Nio has officially started delivering its highly anticipated executive flagship sedan, the ET9, to customers, with the first owner being Fang Hongbo, the chairman and CEO of Midea Group, a leading Chinese home appliance company. The vehicle was personally delivered to Fang by Nio’s founder and CEO, William Li, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing a personalized and high-quality experience to its customers.
Fang expressed his admiration for the ET9 after test driving it a few months prior to receiving it, highlighting its spacious cabin and intelligent features that give it a sense of luxury akin to a business jet. The delivery of the ET9 to Fang marks a significant milestone for Nio as it ventures into the high-end market, aiming to challenge the dominance of foreign brands in the luxury sedan segment.
During their meeting, Li and Fang discussed strategies for Chinese brands to penetrate the high-end market and compete with established foreign brands. They also touched upon topics related to efficient company management, emphasizing the importance of optimizing employee productivity to drive success in the competitive automotive industry.
The Nio ET9, unveiled at Nio Day 2023 and officially launched in December 2024, is priced at RMB 788,000 yuan ($108,490), making it the most expensive model in Nio’s lineup. The sedan is equipped with Nio’s proprietary Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip, developed using a cutting-edge 5 nm process, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
In addition to its advanced autonomous driving capabilities, the ET9 is also available for purchase under Nio’s innovative BaaS (battery as a service) model, which lowers the initial purchase threshold for customers. With a starting price of RMB 660,000 yuan under the BaaS model, the ET9 offers customers a more flexible and affordable ownership option.
Nio’s focus on technological innovation is further exemplified by the Shenji NX9031 chip, which boasts impressive computing power equivalent to four mainstream smart driving chips. This advanced technology sets the ET9 apart in the luxury sedan market, positioning it as a formidable competitor to established foreign brands.
As Nio continues to push the boundaries of innovation and redefine the automotive industry, the delivery of the ET9 to Fang Hongbo signifies a new chapter in the company’s journey towards establishing itself as a leading player in the global electric vehicle market. Nio recently announced that it will be integrating two Shenji NX9031 chips onto its upcoming ET9 model. This move comes after the company’s CEO, Li, revealed earlier last month that the Nio brand will be launching facelifts for the ET5, ET5 Touring, ES6, and EC6 models, all of which will also feature the Shenji autonomous driving chip.
The decision to use Shenji chips on the ET9 is expected to result in cost savings of approximately RMB 10,000 per vehicle when compared to the four Nvidia Orin chips previously used in Nio’s models. This cost-effective solution will not only benefit the company but also provide consumers with a more affordable option for advanced autonomous driving technology.
One of the standout features of the ET9 is its SkyRide intelligent chassis system, which includes the world’s first integrated hydraulic full-active suspension. This innovative suspension system allows for instantaneous adjustments in stiffness, damping, and height, ultimately enhancing ride comfort and safety for drivers and passengers alike.
Nio recently showcased the ET9’s safety performance in a video demonstration where the vehicle maintained stability even when faced with extreme scenarios, such as both front and rear tires on one side blowing out at high speeds. This test further highlights the advanced safety features of the ET9 and reinforces Nio’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology in its vehicles.
Overall, the addition of Shenji chips to the ET9 demonstrates Nio’s dedication to incorporating the latest advancements in autonomous driving technology into its lineup. With a focus on innovation and safety, the ET9 is poised to set new standards in the electric vehicle market and provide consumers with a premium driving experience.
