NIO ET9 Executive Flagship EV Sedan Begins Deliveries, Here’s a First Drive Look

After the production model made its debut in December, the first deliveries of the NIO ET9 executive flagship EV sedan have begun in China. Priced from $108,000 USD, or $90,000 under the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) plan with a monthly rental fee of $155, it’s the first mass-produced car in China with steer-by-wire technology.

It also features NIO’s in-house Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip (built on a 5nm process), and sports the SkyRide intelligent chassis system—touted as the world’s first integrated hydraulic fully active suspension. This four-seater measures over 17.4 feet (5.3 meters) long with a 3,250mm wheelbase, powered by dual motors generating 697 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Its 120 kWh battery offers 158 miles of range from a 5-minute charge, all thanks to the powertrain’s 925V high-voltage architecture and silicon carbide (SiC) technology, which reduces energy losses as well as supporting the rapid charging capability.

The interior is where it really shines, as it screams luxury, with a 15.6-inch central screen, dual 14.6-inch rear screens, a mini fridge, and a top-tier 35-speaker audio system. NIO calls the rear seats “Executive Seats,” and they’re designed for chauffeur-driven buyers. Each rear passenger gets a 14.6-inch OLED screen mounted on the front headrests, adjustable up to 45 degrees and supporting 2K resolution for crisp visuals.

These rear seats recline up to 43 degrees, with heating, ventilation, massage functions, and even adjustable leg rests that extend 100mm. Plus, they also have a “zero-gravity” mode too, which optimizes the seat angle for maximum relaxation based on ergonomic research—perfect for long rides or catching a break between meetings.
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