NIO’s ET5 shooting brake for Europe due for July

NIO is planning to launch the shooting brake model of its ET5 sedan, developed for Europe, where estate cars are still popular, in June or July of this year. It appeared in a regulatory directory in China announcing the latest batch of models that will be allowed to be sold.

Qin Lihong, co-founder and president of NIO, said earlier that “derivatives of sedans are a niche market in China, but the opposite is true in Europe. We don’t see many real sedans in Europe.” But the launch and success of the Zeekr 001, Geely’s premium subbrand, is making shooting brakes increasingly popular in China too. For the full year 2022, Zeekr delivered 71 941 Zeekr 001s.

With a length of 4 970 mm, a width of 1 999 mm, 1,548 mm in height, and a 3 005 mm wheelbase, the NIO ET5 Shooting Brake mimics the same measures as the sedan. It has dual motors with 150 kW and 210 kW, respectively, enabling a top speed of 200 km/hour.

445 to 580 km range

The models can be configured with (for now) two battery sizes, and the swapping model will allow you to choose a smaller battery for daily commuting and a bigger one for long trips in the future. The ET5 today will get you a range of 445 km (WLTP) with the small battery and 580 km with the 100 kWh pack.

NIO offers its cars in Europe on a monthly subscription base. With the current ET5 with a 75 kWh battery, starting at €1 060,19/month for a 48-month fixed contract and €1 378,11/month for a flexible arrangement. For those who want to own it, the prices of the ET5 sedan start at €51 900 without the battery. You can rent the 75 kWh battery pack for €169 per month or a 100 kWh pack for €289.

Not available in Belgium yet

The Battery as a Service (BaaS) allows you to swap your empty battery for a fully charged one in five minutes at an NIO Power Swap Station. For those who want to ‘own’ the battery, the purchase price is set at €12 000 for the 75 kWh battery and €21 000 for the 100 kWh pack.

NIO is currently available in Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, but Belgium is expected to be added this year, among other countries. A launch date for Belgium wasn’t communicated yet.