NIO, the forward-thinking electric car manufacturer, is pushing the automotive industry forward with its commitment to sustainable mobility. With innovative technology, sleek designs, and a relentless pursuit of progress, NIO has become a prominent player in the electric vehicle market.

We have been closely following NIO's journey here on ellectric since a while already. We were among the first to test drive the ES8 in 2020 in Germany and we delved into the brand and the talented individuals behind NIO through our ‘5+1 interview’. As NIO officially entered the European market in late 2022, we had the privilege of experiencing the ET7 with NIO’s Chief Exterior Designer Armin Hobruecker. Now, with the launch of the EL6 in Europe, we couldn't resist the opportunity to test drive this remarkable all-electric premium SUV amidst the picturesque Tegernsee surroundings.

Exterior and interior design

The NIO EL6 showcases NIO's sleek and forward-thinking design, embodying the "Design for AD" (Design for Autonomous Driving) philosophy with its seamlessly integrated Watchtower sensor layout. The NIO EL6 boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 4.854 mm in length, 1.995 mm in width, and 1.703 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2.915 mm. The EL6 is characterised by sleek headlights and a streamlined grille, which are distinctive features of NIO’s vehicles. The EL6 showcases smooth surfacing and convenient pull-out door handles, while embodying a classic SUV body style.

The interior of NIO vehicles showcases a sleek and elegant design and so does the NIO EL6. It features a spacious central touchscreen, an innovative driver's display, and a convenient head-up display., which comes as standard. The overall design is minimalistic, with only a few physical switches. Adjusting the exterior mirrors and steering wheel can now only be done through the central display, requiring some initial familiarisation. As a result, real-time adjustments to the mirrors while driving are no longer possible. NOMI, NIO's exclusive digital assistant and your personal companion is of course also on board of the EL6. It offers more than just standard infotainment and navigation features. With its charming face-like interface and advanced artificial intelligence, NOMI provides personalised engagement for NIO vehicle occupants. With NOMI, NIO intends to create a seamless and interactive digital living space within the cabin, and to enhance your travel experience. However if you don’t like this feature, there is now the option to set NOMI off.

The NIO EL6 dashboard design takes inspiration from nature, utilizing sustainable rattan and discreet vents. It also introduces bespoke acoustic fabric on the speakers, elevating the audio experience and adding a touch of luxury. This electric vehicle boasts the largest sunroof in its class, allowing abundant natural sunlight to fill the cabin, creating an immersive and spacious atmosphere.

NIO prioritises comfort and convenience to enhance the overall customer experience. That’s why NIO’s engineers have developed their own seating platform, offering 20-way adjustable features for the driver's seat. It boasts a multi-layer comfort system with nine supportive layers, while the enhanced passenger lounge seat provides exceptional features with 22 configurable positions, including a convenient zero-gravity mode. This versatile seat also includes a 160-degree swivel reclining feature, an adjustable leg rest for near-horizontal resting, and additional amenities such as ventilation, an eight-point massage system, and three-zone heating.

Performance

The NIO EL6 features a standard two-motor all-wheel drive system, consisting of a 150 kW front induction motor and a 210 kW rear permanent magnet motor. It delivers a total power of 360 kW and peak torque of 700 Nm, ensuring an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The NIO EL6 offers two battery options: a 75 kWh battery capable of being charged at a maximum of 140 kW, and a 100 kWh option that can be charged at 180 kW. Customers have the choice to either rent or purchase the battery. Renting the battery costs 169 euros per month or 12,000 euros for lifetime ownership, while buying the battery outright costs 289 euros per month or 21,000 euros in a lump sum payment. It's also worth mentioning the availability of NIO's Power Swap Stations, where battery swapping takes just five minutes. As of now, there are only seven Swap Stations in Germany and a total of 20 in Europe.

The NIO EL6 has a WLTP consumption rate ranging between 20.4 – 22.1 kWh and offers a range of 400 km or 529 km with the small or large battery option respectively. The starting price for the NIO EL6 is 53.500 euros, not including the battery. The NIO subscription model also allows for the NIO EL6 to be subscribed to starting from 1.179 euros per month, which includes a 75 kWh battery and a 36-month subscription term.

To sum up: the NIO EL6 is a spacious and attractive electric SUV that combines elegance and sophistication. Its interior offers generous space and comfortable seating, while the well-proportioned exterior exudes class. Packed with smart features, this vehicle ensures a convenient and comfortable driving experience. A good choice for those seeking an electric SUV that excels in both style and functionality.

Pictures: Graeme Fordham / NIO Germany for ellectric