NIO Unveils ES9 Flagship SUV: Dual-Motor AWD, Rear-Wheel Steering, 6/7-Seater; Tech Launch Set for April 9

On April 7, NIO released official exterior and interior images of its flagship SUV, the ES9, and announced that the vehicle’s technology launch event will be held on April 9. The ES9 is equipped with a roof-mounted LiDAR unit and two corner cameras, and offers both six- and seven-seat configurations. It features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with a front motor rated at 180 kW and a rear motor at 340 kW, delivering a maximum CLTC-rated range of 620 kilometers. The ES9 adopts a fully active suspension system, steer-by-wire technology, and rear-wheel steering. Inside, it features a digital instrument cluster, a floating central touchscreen, a stalk-mounted gear selector, and an unconventional elliptical steering wheel. A dedicated control screen is integrated into the center of the second-row seatback, while physical buttons for adjusting seat position, ventilation, heating, massage, and memory functions are embedded in the right-side door panel. The panoramic sunroof features a left-right partitioned design with integrated control buttons in the center. The ES9 has already appeared in filings submitted to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). It measures 5,365 mm in length, 2,029 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,250 mm and a top speed of 220 km/h. Its curb weight is offered in three variants: 2,845 kg, 2,870 kg, and 2,915 kg. Exterior options include a two-tone paint scheme, 23-inch wide tires (275 mm), and large-disc-style wheels. Numerous optional features are available, such as an ETC device, various emblems, wheel designs, colored brake calipers, lighting trim pieces, electric running boards, blacked-out accents, window badges, and body-side decorative lines. The vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder (EDR) and powered by CATL’s ternary lithium-ion battery pack. At the time of sale, it can be offered under China’s battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model, separating the vehicle and battery ownership as permitted by national regulations.