Nio, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced its plans to launch the highly anticipated flagship SUV, the ES9, in the first half of 2026. This revelation came during a user meetup event in Shenzhen, where Nio’s co-founder and president, Qin Lihong, shared details about the upcoming ES9. This marks the first official mention of the ES9, adding to Nio’s impressive lineup of electric vehicles.
The ES9 is set to join Nio’s existing models, including the ET9, ES8, ES7, ES6, EC7, EC6, ET7, ET5, and ET5 Touring. The ET9, Nio’s flagship sedan, began deliveries in late March and has quickly become a popular choice among luxury car buyers. With a starting price of RMB 788,000, the ET9 showcases Nio’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology.
The ES8 currently serves as Nio’s flagship SUV, offering a starting price of RMB 498,000. However, the upcoming ES9 is expected to raise the bar even higher, incorporating Nio’s latest technological advancements. The name “ES9” hints at a vehicle that will feature Nio’s two Shenji NX 9031 intelligent driving chips and the SkyRide chassis, similar to the ET9. This suggests that the ES9 will be a top-of-the-line model, showcasing Nio’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology.
Rumors had previously suggested that Nio might unveil the ES9 at the Nio Day 2025 event in December. Speculations about the ES9 being built on Nio’s third-generation platform, the NT 3.0 platform, with a length exceeding 5.2 meters had also surfaced. The updated ES8, based on the ES7 SUV, is expected to launch between August and September, adding to Nio’s impressive lineup of vehicles.
In addition to the ES9, Nio’s sub-brand Onvo is set to launch the L90 flagship SUV in August and the L80 SUV in the fourth quarter of the year. This expansion of Nio’s product range further solidifies the company’s position as a leader in the EV market. With each new model, Nio continues to redefine the automotive industry and set new standards for electric vehicles.
As Nio gears up for the launch of the ES9 and other upcoming models, enthusiasts and car buyers can expect nothing short of excellence from this innovative automaker. Stay tuned for more updates on Nio’s latest developments and groundbreaking technologies as the company continues to shape the future of mobility.