NIO EL8: Features explained

The all-new NIO EL8 has been launched in the UAE at a starting price of AED 359,900. The premium electric SUV represents the best and the largest SUV the Chinese brand has to offer at the moment. Available in a single 100 kWh Long Range variant, selecting the right car is a non-issue for UAE customers.

Considering it goes up against established names like the Audi Q8 e-tron and BMW iX, the NIO EL8’s prerequisite is competitiveness. Fortunately for this Chinese EV, it comes with many cool features that make it interesting for prospective buyers. Without further ado, let us check those out.

Top 10 features

1. Slippery shape

For optimum range, the NIO EL8 must feature a design that minimizes drag. The EL8 demonstrates great care in improving its aerodynamic efficiency, starting with enclosed side cameras, flush door handles and windows, and a hidden rear wiper.

Although the bumpers look stylish, they have been carved with aerodynamics in mind. The same applies to the raked A-pillars and front windscreen, sloped roof, well-integrated rear spoiler, and aero-friendly wing mirrors. In all, over 60 aerodynamic improvements have been executed throughout the exterior of the EL8.

The result of these design efforts is a low drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd. Meanwhile, the most aerodynamic electric SUV in production is the Tesla Model X, whose drag coefficient comes in at 0.24 Cd. The NIO EL8 is much bigger than the Tesla, so this achievement is understandably notable.

2. Larger than most rivals

What makes the NIO EL8’s aerodynamic efficiency even more interesting is its exterior dimensions. The EL8 is visibly bigger than cars such as the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, and Tesla Model X. It measures 5,099 mm in length, 1,989 mm in width, 1,750 mm in height, and boasts a 3,070 mm wheelbase.

Its larger dimensions come with the added benefit of increased road presence. Despite being more of a soft-roader, its size advantage would make the NIO EL8 more appealing to SUV buyers.

3. Big wheels to suit a big body

Discussing its dimensions would feel incomplete if we failed to mention the NIO EL8’s wheels. In the UAE, the NIO EL8 comes with alloy wheels that range in size from 20, to 21 and 22 inches. The optional 22-inch forged wheels are not only big, but they also feature orange-painted Brembo brake callipers.

The forged design of these rims makes them lightweight and stronger than regular alloy wheels. This further improves the overall efficiency and performance of the EL8. Not to mention that the 10-spoke design makes them look quite sleek, if a bit too restrained.

4. Sizeable boot for hauling cargo

Compared to some of its rivals, the boot of the NIO EL8 feels spacious enough. It boasts up to 810 litres of maximum cargo space, though that falls to 265 litres with all 6 seats in use. Boosting practicality here is an underfloor storage area located under the main loading bay and sturdy tie-down hooks.

5. Multiple driving personalities

The NIO EL8 comes with 8 preset driving modes plus one customizable mode. The former includes modes such as Comfort, Eco, Sports, and Sports+ – each altering the way the adaptive dampers behave. The air suspension gets extremely soft and floaty in Comfort mode, while the sportiest setting firms things up a bit – Eco optimizes the range.

The EL8 is also offered with terrain modes like Wet, Sand, and Snow. These will make the SUV handle bad roads better, but they are not designed for serious off-road use. There is a Trailer mode and an electrically deployable towbar in case you want to tow anything – the maximum towing capacity is 2,000 kgs.

6. Posh-feeling cabin

The cabin of the NIO EL8 feels positively high-end and well-finished. There is no sign of cost-cutting, whilst the usage of different materials and trim make this an interesting place to be. NIO has used sustainable plant-based materials along with Nappa leather and five-zone climate control with integrated fragrances for a true upmarket sensation.

7. Comfortable seats with advanced features

Promoting the posh feeling of the EL8’s interior are its premium seats, especially in the first two rows. The front seats have up to 22-way electric adjustment along with functionalities like heating, cooling, and ‘hot-stone’ massaging – the front passenger’s seat adds an extendable leg rest. All these conveniences are offered for the second-row occupants but with 12-way powered adjustments.

The second row has acres of space which, when combined with its extensive features set, makes these seats incredibly comfortable. The ‘Easy Entry’ function, operated using a button, means entry into the third row is far less awkward. They are just as easily tucked away should you need more room for luggage.

8. Keep edibles cool and devices charged up

The NIO EL8 comes with a small fridge, an absolute blessing when it is blazing hot outside. Here you can store beverages and/or snacks, making this an ideal feature to have when embarking on long road trips. Its compact design also means that it does not intrude into the occupant area.

The EL8 has fast wireless charging technology, which means those long road trips will not leave your smartphone out of juice. This feature will come in handy when you have a full house with everyone carrying a smartphone.

9. Built-in AI assistant

The NIO EL8 has a feature that most buyers would be excited about, an AI assistant called NOMI. It is represented by a small circular device (with digital eyes) mounted on top of the dashboard. All occupants can interact with it using voice input, while NOMI can reply to questions as well as control several onboard functions.

10. Extensive active safety features

While convenience features are great to have, a robust set of active safety features is non-negotiable in a modern car. The NIO EL8 gets a wide range of active safety measures like Advanced Parking Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Active Lane Change, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control. However, it is the Aquila Super Sensing suite that is more interesting.

Overall, there are up to 33 cameras/sensors. Among these are a front-facing LiDAR unit with a detection range of 500 meters and two 8-megapixel cameras. The cameras can identify minor obstacles like traffic cones at 160 meters, pedestrians at 220 meters, and vehicular traffic at 680 meters. Working in sync with multiple other sensors, the EL8’s safety net is comprehensive!

Conclusion

With only one variant to choose from, buying a NIO EL8 in the UAE is pretty straightforward. The EL8’s strengths are brought to the fore by its multi-layered safety systems and a comfortable & high-tech cabin. It is quick too – reaching 100 kmph in 4.1 seconds – powered by dual motors that produce 653 horsepower.

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