Nio demonstrated the safety of the ES9 during a crash test featured on CCTV. Credit: Nio
- Nio highlighted its technological prowess by putting the ES9 through multiple safety tests witnessed by China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
- The model, with a pre-sales starting price of 528,000 yuan, will be officially launched on May 27.
Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) showcased the safety of its new ES9 sport utility vehicle (SUV) on China Central Television (CCTV) on the eve of its highly anticipated official launch.
The company presented extreme safety tests of the ES9 to the public during a program on CCTV’s news channel on Tuesday evening, as it is seeking to further emphasize its hardcore technological prowess in the fiercely competitive Chinese market.
The flagship SUV took on the industry’s first four-directional, three-consecutive 100 km/h high-speed crash test, demonstrating the model’s sturdy cage-like body structure and multiple advanced active defense features.
The ES9 is equipped with 12 airbags, which Nio said is the most in its class.
It can cut off high-voltage battery power within 0.005 seconds after a collision occurs, while keeping the low-voltage system operating normally.
When facing a collision with a large vehicle, the ES9’s intelligent system can actively raise the vehicle body by 50 millimeters within 0.7 seconds. This allows the impact force to be transferred along structural design paths, thereby reducing body deformation and cabin intrusion.
In addition, the model’s zero-gravity seats are equipped with active and passive return functions, addressing the injury risks passengers might face if a collision occurs while in a reclined position.
Regarding night driving safety, the model demonstrated omnidirectional automatic emergency braking and “model-based” automatic emergency steering functions.
Even in complex environments without streetlights late at night, the vehicle can respond swiftly and automatically dodge obstacles at a speed of 120 km/h.
This high-profile safety demonstration is immediately followed by the official launch event for the ES9. The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm Beijing Time on May 27.
The model began pre-sales on April 9, with a starting pre-sales price of 528,000 yuan ($77,669) including the battery pack.
As is customary in the Chinese auto market, the final suggested retail price of a new car upon its official launch is typically lower than its pre-sales price.
Consumers can lock in their orders after the launch event, at which point a limited-time exclusive car purchase discount entitlement will also close.
Nio is prepared for the rapid delivery of this executive flagship SUV. Recent photographic evidence suggests that Nio has already produced a batch of ES9s, and its showrooms across the country are ready.
The ES9 is equipped with Nio’s latest generation of core research and development achievements, which include the company’s in-house developed 5-nanometer Shenji NX9031 driver assistance chip and the SkyRide active suspension system.
Against a tough macroeconomic environment and sales pressure facing the Chinese auto industry, the ES9 is seen as one of the core drivers for Nio to navigate challenges.
Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li expects the company’s deliveries to grow steadily in May and June, driven by the ES9 and the recently launched Onvo L80.
William Li said Nio will not exit overseas markets but will slow its pace and evaluate return on investment more cautiously.
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