Nio ES8 Prime: Volvo EX90 rival arrives in summer 2023 [Update]

Update: ‘Price & Release date’ section updated.

At the Nio Day 2022 on December 24, 2022, a new Volvo EX90 rival emerged from China – the Nio ES8 Prime. Bigger, better, and more efficient than the current ES8, it sits at the very top of the company’s eight-model-strong line-up. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming electric three-row SUV:

Design

The Nio ES8 Prime features a new design that is more suited to the liking of European customers. It’s more understated and futuristic than the ES8, but it has a familiar character. Not only is it sleeker and more nuanced, but more mature as well. While it’s more restrained, the slender LED DRLs and simpler front facade are bound to grab attention.

The front-end is smooth and technical-looking, thanks to the signature double-dash DRLs and shark nose-like design. The twin-element matrix LED headlights can project patterns or animations. The functional grille sits lower, so as not to interrupt the clean look of the face.

On the sides, the round wheel arches and straight beltline give the ES8 Prime a simpler look compared to the ES8. The front wing houses a new camera on both sides. At the rear, Nio has used slimmer full-width tail light in a design similar to those of the ET7, EL7, and the EC7. The ES8 Prime also has a sportier roof spoiler that’s possibly performing a second function of masking the rear wiper.

Interior

The interior of the Nio ES8 Prime is also completely fresh, although customers familiar with the Nio EL7 that debuted in June 2022 won’t feel that excited. The dashboard, center console, door panels, and steering wheel feature a cleaner design in the new model. Nio has invisibly integrated the air vents and ambient lighting in the electric SUV.

The ES8 Prime features an enhanced HUD with a 2.5 times larger, 16.8-inch display area and a new UI, and an upgraded PanoCinema with an enhanced 7.1.4-channel, 2,230-watt, 23-speaker, surround sound system. Also new in the ES8 Prime is a 10.2-inch (1,920×532) HDR digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch (1,728×1,888) AMOLED touchscreen infotainment system.

While the current ES8 is available in six- and seven-seat versions, the ES8 Prime is strictly a comfort- and luxury-focused six-seater. An upgraded front passenger seat allows 22 electric adjustments, including a “zero-gravity” position (120° recline) available with just one touch. The rear center console includes two retractable wireless fast-charging (40-watt) pads and a smart fridge that is adjustable between 0 and 50°C and controllable remotely by phones.

Safety

The Nio ES8 Prime offers better safety and driver assistance than the ES8, thanks to an ultra-long-range LiDAR sensor, which is part of its Aquila super sensory system suite. In addition to this LiDAR sensor, Aquila includes seven 8 MP HD cameras, four 3 MP high-sensitivity surround-view cameras, one Advanced Driver Monitoring System, five millimeter-wave radars, twelve ultrasonic sensors, V2X, and two high-precision positioning units.

Specifications

The Nio ES8 Prime measures 5,099 mm in length, 1,989 mm in width, and 1,750 mm in height, which means it is 77 mm longer, 27 mm wider, and 6 mm lower than the ES8. At 3,070 mm, its wheelbase is also longer, by 60 mm, opening up interior space.

The Nio ES8 Prime uses two motors, one at the front and one at the rear. These develop 480 kW (643 hp) of combined power and 850 Nm (1,139 lb.-ft.) of combined torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 4.1 seconds. Energy comes from a 75 kWh battery pack that could deliver a CLTC range of 465 km (289 miles) or a 100 kWh battery pack that could deliver a CLTC range of 605 km (376 miles).

Dimension	2023 Nio ES8 Measurement
Length	5,099 mm (200.7 in.)
Width	1,989 mm (78.3 in.)
Height	1,750 mm (68.9 in.)
Wheelbase	3,070 mm (120.9 in.)
Seating Capacity	6
Motor Output (Front & Rear)	180 kW & 300 kW
Total Power	480 kW (643 hp)
Total Torque	850 Nm (1,139 lb.-ft.)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Acceleration Time	4.1 seconds
Battery Pack Capacity	75 kWh/100 kWh
CLTC Range (Officially Expected)	Up to 465 km (289 miles)/ Up to 605 km (376 miles)

Price & Release date

The Nio ES8 Prime’s prices in China start at CNY 528,000 (USD 76,537). Following Nio Day 2022, it’s on display at the 2022 Guangzhou Auto Show (December 30, 2022 – January 8, 2023). Nio plans to start delivering the ES8 in its home market in June 2023. The company may launch the SUV in Europe in the second half of the year.

Configuration	Nio ES8 Prime Price (Outright Purchase)	Nio ES8 Prime Price (BaaS)
ES8 Prime 75 kWh	CNY 528,000 (USD 76,537)	CNY 458,000 (USD 66,390) + CNY 980 (USD 142)/month
ES8 Prime 100 kWh	CNY 586,000 (USD 84,945)	CNY 458,000 (USD 66,390) + CNY 1,680 (USD 244)/month
ES8 Prime Executive Edition 75 kWh	CNY 548,000 (USD 79,436)	CNY 478,000 (USD 69,289) + CNY 980 (USD 142)/month
ES8 Prime Executive Edition 100 kWh	CNY 606,000 (USD 87,844)	CNY 478,000 (USD 69,289) + CNY 1,680 (USD 244)/month
ES8 Prime Signature Edition 100 kWh	CNY 638,000 (USD 92,483)	CNY 510,000 (USD 73,928) + CNY 1,680 (USD 244)/month

TopElectricSUV says

The Nio ES8 Prime offers significant improvements over the ES8, which makes it one of the most attractive electric three-row SUVs on the market. With a cleaner look, higher performance, improved safety, more comfort and convenience, and a longer range, the ES8 Prime is every bit desirable!

Nio ES8 Prime FAQs

Featured Image Source: Nio