This Nio ET7 car transforms Nio from what it is today to what it will be tomorrow, and its significance cannot be emphasized. Nio is the most well-known of the three major Chinese start-ups, which also include XPeng and Li Auto.
Nio has previously only manufactured SUVs and is well-known for its battery switching. The brand debuted in Norway last year, and Nio Day announced intentions to expand to 25 markets by the end of 2025 during the 2021 World Expo.
While Nio began in Norway with the old ES8 model, the second-generation devices will be available in all additional markets. The ET7, the first of three cars to be released on the new platform this year, is leading the charge. The ET7 is Nio’s first car to include Lidar. When it comes to driving assistance, XPeng has a higher reputation.
The exterior of Nio ET7
Nio has done a wonderful job embedding the sensors, unlike the Weltmeister M7, which has blister protrusions all around. The most noticeable is the Lidar sensor, which is flanked on either side by 8-megapixel high-resolution cameras in what Nio refers to as the Watchtower sensor configuration.
Despite these little bumps, the Nio ET7 has a surprisingly low drag coefficient of 0.208. Sleek is the term that comes to mind when describing the external design. But it’s not just about aerodynamics; the end result is a car that looks fantastic.
Interior of Nio ET7
Looking at images, it’s easy to mistake the ET7’s interior for that of any other Nio. Although the arrangement is familiar, if more basic, the materials and overall craftsmanship are a significant improvement. That’s not to suggest they’re awful on previous Nio models.
The tactile sensation on the Nio ET7 raises the standard and is a match for the German trio. They are not only more environmentally beneficial because they are renewable, but they also offer a lovely tactile feel.
Despite the fact that Nio provides vegan leather seat trim, the test car was outfitted with Nappa leather. According to Nio, they use up to 40% more than other brands, and they use it not only on the visible seat portions but also on the inlays and steering wheel. It all adds up to a really comfortable environment when combined with a microfiber headliner. The ET7 doesn’t have a glove compartment, but there’s plenty of room beneath the floating center console, just like other Nio cars.
The cubby space on the center console is an interesting feature. This can be used as a safe, with entry via facial recognition or entering a code, and it can open to either side instead of the traditional rear-hinged entrance.
The back is light and airy thanks to the panoramic roof, and despite a slightly slanted roofline, headroom should be adequate for all but the tallest passengers.
Driving, Performance, and Range of Nio ET7
The opportunity to test acceleration, braking, and handling was provided via track driving. The quoted acceleration time in Sport+ mode is 3.8 seconds, although Nio is quick to point out that this is predicated on the car being half-loaded, and it should be even faster with just a driver.
When going rapidly, the Nio ET7 significantly pitches up due to the stronger (300kW 500Nm) of the two electric motors at the back. When the car is traveling at 100 km/h and the brakes are fully applied, it takes 33.5 meters to come to a complete stop. This is especially noticeable while conducting an elk test in this area. Before the zig-zag maneuver is completed, the automobile frequently comes to a halt.
The maximum range of the 100kWh battery pack variant is reduced from 705km to 615km due to the 21-inch tires on the test car, which reduces the maximum range from 705km to 615km. On launch, a 75kWh pack is also available. A 150kWh semi-solid state battery with a range of over 1000km could be available later this year.
One thing to keep in mind is that Nio is now employing the new CLTC standard, which is, even more, accommodating in terms of range than the NEDC standard.
The ET7’s 150 kWh battery pack has a cruising range of 1,000 km (621 miles), according to NIO. Only the 100 kWh battery, with a range of 675 km (419 miles), is accessible when we create our own car using NIO’s WeChat. Both ranges are excellent, despite the fact that neither is EPA certified.
Pricing and Launch Details of Nio ET7
The ET7 is not cheap: in China, it starts at RMB 448,000 (about $94,000 when converted). If the buyer opts for Nio’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) switch system instead, the price drops to RMB 378,000 (about $79,300), effectively removing the cost of the battery from the vehicle’s purchase price.
It’s entirely possible that the Nio ET7 will appear on Australian roads in the future, though it may take a few years. Nio’s ES8 is already available in Norway, with ambitions to spread to the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany in 2022, and to 25 countries by 2025.
