Gasgoo Munich- NIO founder William Li said the revamped ES8 retailed 10,539 units in September, keeping its grip on the No. 1 spot in the 400,000-yuan segment. The ES9, meanwhile, held firm — topping the 500,000-yuan pure-EV market for a fourth straight month.
Image Source: NIO
Large SUVs remain one of the few growing pockets in China's passenger-car market. As multi-child families spend more on travel, demand for big, premium electric SUVs keeps expanding. Armed with its battery-swap network, tuned chassis, and advanced driver-assistance systems, the new ES8 has carved out a distinct edge in the 400,000-yuan bracket — steadily poaching orders from traditional luxury combustion models.
The ES9 has likewise held steady at retail, leading the 500,000-yuan pure-EV niche for four months running. It's a thin slice of the market, yet the model has won high marks for cabin quietness and ride comfort — credentials that continue to draw executive and family buyers, anchoring its order book.
Together, the two flagships anchor NIO's premium SUV lineup across the 400,000-yuan and 500,000-yuan tiers. Data from the China Passenger Car Association shows high-end combustion vehicles losing steam. Wealthier buyers keep shifting to electric options, and domestic premium EVs are steadily wresting share from legacy luxury brands.
The revamped ES8 targets the premium mid-to-large electric SUV buyer; the ES9 serves as the brand's flagship executive SUV. The two cover distinct ground, spanning premium electric demand across different budget brackets.
