Nio ES7: Everything we know as of March 2022 [Update]

Update: ‘Design’ section updated.

The next Nio electric car came into the limelight within just two weeks of the Nio ET5 debut in 2021. Spy shots of a mysterious new SUV surfaced on the web, and the Chinese media called it the Nio ES7. Nio later confirmed that a model called ES7 is in the pipeline, and we’ve talked more about that in the Release Date section.

Design

Judging by the size, the test mule looks like an SUV longer than the Nio ES6 but shorter than the Nio ES8. Its wheelbase, too, appears to be longer than that of the ES6. The currently available five-seat electric midsize SUV is 4,850 mm (190.9 in.) long, 1,965 mm (77.4 in.) wide, and 1,731 mm (68.1 in.)/1,758 mm (69.2 in.) tall, and it has a 2,900 mm (114.2 in.)-long wheelbase.

Some reports say that the Nio ES7 could replace the ES6, the mid-size SUV that is currently the brand’s most affordable model on sale. According to a report from carnewschina.com, the ES7 will be a mid-size SUV slotted between ES6 and ES8.

The Nio ES7 looks longer than the ES6, but just short of the ES8. Image Source: Weibo/肉肉爸比ev

The two-tier headlamps consisting of a thin DRL strip on the top and vertically stacked main lights positioned separately below instantly make the prototype recognizable as a future Nio vehicle. The design and layout of the sensors mounted on the roof strengthen that speculation. Like the ET5, it appears to feature a LiDAR flanked by two high-resolution cameras at the front of the roof and a high-resolution camera integrated into a shark-fin antenna at the rear.

More recent spy pictures (view on CnEVPost) suggest the ES7 will have a slightly longer tail section compared to the ES6. A more raked back glass gives it a sportier stance and a longer rear spoiler would make it look even more stylish. With a longer rear overhang and lower portion of the tailgate, the ES7 could provide more cargo space. For reference, the ES6 offers a cargo space ranging from 584 to 1,433 liters (20.6-50.6 cu. ft.).

Interior & Features

Expect to see the familiar design and features of the ET5 and ET7 (pictured) in the SUV. Image: Nio

The interior of the ES7 should look similar to that of other NT2.0 platform models – ET7 and ET5. Embodying the familiar second living room concept, it may feature a sophisticated yet low-profile appearance. Expect a sleek and curvy horizontal dashboard with the NOMI AI system in the center, a bridge-type center console, a compact steering wheel, and two free-standing screens – a compact instrument cluster in landscape orientation and a large central display in portrait orientation – as part of the brand’s ‘PanoCinema’ digital cockpit. An AR HUD and an immersive sound system with Dolby Atmos should also be part of the digital cockpit. Expect NIO Autonomous Driving (NAD) to be available on a subscription basis.

Platform & Specifications

Nio will develop the ES7 on the Nio Technology Platform 2.0 (NT2.0 platform) that debuted in the ET7 and now underpins the ET5. Before the ET5’s debut, Nio confirmed that it plans to launch three Nio Technology Platform 2.0 models, including the ET7, in 2022. The ET5 is the second NT2.0 platform EV, and the ES7 could be the third. Likewise, the ES7 could come with 75 kWh, 100 kWh, and 150 kWh battery pack options. The 150 kWh unit may offer a maximum range of between 850-950 km (CLTC range).

Nio ES7 Release Date

Nio held a marketing event on 15 February 2022, and here, Qin Lihong, Nio’s Director and President, revealed that the company will release (reveal) a model called Nio ES7 in the middle of April, claims the carnewschina.com.

Lihong said that ES7 is the final name of the model codenamed Nio Gemini. The company will market it as a pure electric alternative to the BMW X5 L. Domestic sales of the ES7 could begin in the final months of the year. Expect the European launch to be held in H1 2023, by which time Nio should have also expanded to more markets. Nio does not currently have a launch plan in the United States, at least nothing that has been made public.

Featured Image Source: Weibo/肉肉爸比ev

Keyword: Nio ES7: Everything we know as of March 2022 [Update]