Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) opened pre-orders on June 28, 2026 for a five-seat version of its ES8 large electric SUV, with the official launch set for July 9. The new variant targets buyers in the premium large five-seat SUV segment and will sit alongside the existing six- and seven-seat ES8 configurations, further extending Nio's top-selling model family.

The third-generation ES8 was introduced in September 2025 at a starting price of 406,800 CNY (c. $59,800) and has since become a high-margin driver of Nio's recent financial turnaround. Pricing for the five-seat version has not been announced and is expected at the July 9 launch event. June 28 also marks the eighth anniversary of the ES8's first deliveries, with more than 210,000 users across all three generations.

NIO ES8 five-seater interior layout (NIO)

The five-seat ES8 carries over the three-row model's body shell: 5,280 mm long, 2,010 mm wide, and 1,800 mm tall. Its wheelbase of 3,130 mm is 120 mm shorter than the three-row version's 3,250 mm, a trade-off that allows the rear seat track to sit further back, delivering more legroom. The second row reclines to zero-gravity positions.

Total cabin area is 6.2 square meters, averaging 1.24 square meters per occupant. With the second row folded flat, maximum loading volume reaches 3,084 liters, backed by 1,334 liters of rear trunk space and 230 liters in the frunk. A foldable partition and hanging organizer are fitted in the cargo area.

NIO ES8 front trunk (NIO)

The powertrain runs on a 900-volt high-voltage architecture with a dual-motor setup and a standard 102 kWh battery, producing a CLTC-rated range of 655 kilometers (407 miles). Nio's in-house Shenji NX9031 chip powers a new version of its Cedar smart driving assistance system.

Seven sky-inspired exterior colors are offered, with Moonlight Silver as the new addition alongside Midnight Black, Star Mist Gray, Cloud White, Polaris Blue, Dawn Gold, and M42 Nebula Red. Five earth-themed interior options — Yadan Orange, Sappan Red, Ink Mountain Blue, Pamir Brown, and Pearl Shell — complete the personalization choices.

Customers placing pre-orders before order locking opens can convert a 5,000 CNY (c. $735) deposit into a 10,000 CNY (c. $1,470) discount off the final purchase price. Display vehicles are available at Nio stores effective immediately.

The third-generation ES8 delivered 11,475 units in May 2026, its seventh consecutive month above 10,000 units, and has led China's large SUV and 400,000 CNY-plus segments for six straight months. Monthly sales have surpassed the combined BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi volumes in the same class, according to Yiche. In the first five months of 2026, the ES8 accounted for 69,690 units — 46.3 percent of Nio's total deliveries over that period.

Conversion rate: 1 USD = 6.80 CNY as of June 28, 2026