We have previously test driven the first model ES8, the flagship SUV ET7, the flagship EL7, and the Model 3 rival ET5.
With the EL6, Nio has made a big splash and according to the Chinese, it is the brand’s most important car, not least for the European market.
Nio EL6 sells like hotcakes – in China. (Photo: Nio) Nio EL6 is extremely important
Nio EL6 is the brand’s best-selling model. In fact, in China it is the best seller in its entire segment.
According to Nio themselves, Europe is an important market for the Chinese brand.
The brand, whose history books have existed for just seven years, began its European market penetration two years ago in Norway, then with the launch of the Nio ES8.
Came to Sweden first Nine ET7the brand’s flagship model, which hasn’t made much of a fuss.
Subsequently, the Tesla Model 3 rival Nio ET5 has been added, as well as the flagship SUV EL7.
However, it is with the EL6 model that Nio hits big and the brand calls the car the “everyday hero” with regard to its versatility.
The EL6 focuses more on comfort than sport. (Photo: Nio) A tough nut to crack
Nio EL6 goes straight into the same segment as, for example, the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, to name a few German competitors.
It is also the same segment as the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq.
Although the segment is decidedly lucrative, it is also extremely competitive. It therefore applies that the EL6 is really good in order to attract buyers. A big part of this is the pricing.
Something Nio believes can attract buyers is battery replacements. In Sweden, there are six battery exchange stations, which mean that Nio owners can change the battery on their electric car in about five minutes, instead of charging.
However, this is on the condition that the changes go smoothly, something that cannot always be guaranteed – as we have experienced ourselves.
The back seat is fully approved. (Photo: Nio) The customers in the center
During the presentation, Nio talked a lot about the brand’s presence in the Chinese market, as well as what their Chinese customers like.
When asked how the new Nio EL6 is intended to appeal to European customers, the brand first mentioned that the car’s windshield wipers are indeed heated.
In addition, the fact that the car is developed with Europe in focus was mentioned. The brand is careful to adapt the models to local markets – something other car manufacturers also do – while the variety of “European” models is all the greater.
Furthermore, Nio also boasts that they listen to customer feedback on an individual level. For that reason, Nio is still said to have gained an understanding of how European consumers differ from, for example, Chinese consumers.
We tested the EL6 in southern Germany. (Photo: Nio) Infotainment en masse
Our test route consisted of a mix of twisty alpine roads, straight-as-nails German autobahns, and cobbled back roads.
When you jump into the EL6, you are greeted by the brand’s colossal infotainment screen that literally controls all functions. The system is mostly responsive, but it took years and days to connect the mobile phone to the system.
Speaking of mobile phones, the Nio does not offer either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The reason is said to be that they are satisfied with their own ecosystem and want control over the digital experience.
The crux is that the brand’s own system is not intuitive enough and too many functions are controlled by the touch screen and are not found where you expect.
Another annoyance is the myriad of safety systems the EL6 is cluttered with. The first thing the Nio rep I got the car from wanted to show me was how to turn off all the systems.
The reason is that they feel miscalibrated and seriously interfere with the driving experience. However, it is not unique to Nio, but certain functions are there as a result of current EU legislation.
Nio has assigned all the car’s functions to the infotainment screen. (Photo: Nio) A versatile piece
Nio EL6 is meant to offer a multifaceted driving experience. For that reason, there are a total of nine different driving modes in the EL6. It is decidedly redundant, but allows for a great deal of latitude in terms of how to drive the car.
For maximum effect, you have to put the car in Sport + mode, which enables you to be catapulted to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
However, it is not a car that encourages particularly dynamic driving, and both for the range’s sake and for your own sake, I recommend that you drive the car in comfort mode and invest in a strategy where you slide forward.
The car also has several luxury features such as massage in the seats, ventilated seats, a lounge mode and the like.
The suspension is incredibly soft and the noise level in the cabin is quiet. The feeling of quality is good and the rear seat offers enormous space, with plenty of room for the feet under the front seats.
In terms of driving dynamics, however, the EL6’s weak link is the suspension. It works frantically to deal with the unevenness of the road and in more inspiring driving it does not follow the turns.
It feels more like a calibration issue if anything, but you get the feeling that those responsible for the suspension don’t really know what they’re doing.
Nine EL6s are already on Swedish roads. (Photo: Nio) The best Chinese?
The Nio EL6 is the best car the Chinese brand has built. Although it doesn’t say much, it is a sign that they are working for king and country to constantly improve their products.
The EL6 impresses on several counts – it offers a high dose of practicality, a high level of comfort, and decent range. Even with the competition, it is undoubtedly up and fighting with the best, which is extremely impressive from a brand that has only been around for seven years.
The weak link is in the infotainment system, as well as in the details. The overall impression is overwhelmingly positive, but some small things have been missed by the brand.
It’s a bit like a five-star hotel that charges extra for cappuccinos at breakfast – the experience doesn’t quite deliver all the way to the finish, but it’s not that crazy.
Nio EL6 starts at SEK 769,000 with the smaller 75 kWh battery.
Rating of Nio EL6: 4/5
Nine EL6 100 kwh (2024)
Engine: Electric motor front, rear, 483 horsepower, 700 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.5 seconds
Top speed: Limited to 200 km/h
Electrical range: Up to 529 km
Charging power (AC/DC): 11 kW/180 kW
Battery: 100 kWh
Weight: 2,323 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4854/2212/1703 mm
Award: from SEK 879,000