NIO continues to expand its product portfolio with the launch of the new NIO EC7. An SUV coupé that stands out not only for its impressive performance but also for its unique technological offer and a very attractive price.
This past Christmas Eve, NIO held its big annual ceremony. The most important event of the year served to present not only new technologies, such as the third generation of its battery exchange stations but also to discover new models such as the renewed NIO ES8 and the NIO EC7. Both have been born from a shared development, although in the case of the EC7, the sportier lines allow it to focus on an audience that prioritizes form over function. His arrival in Europe is scheduled for next year to turn the category upside down.
The NIO EC7 has inconspicuous measurements: 4.97 meters long, 1.97 meters wide, and 1.71 meters high. Its bodywork stands out for the lowering of the roof line from the B-pillar. Located within the D-SUV segment, the EC7 will face important rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.5, the Ford Mustang Mach-e, or the Skoda Enyaq Coupé. We can also add other premium cut models such as the new Lexus RZ, the Jaguar I-PACE, the BMW iX, or the Audi Q8 e-Tron Sportback. All of them are comparable by size and also by bodywork, although the EC7 will be able to offer a more balanced price.
Inside, the new EC7 offers a cabin with a very good presence and generous space for a maximum of five passengers thanks to a wheelbase of 2.96 meters. If the presentation is good, no less outstanding is the technological offer. The two front screens with up to 12.8 inches in size and AMOLED technology stand out, as a large Head-Up Display, LED matrix headlights, panoramic sunroof, and a powerful latest-generation LiDAR that offers high active and passive safety.
The sports body advances high-performance mechanics. Although for the moment NIO has not confirmed how the entire range will be structured, it has reported that the EC7 will be able to mount a dual motor scheme with up to 645 horsepower and 850 Nm of torque that will allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km. /h in just 3.8 seconds. The motors are associated with three different battery sizes: 75, 100, and 150 kWh. The latter will be available a little later. With these formats, the range approved in the CLTC cycle is 489 kilometers for the access version, 635 kilometers for the intermediate unit, and up to 940 kilometers for the top-of-the-range finish. In the WLTP cycle, the approvals are expected to be lower.
Although due to size, features, and equipment, the NIO EC7 is positioned closer to the premium models, the prices bring it considerably closer to the general range. The launch for Europe is estimated for after the summer of next year. The rates for the Old Continent have not yet been announced, although prices for China have been set. The EC7 starts its offer at 488,000 RMB, about 65,800 euros to change. The most expensive model, for the moment, offers a 100 kWh battery and its minimum bill is 73,604 euros. NIO hopes to offer a rental system with attractive monthly fees.
