2026 Nio ES9: Specs, Price ~350,000 AED & Release Date

Estimated Price: ~350,000 AED

The 2026 Nio ES9 is shaping up to be one of the most serious full-size electric SUVs out of China, and not just on paper. It aims to replace the ES8 at the top of Nio’s SUV range, combining confirmed MIIT specs, genuine long-distance range, and fast charging with the kind of rear-cabin comfort that usually belongs in long-wheelbase German sedans.

For UAE buyers who juggle school runs, client meetings, and Dubai–Abu Dhabi weekends, the ES9 is pitched as a single-car solution: huge, fast, ultra-techy, and relatively efficient even in 40–50°C summers.

---

2026 Nio ES9 Overview & Positioning

The 2026 Nio ES9 sits on Nio’s NT 3.0 platform, the same architecture used by the ET9 flagship sedan and third-generation ES8. At 5365 mm in length, it slightly outgrows the ES8’s 5280 mm, and that extra metal is used to create a more imposing presence and more relaxed rear seating.

Production is based at Nio’s F2 facility in Hefei, China, where pre-production units have been running since January 2026, after the tooling trial phase was signed off by CEO William Li. That usually means the design is locked and the car is only a few months away from full-scale production.

What Sets the Nio ES9 Apart from ES8 & ET9

Nio has not simply stretched an ES8. The ES9 is noticeably larger, at 5365 x 2029 x 1870 mm versus the ES8’s 5280 x 2010 x 1800 mm, and it packages that space differently. You get a proper 6- or 7-seat layout and a surprisingly useful 105 L frunk, something the ET9 sedan cannot offer.

The ES9 borrows the ET9’s high-end tech, including the dual Shenji NX9031 chips and the SkyRide intelligent chassis, but then adds three-row flexibility and a more upright body suited to chauffeured use. Curb weight sits between 2845 and 2915 kg, depending on spec, and buyers can go up to 23‑inch wheels (HL275/40R23) for maximum presence.

Where the ES8 leans slightly more toward family practicality, the ES9 is clearly tuned for executive duty, with a more indulgent second row and a cabin trimmed to impress clients as much as kids.

Market Positioning vs Li Auto L9, Mercedes EQS SUV & BMW iX

In size, the ES9 overshoots the Li Auto L9 at 5218 mm and nudges toward Rolls-Royce Cullinan territory. It lines up against the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (5125 mm, roughly 450 kW) and BMW iX (4953 mm, roughly 455 kW), but brings 520 kW of power and a 900V electrical system to the table.

On top of that, it plugs into Nio’s battery-swap ecosystem in China, which is still something rivals like Mercedes, BMW and Li Auto simply do not offer.

---

Vehicle Basic Parameters & Dimensions

Confirmed MIIT Dimensions: 5365 x 2029 x 1870 mm

Chinese MIIT filings confirm the ES9’s dimensions:

• Length: 5365 mm
• Width: 2029 mm
• Height: 1870 mm
• Wheelbase: 3250 mm (same wheelbase as ES8, but a longer overall body)

Track widths work out to about 68.1 inches at the front and 69.2 inches at the rear, which helps keep the car stable and the center of gravity low despite the tall, long body.

Seating: 6/7-Seater Layouts & Space Advantages

Buyers can pick between:

• 6‑seater layout with an executive-style second row
• 7‑seater layout for maximum family capacity

The second row is where Nio has clearly spent money. Seat cushions measure about 582 mm in width and offer up to 135° of recline, along with 16‑point massage, ventilation, and heating. It is the sort of place you could sit in traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road and not really mind.

The third row is more occasional: fine for children or adults on shorter trips. It folds electrically into the floor to free up luggage space for airport runs or long weekends.

Weight, Tires & Frunk: 2845–2915 kg, Up to 23‑Inch Wheels

Curb weight varies by trim:

• Base version: 2845 kg
• Mid spec: 2870 kg
• Top spec: 2915 kg

Wheel and tire options include:

• 265/50R21
• 275/45R22
• HL275/40R23

Up front, the 105 L frunk is just enough for a weekly shop or a couple of carry-on suitcases, which is handy in the UAE where big families and big grocery hauls are normal.

---

Powertrain, Battery, Range & Charging

Dual-Motor AWD: 520 kW (697 hp), 700 Nm Torque

The ES9 uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup:

• Front motor: 180 kW
• Rear motor: 340 kW
• Combined output: 520 kW (697 hp) and 700 Nm

Nio has not published a final 0–100 km/h time, but based on the ES8, it is expected to be 5 seconds or less, despite the extra mass. Top speed is around 220 km/h, which is more than enough for UAE highways.

The AWD system should also help with light desert tracks or sandy car parks, although this is still very much a luxury SUV, not a hardcore off-roader.

Battery: 102 kWh NMC CATL - Confirmed Capacity

Official filings list a 102 kWh ternary NMC battery pack supplied by CATL. Early technical leaks also point to a possible 115 kWh version with up to ~720 km CLTC range, though that higher figure has not been formally confirmed.

The car is fully compatible with Nio’s battery-swap ecosystem, which can exchange a pack in about 3 minutes at dedicated swap stations in China.

CLTC Range 620–650 km vs Real-World & UAE Estimates

On the Chinese CLTC cycle, the ES9 is expected to deliver between 620 and 650 km, and potentially up to 720 km with the larger pack. Translate that into more realistic standards and you get roughly:

• WLTP equivalent: about 500–550 km
• Real-world mixed driving: around 450–540 km

Hot-climate driving in the UAE is a tougher test. With 40–50°C ambient temperatures, strong AC, and average cruising speeds of 120–140 km/h, you should factor in a 20–40% range penalty. That gives a usable range of around 350–450 km, which is consistent with independent studies on NMC packs in high-heat conditions.

A Dubai–Abu Dhabi round trip of roughly 250 km is therefore very realistic on a single charge, even in summer, as long as you start comfortably above half battery.

900V Charging: 600 kW Peak, 5 Min for 255 km CLTC

The ES9 runs on a 900V high-voltage architecture with a claimed peak of 600 kW on compatible chargers. Under ideal lab conditions, Nio says this can add about 255 km CLTC in 5 minutes.

Real-world owners should expect something more modest:

• 10–80% in around 20–30 minutes on a 350 kW DC fast charger
• Full compatibility with CCS infrastructure, including DEWA fast chargers in the UAE

In China, Nio’s swap network remains the faster, more predictable option, but in the GCC, fast DC charging will do most of the heavy lifting until any regional swap stations become common.

---

Intelligent Chassis: SkyRide System

Steer-by-Wire & Rear-Wheel Steering (5.8 m Turning Radius)

The ES9 adopts steer-by-wire, meaning there is no mechanical steering column. Nio claims up to 40% faster steering response and a dedicated low-speed parking mode for tight manoeuvres.

At the rear, an axle that can steer up to 8.3° trims the turning circle down to about 5.8 m, which is impressive for a 5.3‑metre SUV. In crowded Dubai malls or tight underground car parks, that will feel more like parking a mid-size crossover than a full-size seven-seater.

Fully Active Suspension: 1000 Adjustments per Second

The SkyRide system combines predictive cameras and road sensors with a fully active suspension that can adjust damping up to 1000 times per second. The aim is a “magic carpet” feel: flatter cornering, softer impacts over speed bumps, and less head-toss for rear passengers.

For long stretches of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road or E11, that level of control can make the difference between simply covering distance and arriving genuinely rested.

---

Intelligent Cockpit & Interior Features

SkyOS, Dual Shenji NX9031 Chips & AQUILA Sensors

The digital core of the ES9 is SkyOS, running on dual Shenji NX9031 chips that provide serious computing headroom for driver assistance and in-car experiences.

The AQUILA sensor suite includes:

• 3 LiDAR units
• 11 cameras
• 12 radars

Together, they enable urban and highway NOA (navigation-on-autopilot) features, such as lane changes, ramp entries, and traffic-jam assist, subject to local regulations and map coverage.

Displays, Dolby Atmos Audio & Rear Executive Seating

Inside, the ES9 is expected to mirror the ET9 setup with:

• A central 12.8‑inch touchscreen
• Fully digital instrument panel plus HUD
• A 21.4‑inch rear entertainment screen for the second row

Sound is handled by the Nine Heavens 8.2.4.8 Dolby Atmos audio system, which uses multiple speakers at different heights and positions for a proper 3D soundstage.

The rear makes the strongest case for the ES9 as an executive shuttle:

• Ventilated, heated, and massaging rear seats
• Extending leg rests
• Built-in fridge for drinks
• A small safe for valuables

It is not difficult to imagine owners spending more time in the back than behind the wheel.

Hot-Climate Comfort: Ventilation, AC & Sunshades

For UAE buyers, the climate package will matter as much as horsepower. The ES9 brings:

• Ventilated seats in key positions
• Multi-zone AC with strong airflow
• 7 power sunshades to keep direct sunlight off passengers
• A fragrance system that subtly scents the cabin

Nio also claims Active Road Noise Cancellation (ARNC) can cut cabin noise by up to 14 dB, which makes high-speed cruising calmer and helps the sound system shine.

---

Exterior Design & Aerodynamics

Shark-Nose Front, Split Headlamps & LiDAR Setup

The front end of the ES9 follows Nio’s familiar design language, with a shark-nose profile, split crystal headlamps, and a discreet U-shaped chrome signature. The central roof area houses a primary LiDAR unit with flanking cameras, giving the car a slightly techy “forehead” that is becoming common on high-end Chinese EVs.

Two-Tone Options & Personalization Packages

For buyers who like their SUVs to stand out, Nio will offer:

• Two-tone paint with a contrasting black roof
• Colored brake calipers
• Power-deployable electric steps
• Smoked radar covers and special badges

While exact Cd figures are not yet published, the smoothed surfaces and carefully integrated roof modules are designed to lower drag, helping both range and wind noise.

---

2026 Nio ES9 Price, Release Date & Availability

China Pricing: 550,000–750,000 RMB (~285,000–390,000 AED)

Analyst expectations put Chinese pricing in the 550,000–750,000 RMB band, which converts to roughly 285,000–390,000 AED at an exchange rate of 1 RMB = 0.52 AED. This positions the ES9 below the ET9, which starts at 788,000 RMB, and keeps it competitive against imported German and American luxury SUVs.

With BaaS (Battery as a Service), buyers in China can pay a lower upfront price for the vehicle and subscribe to the battery, cutting the sticker shock for early adopters.

Also read: 2026 Nio Es8 Uae Price Specs Guide

Launch Timeline: Q2 2026, Pre-Production Confirmed

Nio president Qin Lihong has indicated a tech unveil around April 10, 2026 in Beijing, ahead of Auto China (April 24 - May 3). Pre-production has wrapped up, and full customer deliveries in China are targeted for Q2 2026.

CEO William Li has already summarised it clearly: the ES9 will launch in Q2 2026, sharing key ET9 technologies but oriented toward business and family users who need SUV practicality.

UAE/GCC Import: Feasibility, Landed Costs & Regulations

Officially, the ES9 will be a China-only model at launch. For GCC customers, that means working with specialised importers. Typical landed cost calculations look like this:

• Base China price
• Around +20–30% in total to cover shipping (~AED 20,000), 5% customs duty, 5% VAT, registration, and fees

That puts realistic UAE pricing at roughly 350,000–500,000 AED, depending on spec and importer margins. The ES9 is CCS compatible, so it slots straight into the existing DEWA fast-charging network.

A few Nio-branded swap stations have been trialled in the region, including at Yas Marina, reportedly pricing swaps around AED 99–119 per 100 kWh, although a full GCC-wide network has not yet materialised. There are still no official Nio dealers in the UAE, so warranty and service will be handled via trusted import partners.

---

Nio ES9 Comparisons & Rivals

Vs Nio ES8 / ET9: Size, Tech & Power Upgrades

The ES9 carves out its niche by being slightly larger than both ES8 and ET9, carrying the same headline 520 kW figure as the ET9, and combining that with three-row usability.

Vs Li Auto L9, Mercedes EQS SUV, BMW iX, Escalade IQ

On paper, the ES9 tops most of these rivals in outright power and charging speed, while undercutting the German and American models on price. The Escalade IQ still rules on sheer battery size at 200 kWh, but it is also significantly larger and heavier.

---

Ownership in UAE: Hot-Climate Range, Battery Life & Swap

Real-World UAE Range: 450–540 km, Then Heat Adjustment

Under typical mixed driving in milder climates, the ES9 should return 450–540 km between charges from a starting CLTC 620–650 km rating.

In UAE conditions, with full AC and frequent highway cruising, a working range of 350–450 km is more realistic, reflecting about 25–35% loss versus CLTC. That is still enough to cover several days of commuting or a multi-city day trip without anxiety.

Battery Degradation, TCO & Service Considerations

For the NMC pack, a reasonable expectation is around 10–15% capacity loss over 8 years in a hot climate, provided the car is not constantly fast-charged from near-empty. Nio’s own battery warranties have typically sat around 8 years / 160,000 km, so it would be surprising if the ES9 were any different.

Running costs look good compared with a similarly sized petrol SUV. With local electricity rates, a blended cost of around AED 0.20 per km is plausible, especially for owners who mostly charge at home or off-peak.

Service and parts will be channeled via importers for now, with components sourced directly from China. That is normal for early adopters buying Chinese EVs ahead of official brand entry.

Nio Swap Network: China-Only, GCC Alternatives

In China, battery swap is central to how Nio owners live with their cars, but in the GCC it is more of a limited experiment for now. A pilot swap station at Yas Marina has been reported, with swap pricing of around AED 119 / 100 kWh, but a broad network across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider GCC is still missing.

Until then, DEWA and other fast-charging networks are the practical daily solution for UAE drivers.

---

Conclusion

The 2026 Nio ES9 is not just another big electric SUV on a spec sheet. It combines 5365 mm of road presence, 520 kW of power, ultra-fast 600 kW charging, and the SkyRide active chassis into a package that feels purpose-built for owners who divide their time between the driver’s seat and the rear right seat.

For UAE buyers willing to work with importers and live without an official dealer network for a while, the ES9 offers a genuinely compelling mix of space, speed, comfort, and tech, at a price that undercuts many European and American rivals of similar size.

Summary Table

---

People Also Ask

When is the 2026 Nio ES9 coming out?

The tech unveil is expected around April 10, 2026, with Q2 2026 deliveries in China. UAE availability will depend on importers, likely a few months after the domestic launch.

How much will the 2026 Nio ES9 cost in AED?

Chinese pricing is estimated around 285,000–390,000 AED. Once you add shipping, 5% customs duty, 5% VAT, and local costs, a UAE landed price in the 350,000–500,000 AED range is realistic.

What is the 2026 Nio ES9 battery capacity and range?

The ES9 uses a 102 kWh NMC CATL battery. Officially, you are looking at 620–650 km CLTC, translating to roughly 450–540 km in mixed real-world driving, and around 350–450 km in UAE summer conditions.

How does the 2026 Nio ES9 compare to Li Auto L9?

The ES9 is longer (5365 mm vs 5218 mm), more powerful (520 kW vs 330 kW), and is a pure EV, while the Li L9 is an EREV that uses a petrol generator. The ES9 also offers faster peak charging and stronger focus on battery-swap compatibility in its home market.

Is the 2026 Nio ES9 suitable for UAE hot climate?

Yes. It features ventilated seats, powerful multi-zone AC, extensive sunshades, and a battery system designed to cope with heat. You should still expect around a 20–40% range reduction in peak summer versus the optimistic CLTC numbers.

Where can I find luxury EVs like the 2026 Nio ES9 in UAE?

Alba Cars offers premium EV imports with financing and aftersales support for buyers looking to bring in models such as the ES9 ahead of official brand entry.