The Nio EC7 is an electric coupe SUV that isn’t afraid to be compared to Tesla
Nio has unveiled its new EC7, an electric SUV that sits between the Tesla Model Y and Model X and has something to make Elon Musk’s brand break into a cold sweat. It promises to be the most aerodynamic lifted car on the market.
While there’s usually not much happening during the end-of-the-year celebrations in terms of automotive news, the Nio is taking advantage of this quiet period to introduce plenty of updates. On NIO Day 2022, the Chinese manufacturer actually made several announcements, all very exciting. But other than that new generation battery replacement station and clearance of 500 KW terminals, the firm has lifted the lid on both models.
Everything for Aero
The first one is not completely new, as it is actually a revised version of ES8 based on a new platform, namely the ET5, ET7 and EL7 platform. But what interests us most is the second one, which is nothing less than an unprecedented electric SUV and already expands its full range. Called EC7, its length is 4.97 meters for a width of 1.97 meters and a height of 1.71 meters, as indicated on the brand’s website.
Generous dimensions place this newcomer halfway between the Tesla Model Y and Model X, while also going head-to-head with the Skoda Enyaq iV, which is also available as a coupe. Unsurprisingly, the electric SUV adopts a front end comparable to the brand’s other models, with small, ultra-slim headlights and a full grille. In profile, we find a coupe silhouette with a sloping bezel.
As you know, the nerves of an electric car are of course autonomy and consumption. To improve the first, you need to reduce the second. This includes working on aerodynamics, especially with the aim of limiting air resistance. Especially for this reason, the new Nio EC7, like many of its competitors, has handles integrated into the body.
That’s not all, because The SUV is also equipped with an active rear spoiler, reduces drag and improves downforce at high speeds. A first for the Chinese marque, allowing the catalog newcomer to show a Cx of just 0.230. The press release states that EC7 is the most aerodynamic electric SUV on the market. By comparison, the production model currently on the market with the lowest Cd is only the Mercedes EQS with O.20. It is followed by Ioniq 6 with 0.21.
Ultra-tech SUV
On board, the new Nio EC7 showing off wheelbase 2.96 meters, it can accommodate five passengers, unlike the ES8, which can carry one more passenger. The presentation is designed to be quite elegant with a large 12.8-inch touchscreen powered by the system. NIO Smart System Banyan. This is linked to a 16-inch digital phone and a PanoCinema system.
Already equipped with the Nio ET5 as well as the ET7 and ET8, this immersive system combines ambient lighting and a 7.1.4 Surround sound system. It’s also compatible with Air AR Glass, which lets you turn the car into a rolling cinema. It should be noted that the driving position is equipped with an assistant that uses artificial intelligence NAME.
One of the strengths of this SUV is its panoramic roof, the area is 1.94 square meters. There are a total of five dimming levels that automatically adjust to sunlight conditions. The seats are made of durable materials such as Haptex or Rattan, and the seat can be reclined almost straight. The footrest is heated.
A distance of about 1000 kilometers
In general, the new Nio EC7 is presented in two versions Batteries with a capacity of 75 and 100 kW. Thus, the SUV then demonstrates a range of up to 940 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, which is more optimistic than the WLTP cycle used in Europe. So you need to withdraw 10% to 15%, this is equal to about 800 kilometers. This is significantly more than the Tesla Model Y Grande Autonomie’s 533 kilometers.
It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and the engine develops 480 kW (about 652 hp) and 850 Nm of torque. the driver can enjoy 10 driving modes. It should be noted that the electric SUV is compatible with battery changing stations, and the new generation was presented on December 24, Nio Day 2022. Charging time in the classic terminal is not disclosed.
Autonomous driving
This new Nio EC7 is also equippedautonomous driving system, thanks to 33 high-precision sensors. If the brand doesn’t mention it, everything points to the SUV being Level 3 compliant due to its roof-mounted LiDAR. Recall that this level allows silent driving and has already been allowed in France since September. But for now, only Mercedes EQS and S-Class are offered here. From next year, the EC7 will be able to drive itself to a battery swap station, wait for the operation to take place, and then return to the highway without driver intervention.
The SUV is also equipped with capable lights project examples and other animations on the ground, to communicate with other traffic participants. The technology is also similar to what Mercedes offers in its top-of-the-range models. Ford is working on a similar system. All these features are made possible by the presence of four Orin X chips provided by Nvidia.
Arrival for next year
It is now possible to order, the new Nio EC7 starts at 488,000 yuan, or about 66,000 euros in the 75 kW version and 546,000 yuan (about 73,800 euros) with a 100 kW battery. It is also possible to choose a battery lease, starting from 418,000 yuan, or about 56,503 euros. The first deliveries will start in China next Maywhile the SUV should arrive in Europe later, and especially in Norway, where the brand already has a presence.
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