Nio, the innovative electric vehicle manufacturer, is set to launch its all-new ES8 flagship SUV on September 20, 2025, during the highly anticipated Nio Day 2025 event in Hangzhou. This launch follows a successful pre-sale that began last month, with starting prices at 416,800 yuan (approximately 58,000 USD) for the standard version and 308,800 yuan (around 43,000 USD) for the Battery as a Service (BaaS) version.
This strategic timing aligns with Nio’s ambitious goal of achieving quarterly profitability by the fourth quarter of 2025. The new ES8 is built on Nio’s cutting-edge 900V high-voltage platform and boasts impressive dimensions of 5,280mm in length, 2,010mm in width, and 1,800mm in height, with a generous wheelbase of 3,130mm. Customers can choose between six and seven-seat configurations, catering to various needs.
Performance and Features
Under the hood, the ES8 features a powerful dual-motor system that generates a combined output of 520 kW (697 hp) and 700 Nm of torque, enabling thrilling 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.97 seconds. The SUV is equipped with a 102 kWh battery pack that offers an impressive CLTC range of 635 km, with energy consumption rated at 16.6 kWh per 100 km.
In terms of technology, the ES8 integrates the advanced Aquila sensing system, which includes three LiDAR sensors for enhanced intelligent driving capabilities. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a 38-inch AR head-up display and a 15.6-inch central control screen, all powered by Nio’s proprietary SkyOS operating system.
Financial Performance and Future Goals
Despite facing challenges in the EV market, Nio’s financial results for the first half of 2025 indicate a positive trend. The company delivered 114,200 vehicles, reflecting a 30.57% increase compared to the previous year, while revenue rose by 23.10% to 31.04 billion yuan (4.31 billion USD). However, net losses reached 11.75 billion yuan (1.63 billion USD).
In the second quarter, Nio successfully narrowed its losses compared to the first quarter, aided by cost-cutting initiatives, which included a workforce reduction that resulted in a decrease of 955 million yuan (133 million USD) in expenses.
William Li, Nio’s founder and chairman, reiterated the importance of achieving profitability by Q4, stating, “About 30-40% of potential users don’t buy Nio cars because they worry about whether the company will survive. If we become profitable, this rumor will naturally disappear.”
Pricing Predictions
Industry experts at CarNewsChina predict that the official launch price of the ES8 may be slightly lower than the pre-sale price, estimating it to be below 400,000 yuan (approximately 55,000 USD), with the BaaS version expected to be under 290,000 yuan (around 40,000 USD).
As Nio continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the ES8 is poised to make a significant impact in the electric SUV market, potentially reshaping consumer perceptions and driving demand for electric vehicles.