Chinese automakers have proven over the last decade to be capable of meeting and exceeding the abilities of most establishment companies around the world. Whether it's cost, charging speed, and even outright driving performance, they're proving their ability on every level. Automaker Nio is focusing on world-class luxury and technology, and it has applied that focus to its biggest SUV yet, which is designed to take on the likes of the Land Rover Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.Nio It's Big Not only is the Nio ES9 the brand's biggest SUV yet, it's big compared to the competition. At 211.2 inches long, it's longer than the long-wheelbase Range Rover by 4.2 inches, and 6.3 inches longer than a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600. It's also nearly 80 inches wide and nearly 74 inches tall. That provides plenty of space inside for three rows of seats, and it's only available in a six-seat configuration, either with or without a center console for the second row. NioThe exterior itself doesn't look especially distinct, but it's clean and inoffensive with smooth panels and a boxy shape. It has fancy details, though, such as the daytime running lights that have lenses with thousands of facets to give them a gemstone-like appearance. Nio claims the taillights have the greatest overall length (or width depending on your perspective) of any SUV in the segment. The fenders also feature faux vent panels that hide sensors for the advanced driving assist systems, plus lights that can either illuminate in blue to indicate assisted driving, or provide puddle illumination when parked at night. Nio It's Stuffed With Features Where the Nio really impresses, though, is inside, particularly with the level of available equipment. It can come with a lot of features you'd expect from most premium SUVs, such as a panoramic sunroof, 5-zone climate control, and big screens in the front and rear. It actually has a 48-inch screen spanning the dash behind yet another center infotainment screen. That's just the beginning, though.NioOther more high-end features include a 37-speaker sound system, refrigerator for the rear seats, second-row massage seats with reclining and integrated foot rests, and pop-out trays for work or dining. Even more impressive are the liquid-crystal dimming side windows, cameras that detect hot spots to redirect the air vents for focused cooling, and even secure compartments in the door panels designed to hold jewelry and watches. Perhaps most remarkable, though, is the availability of a tea set that even includes a water heater.NioThe interior itself also features plenty of premium materials. Four different color schemes are available, including a unique dark red or burgundy leather. Ambient lighting is found all over, along with wood and metal trim. The Horizon Edition also adds embroidered mountains in the seat backs and a badge denoting the edition, which is made from rhodium and tiger's eye. That special model also adds unique 22-inch wheels and a two-tone paint scheme in either gold or black.Nio The Mechanical Parts Are Impressive, Too The Nio ES9 is only available with a fully electric powertrain, and it features a pair of motors. The front motor makes 241 horsepower and the rear makes 456 horsepower. Assuming it's the same powertrain as the more coupe-like ET9, it will make a combined 697 hp. Nio claims it'll go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds. That puts it a bit faster than a Mercedes-Maybach GLS, but the most powerful Range Rovers can get to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. Then, on the ride and handling side, Nio uses an adaptive hydraulic suspension, rear wheel steering, and steer-by-wire.Powering those motors is a 900-volt battery pack with an estimated 385 miles of range (though likely on the CLTC cycle that results in higher ranges than the EPA cycle). Nio didn't give the capacity in kWh, though. Regardless, it can be charged quickly, or replaced even more quickly. It supports DC fast charging rates as high as 600 kW, which Nio said was good for adding 159 miles of range in 5 minutes on the ET9. It says battery swaps can happen in just 3 minutes at dedicated stations, and with the "battery-as-a-service" option. It's Cheaper Than The Competition The ES9 can start as low as 390,000 RMB, which is $57,530 at the time of writing. That's for the base model with the battery-as-a-service option, so you won't own the battery. Buying the base model with the battery starts at 498,000 RMB, or $73,462. The base Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts at more than $90,000 and the base Range Rover starts at more than $100,000. The top-rung Horizon Edition with battery starts at 628,000 RMB, or $92,639. So it's not cheap, but it's a bargain compared to other flagship luxury SUVs. It's available to purchase now in China, but don't expect it in American anytime soon.Nio ES9 front
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