Leaked Photo Unveils Luxurious Interior of Nio's ES9 SUV Just Before April Debut

Nio ES9 Launch Timeline Offers Path to Orders and Test Drives Nio's upcoming ES9 full-size SUV is advancing toward market availability with a structured timeline for potential buyers. This includes access to the configurator for custom orders starting May 11, a launch event with order finalization on May 28, and initial deliveries beginning June 1. Opportunities for test drives will be offered prior to the official launch. According to a Nio sales representative on the Chinese platform XChuXing, this schedule highlights the ES9 as an enhanced, more spacious successor to the third-generation ES8, which became Nio's top-selling large SUV upon its release last year. Measuring 5,365 mm in length with a 3,250 mm wheelbase, the ES9 exceeds the current ES8 by 430 mm, offering greater rear passenger space ideal for chauffeured travel or family outings. A leaked interior image, shared widely on Chinese social media just 11 days ahead of the April 7 official unveiling, provides a preview of the ES9's rear compartment. It depicts a luxurious two-seat executive configuration in the second row, featuring a central partition island.

Rear Cabin Features from the Leak The leaked photo emphasizes comfort-oriented details for extended journeys. Mounted on the rear of the front headrests are two expansive entertainment screens, each equipped with Nio's advanced infotainment system. A versatile fold-out tray table, designed with a two-panel hinged mechanism, extends between the seats. The center console incorporates cup holders, as evidenced by a placed water bottle and cup. The interior is upholstered in rich, deep burgundy leather across seats and surrounding surfaces. Up front, the dashboard integrates Nio's AI voice assistant, NOMI, alongside a rectangular steering wheel connected to the steer-by-wire technology.

Ties to ET9 Design The ES9's rear cabin design borrows heavily from the ET9 sedan's premium executive interior, incorporating similar features such as the dual screens on headrests, deployable tray tables, premium leather upholstery, a center console display, and the NOMI assistant. Unlike the ET9's sleek horizontal dashboard, the ES9's is positioned more vertically to accommodate the SUV's elevated seating. Trim levels will offer diverse color choices; the leak showcases burgundy for the ES9, contrasting with the ET9's official cream, navy, and black options.

Shared Technology Platform Built on the same platform as the ET9, the ES9 employs the innovative SkyRide intelligent chassis. This system integrates fully active suspension based on ClearMotion technology for superior bump absorption, steer-by-wire controls, and rear-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability. The ET9, which debuted this chassis, is priced from 788,000 yuan (about $114,000) in China. The ES9's pricing details will be announced at the April reveal, positioning it as a premium upgrade over the ES8 for discerning executive customers.

April Events and Production Update Following the April 7 reveal, the itinerary includes a media static showcase on April 8 and a dedicated technology launch on April 9. Nio CEO William Li has endorsed the April 9 event, describing the ES9 as the company's pivotal product for the year due to its groundbreaking comfort innovations and status as the world's most advanced SUV technologically. He added that the vehicle has completed tooling trials and shifted to pre-production. Recently, unmasked ES9 prototypes were spotted on public roads during promotional shoots, displaying silver chrome accents, a glimpse of white interior via windows, roof-integrated LiDAR sensors, and the finalized production body shape. The ES9 is set to succeed the ES8 as Nio's flagship SUV, a position the ES8 has held since its introduction in May 2018 as the brand's inaugural mass-produced model.