NIO, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has officially introduced its inaugural electric station wagon, the ET5 Touring, with a focus on capturing the European market. This entry into the electric tourer segment positions NIO as a direct competitor to premium automakers such as BMW, Porsche, and others in their home territory.
The ET5 Touring was first revealed during a European media shoot in Norway, providing an initial glimpse of the vehicle. As an extension of the well-received ET5 sedan, which was unveiled in 2021, NIO has expressed its intentions to expand its presence in Europe, including countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, and Germany.
Designed to lead NIO’s expansion strategy in Europe, the ET5 Touring offers enhanced versatility, ample space, and practicality compared to its sedan counterpart. Marketed as the “world’s first premium smart electric tourer,” this electric station wagon is entering a high-demand market in Europe, where competition is relatively scarce. Key competitors in this segment include the Chinese-built MG5, the upcoming BMW i5 Touring, and the anticipated Volkswagen ID.7 wagon version.
Derived from the ET5 sedan, the Touring model features an extended design, connecting the rooflines at the rear spoiler. The hatchback configuration provides increased functionality and space, offering a generous 1,300 liters of load capacity.
Built on NIO’s advanced NT 2.0 platform, the ET5 Touring retains the same dimensions as the sedan variant, measuring 4,790 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,499 mm in height. The vehicle boasts sleek LED front lights, a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, a rear spoiler, and illuminating taillights.
Propelled by a dual electric motor all-wheel-drive system, which combines 482 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, the ET5 Touring delivers impressive performance. Thanks to its enhanced aerodynamics with a coefficient of drag of 0.25, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in just 4.0 seconds.
The electric station wagon ensures optimal performance and stability with a perfect 50:50 weight balance and a low center of gravity measuring 499 mm.
Inside the vehicle, occupants can expect an immersive and comforting experience facilitated by the wrap-around design. NIO’s PanoCinema, a panoramic digital cockpit, ambient lighting, and a state-of-the-art 23-speaker Dolby sound system contribute to the luxurious ambiance. NIO also offers its N-Box enhanced infotainment system, which can be optionally combined with NIO Air AR Glasses to provide users with a private cinema experience on a 201-inch screen.
The ET5 Touring will be available with three battery options: a 75 kWh version starting at RMB 298,000 ($41,850), offering a range of 270 miles; a 100 kWh model starting at RMB 356,000 (nearly $50,000), providing a range of 347 miles; and a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) option for RMB 228,000 ($32,000) in China.
NIO has announced that the model is now open for ordering in China, with deliveries scheduled to commence on June 16, 2023. Deliveries to Europe are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. The company also plans to expand the availability of its battery swap service in the region, further enhancing convenience for EV owners.