Nio revamps its electric car lineup with focus on tech and comfort

Chinese electric car maker Nio has unveiled updated versions of its popular ES6, EC6, ET5, and ET5T models for 2025, promising enhanced technology and improved user experience. The company announced that reservations for the refreshed lineup, all built on the advanced NT2.5 platform, are now open.

One of the biggest changes across the new models is the redesigned interior. This time around, Nio went for a horizontal touchscreen, something we first saw in the ET9 sedan. The new layout promises to simplify the dashboard and deliver a more intuitive user experience. In the refreshed ET5 and ET5T, complementing the large central display is a new gear selector that has been relocated to the steering column, freeing up some space in the center console where now customers get two wireless charging pads with cooling function, along with redesigned cup holders that now come with sliding covers.

The exterior changes are subtle, but they help distinguish the 2025 models from their predecessors. The front of the vehicles now sports narrower daytime running lights. Nio has also made adjustments to the bodywork, which they say will improve aerodynamic performance.

The new ES6 and EC6 models are the best examples of Nio’s focus on an “intelligent cockpit,” drawing inspiration from the ET9. The interior centerpiece is a substantial 15.6-inch AMOLED touchscreen oriented horizontally. Drivers will also benefit from a large 19.4-inch head-up display and a high-resolution 8-megapixel streaming rearview mirror. The Nomi Mate 3.0 voice assistant has been upgraded to offer more natural and seamless interactions. Additionally, Nio has opted for a traditional stalk-style gear selector, replacing the previous mechanism for what they believe will be a more familiar driving experience.

The seats in the updated models now feature an 11-layer construction with a generous 1.38 inches of ultra-soft foam padding. They are upholstered in supple Nappa leather and feature intricate leaf-vein quilting. Notably, all front seats will come standard with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Rear passengers will also appreciate an enhanced “easy access” feature designed to make getting in and out of the vehicle more convenient.

The ES6 and EC6 still use a dual-motor powertrain. This setup includes a 150 kW AC asynchronous motor at the front and a more powerful 210 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear. Together, these motors deliver a total output of 490 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Nio will offer three battery options for these models, with the largest 150 kWh battery providing the EC6 with a CLTC-estimated driving range of up to 581 miles.

Underpinning the advanced features of the new models is Nio’s latest in-house-developed autonomous driving chip. The company claims this chip delivers computing power equivalent to four of the industry’s leading processors. This advanced hardware is expected to enable faster processing, more efficient task management, and support for sophisticated AI-driven safety systems, ultimately leading to smoother and more reliable driver-assistance features in these electric cars.

Nio has announced that the ES6 and EC6 are expected to arrive in showrooms by May 16, 2025, with the ET5 and ET5T following shortly after on May 22. Test drives for all four models will start on May 25. For customers who reserve their new Nio electric cars by June 30, 2025, the company is offering five years of free battery swaps (up to 240 vouchers) and 10,000 Nio points upon delivery. Nio has not yet released pricing details for the 2025 models.

Via (Chinese)