This year marks a significant product year for the NIO brand. The third brand, Firefly, officially launched before the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show after heating up since last year’s NIO Day. The second model from the Liado brand, the L90, also debuted at the auto show. NIO’s sales soared. In the first quarter, NIO delivered 42,094 vehicles, a 40.1% year-on-year increase. Multiple vehicles are ready to launch. The flagship ET9 recently began concentrated deliveries. The 2025 5566 series will soon introduce the ES6 and EC6 to consumers. The new ES6 is vital for NIO’s SUV lineup and aims for high sales. It features updates in exterior and interior design. The car’s technology and driving assistance have significantly improved. This model plans to launch this quarter. We experienced a dynamic test of it before the official release. Note that we tested an engineering prototype. Some hardware and software details are not finalized. Many in-car functions are not yet available, so this does not fully represent the final production model. A more “flagship” exterior design awaits.
The new ES6, based on the upgraded NT2.0 platform, features NIO’s evolved family design language. It strongly inherits the family style but shows more similarities to the flagship ET9 in details. Overall, its design remains understated and retains an executive feel. It reflects NIO’s consistent, low-key, home-oriented design style.
The new ES6 has an SUV front that boasts size and presence. It looks similar to the current model. The hood features creases, enhancing the sleek look of the rounded X-bar grille. The iconic Shark Nose remains prominent and aggressive. The lower front continues with long trapezoidal air intakes. The signature Double Dash daytime running lights are thicker and resemble the ET9. The main light units sit at the ends of the bumper, integrated with new rectangular air decor on the sides. The entire lighting system now includes standard ADB smart matrix headlights and new ambient welcome lights. Nighttime driving safety has significantly improved.
Under the PURE-TEC design concept, the new ES6 simplifies its exterior design. It hides functional elements as much as possible. However, the new ES6 features a laser radar and camera at the front of the roof. These elements follow a lookout tower and horn design, adding a striking sense of technology. In terms of the driving assistance system, the new ES6 includes the full set of current NIO’s top-tier hardware. It integrates the self-developed automotive-grade 5nm intelligent driving chip, “Shenji NX9031.” According to the official claim, its single computing power equals that of four OrinX chips. This setup ensures ample computing capacity for future upgrades in driving assistance.
The design features a sporty fastback shape. The dimensions and wheelbase remain similar to the current model. The new ES6 targets a younger audience. It uses a new moonlight silver paint. It also sports new multi-spoke wheels and bright brake calipers. The floating roof and hidden door handles add luxury and style.
The rear design remains almost unchanged from the current model. It continues to adopt a coupe-style SUV shape. However, it does not have the same “fastback” visual effect as typical coupe sedans. Instead, it maintains a solid presence with a smooth and refined look. This design aligns with the current trend in new energy vehicles and provides ample headroom for rear passengers. The integration of a rear spoiler and elongated, connected taillights adds simple and smooth design details. Young people find it appealing.
The new rim design features a dense spoke pattern. It pairs with red Brembo custom brake calipers. This combination enhances both visual appeal and braking performance. The vehicle uses Michelin PILOT SPORT SUV tires, size 265/45R21. These tires focus on sporty handling for SUVs. The cabin offers a NIO feel, but it’s more futuristic.
Family-style designs have gained popularity in recent years. NIO’s family resemblance stands out more than other brands. After the ET9 cockpit was revealed, the changes in the new ES6 cockpit became inevitable. Overall, the new ES6 continues the ET9 cockpit style. It strives to maintain the flagship feel of the ET9 in a smaller space. The central control area retains the current T-shaped multi-layer floating design. However, the central screen now features a horizontal layout like the ET9. We can confidently predict that all NIO cockpits will switch from vertical to horizontal screens following the ET9.
NIO draws inspiration for its car body colors from the sky. The interior colors come from the earth. This remains true for the new ES6. The design reflects the eco-friendly values favored by today’s environmentalists. Soft materials and decorative strips run throughout the center console. They use composite materials made from natural minerals and renewable plants. This cabin style is unique. If you desire different materials, the interior offers various options. You can choose from fabrics, ultra-microfiber, Heptax synthetic leather, and Nappa leather for the roof, interior, and seats.
The dashboard looks similar to the current model. The parameters are familiar. The display quality is fine. The interface is clean and simple. Users can start without much learning.
The test drive model adds W-HUD. It projects driving information and navigation paths in real-time. The display is larger and more informative. This makes it safer and more convenient to use.
The new ES6 features a four-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. It uses contrasting edge materials. The materials include Clean polymer, avoiding animal leather. This choice supports environmental sustainability while ensuring a good feel. The steering wheel’s control area has a redesigned capacitive touch button. The right rear section now has a joystick-style gear shifter. This setup is more user-friendly than the current model.
The familiar NOMI interactive voice assistant sits above the central console. This little device received a hardware and software upgrade. NOMI Mate 3.0 now features the NOMI GPT voice assistant. It offers more responsive human-computer dialogue and higher recognition rates. Its range of motion has increased, and it responds faster. It also supports gesture-based interactive games, but it remains an optional feature.
The 15.6-inch horizontal central control screen reduces physical buttons in the cabin. This screen features a 2K resolution and uses rare AMOLED material. Unlike standard LCD screens, AMOLED pixels emit their own light. This results in a very delicate display with stronger contrast. It can achieve a pure black background, eliminating the light leakage issue common in LCD screens. The visual experience feels more premium.
The most obvious improvement of horizontal screens over vertical ones is the larger display area on the limited central console. This setup is more user-friendly for both the driver and passenger. The new Cedar car system features a fresh UI that aligns with the current mainstream tray and secondary menu design. After optimization, the learning curve is low. Users can operate the system efficiently, and the system’s response has improved significantly.
The basic entertainment features are diverse. This screen offers dedicated navigation for electric vehicles, iQIYI videos, and multiple third-party apps. You can enjoy functionality and gameplay comparable to a smartphone. The rest modes include various options. You can choose based on your preferences and customize them.
The front central armrest has a saddle shape. The previous NIO signature roller dial electronic gear shifter is gone. It has been replaced by a dual wireless charging tray with air cooling. Behind it is a cup holder with a lid. The overall design may have lost some personality, but it is more convenient to use.
The central armrest has two openings. It contains one USB and one TYPE-C charging port. You can easily connect your phone and other devices for charging. The seats have upgraded, but the space remains the same.
The seats share the same platform as the ET9. They feature a split design with a floating headrest. The seats prioritize spacious comfort. The thickness and width of the padding have improved significantly. The internal materials offer balanced softness and firmness. The shoulder support is excellent. Comfort remains the main focus of the seats. Engineers designed the entire seating system to enhance the riding experience.
The functionality remains excellent. The test drive model features electric adjustments for both front seats. The driver’s seat includes a memory mode. The passenger seat offers a queen seat mode. Both seats support ventilation, heating, and optional massage functions.
This car offers three rows of comfortable seating. NIO positions it as a super large five-seat SUV. Its size and wheelbase provide a good “usable space.” It clearly accommodates five people comfortably.
The rear seats offer comfort equal to the front seats. The seat cushions are long and perform well. The padding balances comfort and support. Designers studied many human samples to create the shape. The seats also feature ventilation and heating. You can adjust the angle of the backrest.
The dome-shaped glass roof features a large double-layer insulated glass dome. It blocks 99.9% of UV rays. This design enhances the spacious feel. It also adds a more artistic atmosphere to the cabin. The electric sunshade blocks most external light.
The rear seat has a screen for entertainment and controls. It also includes a charging port for mobile devices.
The new model adds a magnetic interface behind the seat back.
The interior storage space is spacious. The hollow area under the center console and the armrest box provide ample room. They meet the storage needs of all passengers. However, the absence of a glove box reduces space efficiency slightly.
The new car features a power tailgate. The trunk opening is not low, but many SUVs in this class have the same issue. The trunk offers good storage capacity due to its regular shape. It has enough space for daily use. If you split the rear seats 4/6, you can fit larger items. Moving homes becomes easy.
The trunk features soft felt wrapping on all sides. This enhances its overall quality. Both sides include a 12V power outlet, lights, hooks, and limiters. This increases utility and convenience.
The trunk floor hides two storage compartments. It includes a toolkit and an air pump. The driving controls receive minor upgrades.
The NIO new ES6 uses a dual motor power system. It features front and rear motors, just like the current model. The front AC asynchronous motor delivers a maximum power of 150 kW. The rear silicon carbide permanent magnet synchronous motor reaches 210 kW. The total system power is 490 horsepower, with a peak torque of 700 Nm. It offers battery options of 75 kWh, 100 kWh, and 150 kWh for range.
The new ES6’s power system delivers impressive performance. The data shows its capabilities when driven. The accelerator pedal responds linearly. The power output feels direct and strong, yet very controllable, ensuring rear passengers feel secure. Unless you floor it, you won’t sense this beast has nearly 500 horsepower. It can unleash aggressive power, but as a family car, it prioritizes passenger comfort. It even offers a special mode for rear-seat enjoyment.
Its power lets you enjoy a linear output when you press the accelerator. It also offers ample power reserves. This ensures quick and smooth acceleration, whether at startup or mid-range. On the track, the power reserves feel especially abundant. Mid-range acceleration is very quick. You don’t need extra time for overtaking.
You can set the acceleration to zero to one hundred time. In Comfort mode, pressing the accelerator slightly deeper still delivers a smooth and powerful boost. Its acceleration can outperform most cars on the road. In Sport+ mode, the dual-motor all-wheel drive transforms it into a heavyweight contender. The performance feels overwhelmingly strong. The five driving modes plus a custom mode are more than enough to find your desired state.
The dual motors provide an electric all-wheel-drive system. The computer adjusts power distribution based on real-time road conditions and driver demands. Most of the time, the car favors rear-wheel drive. It sends only a small amount of power to the front wheels to reduce energy consumption. This system enhances dynamic performance rather than encouraging off-road driving. The dual motor all-wheel-drive system distributes torque according to different road conditions. It also offers stability and traction on complex terrain.
The new ES6 features a five-link independent suspension at both the front and rear. It uses aluminum alloy extensively in its chassis and structural components, similar to the previous model. Additionally, it includes the ICC intelligent chassis domain controller and CDC dynamic damping suspension. These systems quickly scan road conditions and adjust suspension stiffness dynamically. These technologies enhance the premium feel of the new ES6’s chassis.
Its chassis feels resilient. The improvement is obvious. The shock absorbers effectively control excess bounce. They handle long-wave vibrations smoothly and comfortably. The suspension efficiently mitigates high-frequency short-wave vibrations. During urban commutes, the vehicle glides over speed bumps and manholes. The soft, thick suspension and seats significantly reduce vibrations inside the cabin.
The car features multiple layers of soundproof glass in the front and rear rows. It uses solid soundproof materials in hidden areas, with 24 acoustic packages throughout. The chassis shows excellent flatness. The soundproofing for the motor and reducer is nearly perfect. Thick isolation materials cover the outer layer. The entire chassis, including the battery, has tight protective covers and remains very flat. Whether at high or low speeds, the cabin maintains excellent quietness. It deserves a high score.
The steering has a strong electronic feel. The steering force distributes evenly across different speed ranges. The damping gain adjusts well with speed and angle. The steering remains gentle and easy, but it doesn’t feel overly sporty. The battery layout lowers the center of gravity and improves body control. Subjectively, its handling feels neutral, even a bit dull. This design prioritizes family comfort over sporty driving. In summary, the new NIO ES6 feels fundamentally new, but it doesn’t fully break through in visible areas. Its direction of improvement is predictable for any NIO fan. The new car maintains a high degree of synergy with existing models. Its design elements and functions clearly inherit from the latest family style. Currently, spending 300,000 to 400,000 yuan (55270$) on a pure electric SUV is not simple. Various competitors constantly release new products in this segment, leading to consumer choice fatigue. The new NIO ES6 faces a more complex market and intense competition. Do you believe this “old friend” from the new forces can perform well?