The Nio ET5 Touring has made its debut as the fledgling Chinese company’s inaugural electric estate vehicle and one of the few available on the market. The company’s objective with this model is to provide increased space, a strong emphasis on driver enjoyment, and more advanced interior technology, according to the company’s statement.
With the commencement of European deliveries anticipated by the conclusion of this summer season, the ET5 Touring is poised to be one of the initial vehicles Nio introduces to the United Kingdom. While the brand’s arrival in the UK in 2024 has not been officially confirmed yet, it is widely expected to coincide with the launch of the ET5 saloon.
Upon its arrival, the electric estate will join the ranks of only a limited number of similar vehicles, including the budget-conscious MG 5 EV and the forthcoming Vauxhall Astra Sports Touring Electric.
Nonetheless, the BMW i5 Touring is likely to be the most direct competitor since one of the primary development objectives for the Nio estate was to maintain the level of driver engagement that customers have come to anticipate from established brands like BMW. To achieve this, the ET5 Touring incorporates a 50:50 weight distribution, four-wheel drive, a low center of gravity, and a wheelbase of 2888mm, which is 107mm shorter than that of the i5 Touring.
Driver engagement is further enhanced by the powerful motors employed in the vehicle. The most potent variant features a 201bhp motor on the front axle and a 281bhp motor at the rear, resulting in a combined output of 482bhp, 520lb ft of torque, and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 4.0 seconds.
This places the ET5 Touring behind the BMW i50 M60 in terms of acceleration but ahead of the base 402bhp Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. Braking power is supplied by four-piston calipers, allowing the vehicle to come to a halt from 62mph in a distance of 33.9m.
The power is derived from a 100kWh battery, granting the car an impressive maximum range of 347 miles. Cheaper models will also be available with a 75kWh battery pack, offering a range of 270 miles.
To provide an additional competitive advantage, Nio plans to introduce battery-swap stations in the UK. These stations would allow owners to exchange their batteries in approximately five minutes, giving the brand a distinctive selling point if it can establish a substantial network of such stations.
Built on the foundation of the ET5 saloon, the estate variant offers an additional 64 liters of boot space, with 450 liters when the seats are in an upright position and a generous 1300 liters with the 40/20/40-split folding seats lowered. Furthermore, an additional 42 liters of storage space can be found under the floor. As a result, the ET5 Touring is larger than the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo but smaller than the current BMW 5 Series Touring, on which the i5 Touring is based.
Turning our attention to the interior, notable features include a dimming and lengthened panoramic sunroof that protects occupants against 99.99% of harmful UV rays while blocking 80% of the sun’s heat, as claimed by the company. Optional extras include a 23-speaker Dolby sound system and 14-way ventilated and massaging front seats. Over-the-air updates are also available, allowing for the purchase and download of safety and driver assistance systems, of which there are 23 as standard.
Nio’s second-generation NT2.0 infotainment system showcases a digital cockpit with a 10.2-inch display for the
instrument cluster and a central 12.8-inch display. Integrated within the system is Nomi, the company’s AI-based virtual assistant, which also features in the ES8 SUV.
Additional interior solutions aimed at enhancing storage and practicality include magnetic straps for hanging bags, easy-to-clean fabrics, and a removable torch.
In mainland Europe, Nio vehicles are exclusively offered through leasing arrangements, either for fixed periods or via a more flexible subscription model that allows customers to return their vehicles with as little as one month’s notice.
While Nio launched its brand globally in 2016 at an event held in London, it initially restricted sales to the Chinese market. The brand expanded to Europe in 2021, starting in Norway, and subsequently entered Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark last year.
Moreover, Nio has plans to introduce a second car brand specifically targeting European consumers in the coming year. Known as Firefly, this brand will focus on selling smaller, more affordable vehicles manufactured in China but launched in Europe before anywhere else.
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