- Nio will hold a tech launch event for its flagship ES9 SUV on April 9, slightly earlier than the April 10 date previously expected by company executives.
- The automaker will also introduce minor upgrades to its core “5566” lineup this year to boost overall market competitiveness.
Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO, HKG: 9866) is accelerating the rollout of its latest flagship model, scheduling a tech launch event for the full-size electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) ES9 on April 9.
William Li, founder, chairman, and CEO of the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker, revealed the plan during a live video broadcast on Tuesday. The exact date is slightly earlier than previously anticipated by company executives.
Nio’s co-founder and president, Qin Lihong, told users in January that the ES9 tech event was expected to take place around April 10.
Last month, Qin said that the Nio ES9 would officially launch at the end of May, with deliveries commencing on June 1.
The tech launch aims to build momentum ahead of the upcoming Beijing Auto Show. The biennial event will open on April 24 and run through May 3, where the ES9 is expected to make its official public debut.
As the most premium model under the Nio brand, the ES9 is expected to feature the company’s latest core research and development achievements.
This is expected to include two of Nio’s in-house developed Shenji NX 9031 autonomous driving chips and the SkyRide chassis system, showcasing its technological prowess.
The ES9 will be the most advanced SUV in the global market this year, Ma Lin, Nio’s assistant vice president of branding and communications, later said on Weibo.
Pricing information for the ES9 is not yet available. Nio’s current most premium model is the ET9 executive sedan, which starts at 768,000 yuan ($111,300).
While launching the new flagship, Nio is also actively consolidating its more affordable cars. Li said in today’s live broadcast that the “5566” lineup, which includes the ET5 and ES6, will receive minor updates this year.
Nio typically uses “5566” to refer to its lower-priced models, including the ET5, ET5 Touring, ES6, and EC6.
These volume-selling models will add features such as small blue indicator lights for assisted driving. In addition, the ES6 and EC6 will offer an optional zero-gravity seat for the driver to further enhance the products’ market appeal.
Nio ES9 deliveries are scheduled to begin on June 1, with the Nio team still considering whether to introduce more affordable versions without the SkyRide chassis system.
($1 = 6.9002 yuan)