Chinese electric car startup NIO has launched its first saloon model, the ET7. Promising a range of over 600 miles as well as autonomous driving features, the car is expected to go on sale in 2022.
Having first been previewed as a concept car back in April of 2019, the production version measures 5,098 mm long, 1,987 mm wide, and 1,505 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,060 mm, while achieving a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd.
The steel aluminium hybrid body also incorporates 33 sensing units that form a key part of the car’s autonomous driving technology.
Underneath, the ET7 features the brand’s second-generation electric drive platform with a silicon carbide power module for improved efficiency.
Specific details include a 241 bhp permanent magnet motor in the front and a 402 bhp induction motor in the rear, which together deliver a maximum power output of 644 bhp and 627 lb-ft of torque. As such, the ET7 is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.
The car will also come with three battery options: A 70-kWh unit delivering over 311 miles; a 100-kWh version generating over 435 miles; and a 150 kWh unit that is said to be capable of delivering an NEDC range of over 621 miles.
On the inside, the cabin is designed around a “living room” concept, with key details including frameless soft-closing doors, a 12.8″ centre display, and a sound system that comprises a total of 23 speakers. It also features what is claimed to be the world’s first in-car AI system – dubbed “NOMI”.
