Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO is making waves in the European market with the launch of its highly anticipated Nio ET5 Touring, an electric station wagon designed to rival premium automakers such as BMW and Porsche in their home territory. NIO has been expanding its presence beyond Norway, and the introduction of the ET5 Touring represents a significant step in its strategic plan to establish a foothold in other European countries including the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, and Germany.
The Nio ET5 Touring is based on the well-regarded ET5 sedan and is specifically developed with the European market in mind. With its sleek and versatile station wagon design, the ET5 Touring offers enhanced practicality and spaciousness compared to its sedan counterpart. This electric tourer enters a market segment in Europe with limited competition, going head-to-head against contenders such as the Chinese-built MG5, the upcoming BMW i5 Touring, and the anticipated Volkswagen ID.7 wagon version.
One of the standout features of the Nio ET5 Touring is its impressive performance capabilities. Powered by a dual electric motor all-wheel-drive system, the ET5 Touring boasts a combined output of 482 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in just 4.0 seconds. The vehicle’s aerodynamic design, with a coefficient of drag of 0.25, further enhances its efficiency and performance. The ET5 Touring is built on NIO’s next-generation NT 2.0 platform, offering a perfect 50:50 weight balance and a low center of gravity for exceptional stability and handling.
Inside the Nio ET5 Touring, drivers and passengers are treated to an immersive and cocooning experience. The wrap-around design creates a sense of luxury and comfort, complemented by features such as NIO’s panoramic digital cockpit called PanoCinema, ambient lighting, and a 23-speaker Dolby sound system. For those seeking an enhanced entertainment experience, NIO offers the N-Box enhanced infotainment system, optionally paired with NIO Air AR Glasses, providing users with a private-cinema experience on a 201-inch screen.
The Nio ET5 Touring offers three different battery options to suit various driving needs. The lineup includes a 75 kWh version with a range of 270 miles, a 100 kWh model with a range of 347 miles, and a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option, allowing customers to choose their preferred battery size and enjoy the flexibility of swapping batteries at designated stations. The starting prices for the ET5 Touring in China range from RMB 298,000 ($41,850) for the 75 kWh version to RMB 356,000 (nearly $50,000) for the 100 kWh model.
NIO has simultaneously unveiled the Nio EL6, a mid-size SUV, alongside the ET5 Touring in China and Europe. Both models have opened registrations in Europe, with the official order launch scheduled for August 1, 2023. Deliveries of the ET5 Touring and EL6 are expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023.
NIO’s foray into the European market with the launch of the Nio ET5 Touring marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion efforts. With its exceptional performance, cutting-edge technology, and attractive design, the ET5 Touring is poised to make a strong impact in the highly competitive premium electric vehicle segment in Europe.
