NIO launches ES9 flagship SUV: China’s largest EV, starting at $54K with BaaS

NIO officially launched the ES9 today, its flagship executive SUV and the largest battery electric SUV ever produced in China. The three-row SUV stretches 5,365 mm (17.6 ft) long on a 3,250 mm wheelbase, packing 520 kW (697 hp) and up to 620 km (385 miles) of CLTC range.

Pricing came in below the pre-sale figures NIO announced in April, with the base Executive Premium Edition starting at RMB 498,000 (~$69,000) or RMB 390,000 (~$54,000) under NIO’s Battery-as-a-Service rental model. Deliveries begin tomorrow, May 28.

NIO undercuts its own pre-sale pricing by RMB 30,000

When NIO opened pre-sales for the ES9 in April, the base trim started at RMB 528,000. The official launch prices are RMB 30,000 (~$4,100) cheaper across every trim level — a clear signal that NIO is pricing aggressively to drive volume in a fiercely competitive Chinese market.

Here’s the full pricing breakdown: