Introducing the Nio EL8 E-SUV: plenty of everything
With the EL8, Nio is presenting a voluminous, expensive and powerful E-SUV that is aimed at a very small target group.
(Image: Nio)
A few years ago, models around 5.1 m long were the exception, but now prospective buyers have a wider choice. Registration figures in this country are low, and Nio will not change this. Nevertheless, there seems to be hope for a relevant number of buyers. The EL8, which is due to be launched in this country before the end of the year, is trying to outdo the competition in many respects. It makes use of new and old recipes.
Huge
With a length of 5.1 m and a width of 2.2 m, it comes close to the dimensions of a Mercedes EQS SUV or a BMW XM. The wheelbase measures 3.07 m and there are three rows of seats in the interior. If you like, you can also order the full range of heating, ventilation and massage functions. Automatic climate control with five temperature zones and a glass sunroof are included as standard. Customers have to pay extra if they want a charging pad for smartphones in the rear or a refrigerator.
Nio EL8 interior (7 Bilder)
(Bild: Nio)
Nio also installs LiDAR sensors in the EL8 as standard, which can be used to detect the surroundings. In principle, this should be one of several components with which highly automated driving at level 3 should be possible. For now, however, the EL8 remains with an active lane departure warning system and adaptive cruise control. The findings from the LiDAR sensors are currently being used to emit the matrix light even more precisely.
Powerful
The EL8 is powered by two electric motors, which together provide 480 kW – around 653 hp in old currency – and 850 Nm. Despite an unladen weight of at least 2538 kg, the EL8 is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is 200 km/h.
The consumption in the WLTP only hints at the masses that are set in motion here. The factory specifies 22 to 23.1 kWh for the minimally less heavy version with a small battery, and 21.2 to 22.3 kWh for the version with the large storage unit – i.e., slightly less, although the kerb weight is 20 kg higher. This, in turn, is a surprisingly low surcharge because the gross energy content is 25 kWh higher. The net usable capacity is 73.5 kWh with the small storage unit and 90 kWh with the large one.
Nio EL8 exterior (5 Bilder)
(Bild: Nio )
Alternating
Nio also offers its battery swap concept here. The empty battery can be swapped for a full one within a few minutes at a currently very extensive network. However, users of the large battery variant have a few things to consider. When swapping, they may end up with an older version that can only be charged at 125 kW. The current version can handle a charging capacity of up to 240 kW, provided the charging station can supply 660 amps at 400 volts. This is the exception, as usually only 500 A are available, so the maximum charging capacity of the 100 kWh battery is usually limited to 185 kW. At least Nio makes this transparent in the small print of the price list. The 75 kWh battery can be charged with up to 140 kW.
Expensive
The basic model costs 82,900 euros, but without the battery. This can be bought or rented. The small battery costs 169 euros per month or a one-off 12,000 euros, while the 100 kWh battery costs 289 euros gross. Anyone wishing to purchase the latter will pay 21,000 euros more. The configuration of the EL8 is quickly completed. There is an even more lavishly equipped version, three extras, two optional wheel rims and interior colors as well as five paint finishes. There is also a small selection of accessories, including a set of winter tires for a shocking 5000 euros. But there is probably also a lot of hope behind this calculation.
(mfz)