Chinese premium EV maker Nio has revealed the new price of the third-generation flagship SUV ES8 (sold as the EL8 in Europe), the biggest electric SUV on the market, and while the car is bigger and supposed to be better on the new 900-volt platform, the price is cut by 101,800 yuan (€12,155) or 25% to 416,800 yuan (€49,766).
In Belgium, however, where the Nio brand is launched by Hedin Automotive starting September 20th, 2025, this old generation of the EL8 is listed as the 2025 model at €115,580 for the long-range version. In the Netherlands, where Nio was launched in late 2022, that same top model lists at 104,900 euros.
Hedin pricing for Belgium has just been released. Next to the (outgoing) EL8 flagship, the ET5 sedan (€62,530), ET5 Touring (€62,530), the mid-size SUV EL6 (€67,610), and Nio’s affordable subbrand Firefly (€29,990) will go on sale. So far, Hedin doesn’t mention any BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) options where you rent the swappable battery instead of buying it with the car.
For Nio, it’s a matter of “survival being the most important thing for the brand now,” its CEO William Li said on a pre-seales media event in advance of the official launch in late September at Nio Day. The BaaS price (with battery rental) falls even further to 308,800 yuan (€36,870).
The pricing – and timing – of the new third-generation model for Europe has not yet been revealed, but it is expected to be lower than the outgoing model, as it is a core strategic move, according to Nio.
One of the first models for Belgium
The EL8, as it is called in Europe to avoid a naming conflict with Audi, will be among the first models offered in Belgium, alongside the EL6, ET5, and ET5 Touring. That’s scheduled for September 20th, 2025, in collaboration with Hedin Mobility Group, which will handle distribution, sales, service, and parts. Hedin already sells Xpeng and Hongqi in Belgium to date.
In essence, Nio is embarking on a survival-first strategy, leveraging cost efficiencies and aggressive pricing to remain competitive. It’s a gamble that’s buoyed investor confidence but left some existing owners feeling shortchanged.
On one hand, the new pricing is seen as a relief by investors and new buyers. Nio’s stock went up by roughly 14%. But some existing owners of the flagship Nio SUV are upset due to the devaluation of their car’s resale value. One owner reported losing 170,000 yuan (€20,300) in book value within just eight months.
Survival is the most important thing
William Li commented on that “Nio must prioritise the bigger picture as survival is the most important thing. The new pricing may hurt the feelings of some existing users in the short term, but in the long run, this pricing strategy will help Nio maintain its competitiveness in the fierce market.”
He assured it is a strategic move and that, despite the steep price cut, the new ES8 still maintains positive gross margins for Nio. So how did they do it?
By renegotiating supplier deals and spreading R&D costs across several models that share technologies, such as the 900 V charging platform, rear motor, and the in-house developed chip Shenji NX9031, rather than Nvidia’s Orin X. The new model is said to have also undergone ‘some material adjustments,’ including less aluminum.
Larger and more spacious than ever
The new ES8 will be larger and more spacious, expect more legroom and an even more commanding presence. Being promoted as China’s largest battery‑electric SUV currently available, the updated ES8 measures 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, 1,800 mm in height, and rides on a 3,130 mm wheelbase.
It is bigger in every aspect than its current predecessor, the EL8 as sold in Europe. This one measures 5,099 mm in length, 1,989 mm in width, and 1,750 mm in height, with a 3,070 mm wheelbase.
The current EL8 (on the NT2.0 platform) features dual motors (permanent magnet up front, induction in rear) totaling 480 kW (653 hp) output. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 4.1 seconds and achieves a top speed of ~200 km/h. It offers 6- or 7-seat configurations.
The new ES8 on NT3.0, the latest platform shared with the ET9 sedan, grows further with an enhanced dual-motor system delivering 520 kW (697 PS), thanks to a rear motor upgrade from 300 kW to 340 kW, with improved acceleration (3.97 seconds) and a top speed of 220 km/h.
More range, faster charging
The range (CLTC) is beefed up to 635 km, from 550 km, which compares to 509 km WLTP, in the current Long Range version with a 100 kW (swappable) battery.
NT3.0 utilizes a 900 V system, which enables fast charging of up to 600 kW, compared to the previous 400 V system that was limited to 185 kW. This means roughly 250 km in five minutes at a 600 kW station (if capable of actually delivering this), compared to 120 km in 20 minutes at a 185 kW station.
Still, like all Nio models, the battery is swappable in under three minutes in a fully automated Nio Power Station. The model will have a 120-kWh battery pack option in the future, which supports 5C fast charging.
Inside, the new ES8 features upgraded interior materials, smart seats, and features, such as an integrated fridge, safer reclining seats, and a full-width Hypervision display alongside a large floating center screen, which mimics the interior of the ET9 flagship sedan.
It is equipped with three LiDAR sensors (one roof-mounted and two side-mounted) and a 4D imaging radar, delivering approximately 350° of environmental perception and detection coverage up to 400,000 m².
This describes the total area around the car that the sensors can map and monitor in real-time, using LiDAR with a Range of up to 500 m forward, plus side, and rear sensors. Essentially, the ES8 can continuously build a vast, detailed 3D map of its environment while driving.
