Yao Ming, 7'6", Named Chief Experience Officer for NIO ES9, Tests Cabin Space

On May 27, NIO announced at the ES9 launch event that Yao Ming has been appointed Chief Experience Officer for the new model. A video was shown during the event featuring NIO founder William Li and Yao Ming test-driving the ES9 together, highlighting the vehicle's spacious interior. Yao Ming remarked that the ES9’s cabin space exceeded his expectations—he initially suspected the car had been specially modified, given his height of 2.26 meters, which makes it difficult for him to sit comfortably in most vehicles. The ES9 measures 5,365 mm in length, 2,029 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,250 mm. The second row features two “Zero-Gravity” executive seats with integrated, seamless leg rests—the longest in its class—offering a fully extended seat surface length of up to 2.3 meters. Yao Ming compared choosing a car to judging a person, emphasizing the importance of “fundamental qualities,” and said he sees NIO’s long-term dedication reflected in the ES9. He has already decided to purchase an ES9 in Abyss Black exterior with Sand White interior. During the event, Yao invited Li to watch the CBA Finals, to which Li responded that he hopes ES9 sales will rise enough to afford him a trip to the games.