Nio's next-generation ES8 SUV spied on the road

A new, larger version of the Nio ES8 electric SUV has been seen testing on public roads, wrapped in camouflage designed to hide its final look. These sightings confirm the Chinese automaker is on track to reveal the third generation of its three-row family hauler this fall. For Nio, a company known for its premium electric cars, the launch of a new ES8 might signal a slight change in the company's playbook.

The biggest change for the upcoming ES8 is its size. Based on information from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the new model has grown quite a bit. It measures 207.9 inches long, 79.1 inches wide, and 70.9 inches tall. That makes it 7.1 inches longer, 0.83 inches wider, and {{50 mm taller}} than the current model. The wheelbase has been stretched by 7.1 inches to a lengthy 128 inches.

The company announced it is moving its annual "Nio Day" event, where it typically reveals new products, from its traditional late-December slot to the fall. The reason is simple: business. Launching the new ES8 earlier allows Nio to take advantage of the fourth quarter, which is often the strongest sales period of the year. In the first half of this year, Nio delivered 3,109 units of the flagship SUV, a nearly 30% drop compared to the same period last year. A fresh, larger model could be just what Nio needs to reignite interest.

But the new ES8 may not be the top-of-the-line model for much longer. Nio has confirmed plans for an even more luxurious model, the ES9, set to arrive in the first half of 2026. This has led to speculation that the third-generation ES8 might be positioned differently. Instead of being packed with every single piece of Nio's most advanced and expensive technology, it might be engineered to appeal to a broader audience, focusing on volume sales.

The first generation of the ES8 was launched back in December 2017, and was the company's very first mass-produced vehicle that helped establish the brand. The second generation arrived at the end of 2022, bringing with it a move to Nio's more advanced NT 2.0 vehicle platform. The current model starts at a price of RMB 498,000 (about $69,400) including the battery pack, setting a benchmark for what customers might expect for the new version.

The spy photos, while disguised, show a vehicle with a substantial presence on the road. One blogger who shared images of the test car noted that it looks better in person than it did in the flat, unflattering photos from the regulatory filings. For potential buyers of large electric cars, this bigger ES8 is yet another compelling option in this rapidly growing segment. It promises more space and modern tech, all while Nio prepares to push even further upmarket with its future EVs.

Via