The NIO ES9 features a flush-mounted door handle design aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag and enhancing aesthetic appeal. This design supports functions such as automatic pop-out and welcome lighting with proximity sensing. In terms of safety, the vehicle automatically unlocks and extends the door handles upon detecting a collision. If the handles fail to deploy normally, rescuers can manually open the doors using an external mechanical mechanism. Inside the cabin, each door is equipped with an emergency mechanical release lever near the base, ensuring occupants can evacuate safely in an emergency. Additionally, the door handles incorporate an ice-breaking function: in freezing winter conditions, users can force the handles to pop out—breaking through surface ice—via the NIO app or voice commands issued to the exterior NOMI assistant. NIO stated that the ES9 and all its currently available models comply with existing national standards. The new national standard imposing restrictions on flush door handles will apply only to new vehicle models announced after December 31, 2027, and does not affect existing products. NIO participated in drafting the new standard, and its safety design exceeds industry requirements.