Nio is gearing up for the highly anticipated launch of the ET9 on Saturday, and excitement is building among automotive enthusiasts. A recent short video published by Nio showcased William Li’s corporate friends test-driving the flagship sedan and sharing their thoughts on it. One notable comment came from Herbert Diess, the former CEO of Volkswagen Group, who described the ET9 as “impossible.”
Diess is known for his close friendship with Nio’s co-founder, William Li, and has been vocal about the impressive competitiveness of Chinese startups like Nio and Xpeng. He recently met with Li in September and was one of the first to experience the Nio ET9.
As part of the lead-up to Nio Day 2024 on December 21, the Chinese automaker released a video featuring feedback from various corporate friends of William Li. Among them were individuals from non-automotive backgrounds, such as Paul Fang, the Chairman and CEO of Midea home appliances, and Yu Kai, the CEO of Horizon Robotics smart driving solutions provider.
In the video, Yu Kai praised the luxurious and technological aspects of the ET9, while Paul Fang admitted that the car exceeded his expectations. Annabelle Yu Long, the CEO of Bertelsmann China Corporate Center, described the car as wonderful. However, it was Herbert Diess who left a lasting impression with his comment that the ET9 is “impossible.”
The Nio ET9 is a full-size car with impressive dimensions, including a wheelbase of 3250 mm and 23-inch wheels. It boasts innovative features such as the Shenji NX9031 5 nm intelligent driving chip and a steer-by-wire system. The interior of the ET9 is designed with four spacious seats, with a cushion width of up to 582 mm.
Powered by two electric motors delivering a peak power of 520 kW (697 hp) and a 120 kWh battery pack with an energy density of 292 Wh/kg, the Nio ET9 is a powerhouse on the road. It also features a unique Skyride stabilization system that allows for fun activities like playing tabletop football or driving with glasses of champagne over speed bumps.
The Nio ET9 is set to make its official debut in China on December 21 at Nio Day 2024, with a starting price of around 800,000 yuan (112,000 USD). Automotive enthusiasts and industry experts alike are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this groundbreaking electric sedan.
