Nio EL6: up to 530 kilometers of range – this year in the Netherlands

Highlight Nio EL6

• But slightly smaller than the EL7
• Up to 529 kilometers range with 100 kWh battery
• Also with 75 kWh battery, 150 kWh will follow
• Sufficient rap and ample equipment
• Available to order later this year in the Netherlands

Nio already supplies the ET5, ET7, EL7 in the Netherlands and soon also a station wagon version of the ET5: the ET5 Touring. Only one of those four models is an SUV, but the EL7 now has a smaller SUV under it. This is the Nio EL6, the version of the SUV, which is called ES6 in China, for the European market. Nio and Audi briefly clashed over the names of Nio’s SUVs in Europe. You could pronounce ES6 the same as S6. For the same reason, the EL7 is not called an ES7 in Europe. Okay, back to the Nio EL6. That is interesting in itself.

Dimensions

The Nio EL6 is a size smaller than the EL7, but it is certainly not a small car. It extends over a distance of 4.85 meters, making it only 6 centimeters shorter than the EL7. At 2.92 meters, the wheelbase of the EL6 is only 4 centimeters shorter than that of its bigger brother. In terms of size, the EL6 falls between cars such as the Mercedes-Benz EQC and EQE. Design-wise, the Nio EL6 connects seamlessly to the EL7. In fact, we can well imagine that from a distance you can hardly see the difference between the two electric SUVs. A tip: look especially at the wheel arch edges. Those of the EL6 are a bit rounder than those of the larger EL7. Both have recessed handles in the doors.

The Nio EL6 is only slightly smaller than the EL7.

Pampering

The EL6 also closely follows its existing brothers and sisters on the inside, so you will also find a digital set of instruments here and a large infotainment screen in the center of the dashboard with the visualization of Nio’s virtual assistant above it. Like many other Chinese brands, Nio likes to fill the EL6 with pampering, so things like a gigantic panoramic glass roof that can also be opened, mood lighting with 256 colors and 20 and 22-way adjustable furniture (Lounge Seat) are in the car available. The Lounge Seat can be brought into a reclining position at the touch of a button. Heated and ventilated seats with massage function and an electrically adjustable second row of seats? It’s all available. Is there still room for luggage in all that Chinese opulence? Naturally. The EL6 swallows a decent 578 liters and with the rear seats folded down, it packs 1,430 litres.

Nio EL6

Up to 530 kilometers electrically

For the time being, the Nio EL6 always has two electric motors and therefore four-wheel drive. The electric motor on the front axle is 204 hp strong, the unit that drives the rear wheels kicks it up to 286 hp. Together they account for a system power of 489 hp and 700 Nm. That will take its place. The Nio EL6 therefore buzzes to a speed of 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The EL6 can pull up to 1,200 kilos.

Although you can choose little in terms of motor, Nio does offer the EL6 with two different battery packs. There is a version with a 75 kWh battery that kicks it up to a range of 406 kilometers. For those who want more, Nio has a 100 kWh battery on offer that gives the electric SUV a range of 529 kilometers. Mind you, the car still needs to be fully homologated. The final figures may therefore differ slightly. Later, the Nio EL6 will also be available with a battery pack of no less than 150 kWh, although the Chinese home market will be given priority with regard to the arrival of that pack.

Nio also seems to have understood when it comes to technical indulgence. The Nio EL6 can be driven in nine driving modes, has continuously variable dampers, 33 sensors and four Nvidia chips on board with a computing power of 1,016 TOPS.

Nio El6

Prices Nio EL6

Like the ET5, ET7 and EL7, you can buy the Nio EL6 in two constructions. The Nio EL6 is for sale according to a construction where you purchase the car for a lower amount, but pay a monthly amount for the rental of the battery. In that case, the Nio EL6 with a 75 kWh battery and a 100 kWh battery both have a starting price of €55,900. For the Nio EL6 with a 75 kWh battery, you will pay €169 per month for the battery rental. For the EL6 with 100 kWh, a monthly amount of €289 for the battery pack applies. Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), Nio calls this construction.

Are you not in the mood for a monthly payment and would you rather purchase the Nio EL6 completely – including battery? That is also possible. The Nio EL6 with 75 kWh battery then costs €67,900. In that case, the Nio EL6 including 100 kWh will change hands from €76,900.

More Nio?

Nio has already introduced the EC7 and ES8 for the Chinese market. The first is, in a nutshell, the slicker-lined alternative to the EL7. The ES8 is a size larger than the ES7/EL7 and could possibly come to Europe as an EL8. AutoWeek has also managed to surface images of the new Nio EC6, the more dynamically lined brother of this new EL6. The Dutch importer says that it has no plans to bring these newcomers here for the time being.