIO, the Chinese electric carmaker, has launched its new ES7. This mid-sized electric vehicle (EV) is an all-electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) that will draw obvious comparisons to Tesla’s recently launched Model Y.
The new model, which joins the brand’s latest 2022 lineup of models including the ES8, ES6, and EC6, is a five-seater designed to maximise cabin space. That said, the shape has been designed with a low drag coefficient (0.263) to help with overall efficiency.
The ES7 is built on NIO’s second-generation e-drive platform with the SiC power module and will be offered in three battery options. The 75kWh version will offer up to 301 miles (485km) of range while the 100kWh long-range version delivers up to 385 miles (620km). The range-topping 150kWh ultra battery model will offer an impressive range of up to 528 miles (850km).
The ES7 is no slug and can accelerate from 0-62mph (0-100kph) in just 3.9 seconds. It features Brembo four-piston braking as standard allowing it to brake from 62-0mph (100-0kph) within 33.9 metres.
The ES7 is also one of the first certified passenger vehicles in China to be able to tow a caravan or a trailer. The optional electric tow bar has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 kg. In addition, ES7 can supply power to towed equipment. In outdoor scenarios, it can support the Camping Mode and vehicle to load (V2L) discharging.
Prices for the ES7 start from RMB 468,000 (£57,200/$70,000/€66,500) before subsidies. With a 100kWh battery, prices start from RMB 526,000 (£64,280/$78,650/€74,760) before subsidies. The ES7 Premier Edition will start from RMB 528,000 (£64,500/$78,940/€75,040) before subsidies. This is interesting because it’s more expensive than Tesla’s Model Y in China.
Currently, there are no plans for this model to come to the UK yet. It may well hit Norway and Europe first, especially with NIO opening its first European ‘NIO House’ in the Scandinavian country last year. At the same time, it launched its larger electric SUV the ES8.
