Nio adds ES7 crossover to its EV lineup

Nio, China's purported Tesla competitor, unveiled its first vehicle in the form of the ES8 crossover in 2017. (There was also an EP9 hypercar, but this was a track car with only a handful of units produced.)

Since then, Nio has introduced the ES6 and EC6 crossovers, as well as the ET5 and ET7 sedans. And later this year, a new ES7 crossover will join the lineup.

The ES7, unveiled Wednesday, is a mid-size crossover measuring 193.4 inches in length, only 4 inches shorter than the ES8. The roof drops toward the rear, giving it a sportier profile than the ES8, but this limits its seating to two rows of seats instead of the ES8's three.

The ES7 is based on Nio's latest EV platform, which also incorporates the necessary hardware for automated driving. According to Nio, features that allow the car to handle itself in certain situations will be rolled out as updates as the technology is developed and validated. Nio plans to offer this functionality for a monthly fee.

Available battery sizes are 75, 100, and 150 kilowatt-hours in capacity, with the largest battery, known as the Ultralong, claimed to deliver nearly 600 miles in a Chinese test cycle. 500 miles in a rigorous EPA test cycle It should be more than that. Contributing to the improved range is a low drag coefficient of 0.263Cd.

The ES7's standard powertrain is a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that produces 644 hp and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds. A retractable tower bar is available, allowing ES7 owners to tow up to 4,400 pounds. Brembo brakes and air suspension are standard.

The ES7 will begin deliveries in China in late August. Prices start at 468,000 yuan ($69,680) with a 75kwh battery. With Nio's battery subscription service, prices start at RMB 398,000 ($59,250).

No mention was made as to when the ES7 will be available outside of China.