As one of NIO's few new models for 2024, the launch of the ET7 is undoubtedly a highlight moment. Most importantly, this new model aims to challenge the significant historical mission of overturning the dominance of BBA executive-level sedans once again.
Among all the products NIO has sold so far, the positioning and price of the ET7 rank just below the ES8, making it NIO's only flagship sedan. In other words, if you have a strong preference for NIO and also desire a mid-to-large-sized sedan, then the ET7 is your best choice.
ET7 Official Images Revealed, Highlighting Major Changes in the Rear Row
The NIO ET7 is set to make its official debut at the Beijing Auto Show on April 25th. For the first time, NIO has unveiled the exterior and interior images of the new ET7. It's apparent that compared to the previous model, the exterior design of the new ET7 remains largely unchanged. However, the new multi-spoke wheel design paired with a silver paint finish further enhances the executive and business-oriented vibe of the vehicle.
In terms of the interior, there haven't been many changes in the front cabin. It still features the familiar NT2.0 design language, including the OLED vertical screen, touch-sensitive controls, steering wheel, instrument panel, and even the materials and patterns used in the interior—all of which look exactly the same as the previous model, showing great consideration for existing owners. This also reflects the interior design of the NIO ET7, which even by today's standards remains top-notch.
It's worth noting that the center console has reverted back to button switches from the previous trend of touch-sensitive switches, which doesn't have a significant impact.
In this iteration, the most significant changes to the new ET7 are primarily focused on the rear seats. Firstly, the original vehicle comes with two large rear entertainment screens, likely OLED, and features a completely new UI design interface, catering well to both domestic and business uses.
Next, although there haven't been many changes to the surface material and pattern design of the rear seats, which still feature diamond grids and NAPPA leather, there's a noticeable addition of an oversized thigh support. Moreover, the visible padding appears fuller, significantly enhancing the seat's wrap-around comfort.
We've also confirmed that the new ET7 supports multi-angle adjustment for the rear seatbacks, which is linked with the seat cushion and thigh support. When you adjust the angle of the rear seatback, the seat subtly moves forward, a principle quite similar to the "zero-gravity seats" offered by other competitors.
The armrest in the middle is thick and wide, now featuring dual wireless fast charging to support two devices. Plus, when folded down, it seamlessly connects to the trunk, perfect for linking up a cooler.
For now, these are the surface changes visible on the new ET7. Surely, there are more changes in terms of specific hardware configurations, including the all-new 8295 smart cockpit, which will be revealed one by one upon its official release.
With all-new self-developed seats, enhanced rear-seat comfort, and two rear entertainment screens, the new NIO ET7 seems to outshine its predecessor, at least in terms of product power and luxury, without losing to the likes of BBA.
But will its final price be lower than the previous model? That's the suspense.
We've seen that the competition in the pure electric sedan market has been fierce this year, competing in space, market debut excitement, chassis handling, 800V top-tier tri-electric systems, intelligence, ultimate cost-effectiveness, and more. A variety of 5-meter long C-segment to large pure electric sedans have emerged, and older models like JiKe 001, Zhijie S7, and Zhiji L7 have been refreshed with price increases and additional features upon their release.
In theory, the NIO ET7, which belongs to the same era as these models, should also achieve a price reduction and enhancement in the new version, further enhancing its product attractiveness. However, for NIO, which has never actively engaged in price wars, this seems like an impossible task.
Previously, all remaining models of NIO switched to the 24th version, upgrading from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 smart cockpit to the Snapdragon 8295 smart cockpit, while canceling the limited-time preferential policies and reverting to the original official guidance price without any price reductions.
Therefore, will this NIO ET7 24th version reduce its price and add more features? I think there is a high probability that it will maintain its original price. After all, with NIO's battery swapping model as a moat, coupled with its design and advantages in intelligence, its product strength is indeed unique in the pure electric high-end market.
