NIO to launch all-new “coupe” SUV at upcoming NIO DAY

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- NIO, the Chinese Telsa Wannabe, is going to launch its third model at the 2019 NIO Day on December 28. The all-new model will reportedly hit the market in the second quarter of 2020 with delivery starting as early as fourth quarter.

Recently, the mysterious new model was caught in spy shots. The heavily camouflaged vehicle still represents a silhouette of a coupe SUV with the similar size to that of the NIO ES6.

(NIO ES6, photo source: NIO's WeChat account)

Some local reports revealed that the third model's face displays a resemblance to the ES6, while the differences at the back of the vehicle (starting the B pillar) are still quite evident. Besides, the yet-to-be-launched model is said to carry a larger-sized sunroof that cannot be opened.

（NIO ET Preview, photo source: NIO)

At Auto Shanghai 2019, NIO offered the first glimpse of its all-new sedan product line with the ET Preview. It was not the “ultimate form” of NIO's first sedan model, but still conveyed NIO's idea on product and design, the startup's President Qin Lihong said then.

Regarding the launching of the much-anticipated sedan model, Mr. Qin disclosed in a previous interview it won't be released until 2022 with the NP2 (NIO Platform 2) delayed as well. Before that, NIO would start delivery of its third SUV model, namely, the one to be unveiled at the forthcoming NIO Day, in the third or fourth quarter next year.

（NIO ES8, photo source: NIO)

NIO was ready to roll out five all-new models within five years, according to its product plan unveiled in August, 2018. Up until now, the startup has put two mass-produced SUV models—the ES8 and the ES6—onto the market.

As of October 31, 2019, aggregate deliveries of the NIO's ES6 and ES8 reached 26,215 vehicles, of which 14,867 vehicles were delivered in 2019.