Zeekr 007 Facelift Launches, NIO ES9 Opens for Pre-orders, Nissan NX8 Debuts, Hyundai IONIQ Enters China

On April 10, the new Zeekr 007 and 007 GT officially launched in China, with official retail prices ranging from RMB 203,900 to RMB 243,900. With a limited-time offer that includes a RMB 5,000 trade-in subsidy, an equivalent insurance subsidy, and a two-year interest-free financing plan, the promotional price is reduced to RMB 193,900–233,900. The two models feature sedan and shooting brake body styles respectively, sharing a unified front fascia design while differing primarily in light strips, bumpers, wheels, and exterior colors. The 007 GT retains signature shooting brake elements such as dual-layer rear spoilers and roof rails. Both models maintain nearly identical dimensions and target the premium sporty EV segment priced above RMB 200,000. Inside, both vehicles are equipped with an AR-HUD, a central touchscreen, and a digital instrument cluster, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295 chip and running Zeekr AI OS 7. All trims come standard with heated, ventilated, massaging, and memory functions for front seats, and introduce a new FR-LINE performance package. For intelligent driving, every variant includes a LiDAR sensor, Thor-U chip, and the “Qianli Haohan H7” ADAS solution. The chassis has been upgraded with a closed-loop air suspension, CCD electromagnetic dampers, and an intelligent “Magic Carpet” system, along with newly added far-side airbags and high-speed blowout control functionality. The powertrain has fully transitioned to a 900V high-voltage architecture. The rear-wheel-drive version delivers up to 503 hp, while the all-wheel-drive variant reaches 796 hp. Two battery options—75 kWh and 103 kWh—are offered, providing CLTC-rated ranges of up to 905 km and 880 km respectively, with enhanced fast-charging capabilities. Key competitors include the Tesla Model 3, XPeng P7, NIO ET5/ET5T, Xiaomi SU7, Avatr 06, and the upcoming Avatr 06T. On April 9, NIO opened pre-orders for the ES9, offering three variants: Executive Luxury, Executive Signature, and Horizon Special Edition. The pre-sale price for full-vehicle purchase ranges from RMB 528,000 to RMB 658,000; with the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option, it drops to RMB 420,000–550,000. Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the end of May. As NIO’s flagship SUV, the ES9 is positioned as a large SUV, measuring 5,365 mm long, 2,029 mm wide, and 1,870 mm tall, with a 3,250 mm wheelbase and a 216-liter front trunk. Exterior styling follows NIO’s family design language, emphasizing a robust presence and integrating perception hardware including LiDAR, 4D imaging radar, and cameras. The cabin features a 15.6-inch AMOLED center display, a 48-inch “Horizon Display,” and NOMI Mate 3.0. The second row is tailored for executive comfort, offering independent climate zones, a center console with controls, a foldable table, a dedicated screen, wireless charging, and multiple ports. Buyers can choose between a six-seat layout with a center island or a pass-through aisle configuration. Built on NIO’s third-generation EV platform, the ES9 features the “Tianxing Intelligent Chassis,” combining steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering, and a fully active suspension system. It adopts a 900V high-voltage architecture and is powered by the Shengji NX9031 autonomous driving chip. Dual-motor AWD delivers a combined peak output of 707 hp, paired with a 102 kWh battery for a CLTC range of 620 km. Main rivals include the Zeekr 9X, Aito M9, and Landwind Taishan. Compared to the NIO ET9 sedan, the ES9’s significantly lower starting price positions it as a strategic product balancing brand prestige with volume appeal. On April 8, Dongfeng Nissan launched the NX8, offering seven variants priced from RMB 159,900 to RMB 209,900. With trade-in incentives, the limited-time offer brings prices down to RMB 149,900–199,900. Built on the Tianyan architecture, the NX8 comes exclusively in a five-seat layout and offers both BEV and range-extended electric (EREV) powertrains. Its exterior features a full-width light bar and a closed grille, complemented by flush door handles and a power tailgate. Measuring 4,870 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall with a 2,917 mm wheelbase, it targets the mid-to-large SUV segment. The cabin integrates a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and dual 15.6-inch displays, powered by the Snapdragon 8295P chip, supporting AI voice assistant, navigation, and smartphone connectivity. Heated, ventilated, massaging, and memory functions for front seats are standard across all trims. Higher-end variants add AR-HUD, a cooled/warmed mini-fridge, zero-gravity co-pilot seat, and premium audio. Except for the base model, most trims feature an advanced driver-assistance system co-developed with Momenta, including LiDAR and supporting highway/city NOA and automated parking. The BEV version also includes a front trunk. Powertrain options include a 1.5T range extender for the EREV model, with an electric motor delivering up to 265 hp and CLTC pure-electric ranges of either 150 km or 310 km, achieving a maximum combined range of 1,450 km. The BEV variant uses a rear-mounted single motor producing either 293 hp or 340 hp; higher trims adopt an 800V architecture, offering up to 650 km of CLTC range and supporting ultra-fast charging. Priced competitively against mainstream Chinese brands like Fangchengbao Tiang 7, Leapmotor C16, and Chery Fulwin T9, the NX8 represents Nissan’s renewed commitment to localized strategy in China. On April 10, Hyundai Motor announced that its dedicated EV brand, IONIQ (pronounced “E-Niq”), is officially entering the Chinese market, unveiling two concept vehicles: the VENUS CONCEPT electric sedan and the EARTH CONCEPT electric SUV. Both concepts were led by Hyundai’s China-based design center and showcase the brand’s future design language and localization direction. The VENUS CONCEPT emphasizes a low-slung, aerodynamic silhouette, lightweight elements, and V-shaped lighting signatures, while the EARTH CONCEPT focuses on outdoor utility with underbody protection, exposed structural details, and roof rails. Interiors highlight light-and-shadow material treatments and lifestyle-oriented atmospheres, respectively. Hyundai stated that over the next three years, IONIQ will launch a series of BEV and EREV models targeting the mid-to-large vehicle segment in China, covering SUV and coupe-SUV body styles. These models will follow a localized technology roadmap, including co-developed intelligent driving systems with Momenta. This move aims to rebuild IONIQ’s brand recognition in China’s new energy vehicle market and address the declining presence of Korean automakers in recent years.