Nio Inc’s third-generation ES8 has been seen in public as the SUV nears its official debut, with photos circulating on Chinese social media platforms Weibo and WeChat showing the vehicle parked outdoors, potentially during a promotional shoot.
The new ES8 is expected to arrive at Nio stores on August 21 before its official launch at Nio Day in September, according to automotive blogger @肉肉爸比ev on Weibo. The SUV will adopt the same central touchscreen used in Nio’s flagship ET9 sedan and include digital rearview mirrors as well as side-mounted LiDAR sensors.
The ES8, Nio’s first mass-produced model introduced in 2017, is the company’s current flagship SUV. The third-generation version entered China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology catalog in June, confirming expanded dimensions of 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, with a 3,250 mm wheelbase. This makes it larger than its predecessor, which measured 5,099 mm by 1,989 mm by 1,750 mm.
Available in six- and seven-seat layouts, the third-generation ES8 is expected to succeed the second-generation model launched in 2022 on the NT 2.0 platform. It will continue to be offered with a starting price of RMB 498,000 ($69,260) including the battery pack.
While the ES8 remains Nio’s flagship SUV for now, its position may be replaced by the ES9, which co-founder and president Qin Lihong said is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2026.
Source: CNEVPOST
