NIO ET9

The ET9 is designed for the passenger as much as the driver: a rear cabin with a recline-and-massage seat, an executive table and a fridge, and a chassis with steer-by-wire. NIO calls it its executive flagship, positions it above the ET7 and the ET5 and sells it in China.

Battery, voltage and charging

NIO quotes a 150 kWh battery pack, currently offered with flexible battery upgrades. The car uses a 900V electrical architecture with a maximum system voltage of up to 925 V, a peak vehicle charging power of 600 kW and a peak charging current of 765 A. A 1,200V silicon carbide power module sits with a 925V permanent magnet rear electric drive. NIO gives range on the CLTC cycle for cars on 22 inch rims and notes that real results vary. Battery swapping is supported through Power Swap Pilot, which navigates automatically to a swap station along expressways.

Chassis and driving

The SkyRide chassis combines a hydraulic fully active suspension that responds in 1 millisecond, steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering with a maximum angle of 8.3 degrees. The turning diameter is 10.9 metres. On approach the body lowers by 50 millimetres to ease getting in, and the car can open the driver's and rear right doors using a UWB key.

Cabin

The rear seat has a 582 millimetre cushion, reclines up to 135 degrees and offers a VIP position, with a 14-layer comfort structure and 16-point hot stone massage. The cabin has a 360 degree executive table, a smart fridge, and a center safe on the second row that opens with passcodes, temporary codes or the NIO app. The sound system has 35 speakers, including headrest speakers and dual subwoofers. Displays include a 14.5 inch 3K OLED PanoDisplay and an AR head-up display.

Safety and driver assistance

Nine airbags are standard, including far-side center airbags for the front row. The AQUILA sensing suite counts 31 sensors, including an ultralong-range LiDAR, dual side LiDARs and 4D imaging radar, and two NX9031 chips with an 8295P chip handle computing. The functions are Active Safety 2.0, Navigate on Pilot Plus, Power Swap Pilot, Pilot Plus and NIO Link Remote Parking Assist. NIO states these are driver assistance only.

Key facts

• Battery: 150 kWh pack
• Peak charging power: 600 kW
• System voltage: up to 925 V
• Airbags: 9
• Sensors: 31 (AQUILA)
• Sold: China