NIO EL8: First impressions of the large electric SUV with refrigerator

We were recently invited to test drive NIO's new and largest SUV to date in and around Cologne. Here are our first impressions of the NIO EL8.
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First impression: Big, bigger, biggest
This is probably how the designproprocess for the new EL8 With a length of just over 5 meters and a width of 2,20 m (including exterior mirrors), it has grown considerably, but NIO-EL7, which we have already tested for you. There is also significantly more space inside, now for up to 6 people. And we are not talking about any "emergency seats", the seats in the third row are full-size and offer extremely luxurious space.
In addition to the third row of seats, there are also two versions of the EL8. These start at 82.900 Euros (incl. 19% VAT.) with out batteryFor the so-called Executive Edition with built-in refrigerator and easier access to the third row of seats, 87.900 Euros (including 19% VAT), also without battery. The rental prices for the Standard Range and the Long Range battery remain the same as for all other models. So if you buy the battery for the EL8 now, you should consider the 100 kWh version, then 21.000 Euros extra. In total, we would then have around 108.900 Euros (incl. 19% VAT) There may also be larger rims or other extras such as a fully electric trailer hitch. All versions of the EL8 can tow around 2 tons.
A lot of money, but worth it?
That may be a lot of money, but we are talking about a very large and luxurious SUV with 653 hp all-wheel drive. With LiDAR sensors and every imaginable bells and whistles that you may or may not need. In addition, there is an ISOFIX attachment on every seat, except the driver's seat. This means that you can take up to 5 children proin a child seat without any problems. We know, of course, that this price category is out of the question for most people. But for those who are interested, you definitely can't go wrong with the EL8. The new air suspension absorbs even the biggest bumps well and offers a level of comfort that has never been seen before in the cars we have tested.
Thanks to the battery swap technology, you can be ready to go again in under 5 minutes, so you can cover thousands of kilometers on long journeys with the EL8. But if you drive with a fully loaded 6 seats, you should know that there isn't much trunk left. NIO still doesn't offer a frunk, but we don't necessarily miss it. After all, apart from buses, there are currently no other 6 or 7 seater vehicles available that offer a really large usable trunk while the car is fully loaded with people.
NIO has also further improved the charging process. With the large battery, which is included with every EL8 delivery, up to 240 kW should be possible. It is important to note that it only reaches this at fast charging stations that are equipped with 660 amps. These include the 3rd generation Tesla Superchargers. We think it is good that NIO is not just stubbornly concentrating on the topic of power swap and is also continuing to work on normal charging. However, we would have liked a 22 kW charger on board to make city trips a little easier if you do go shopping with this behemoth.
What makes the EL8 so special?
We must emphasize once again how much you get for your money with the NIO EL8. Let's take the Executive Edition, where we have fully electrically adjustable seats in the first and second rows. Seat cooling, seat heating and a hot stone massage. The third row of seats at least gets seat heating, as well as cup holders and pro Passenger a window and a Type C charging port.
If there is enough space, you can use the button on the seat to switch to weightless mode in the second and first row of seats. This is not recommended for driving, but it is really very comfortable. The seat moves to a reclining position of almost 180 degrees and offers you a lot of comfort and, above all, a lot of space. However, this may be difficult if you are traveling with more than 4 people.
In addition, there is the large sound system, with an above-average sound image as well as a very good Dolby Atmos sound, via audio streaming provider TIDAL. Have we already mentioned the integrated, smart refrigerator? In the Executive version, this is located in the second row of seats, in the center console. In addition to two mobile phones, which can be wirelessly charged there, drinks or food can also be stored cooled or even heated. The system cools down to 0 degrees, or if desired, it can be used up to 50 degree get hot. At this point we should mention that this is not a microwave!
The competition: who can do more?
Next to the Bmw iX, or Audi Q8 e-Tron, there is also the EQE SUV. We would proprovisionally placed next to the EL8. However, none of these three competitors offers more than 5 seats. So we'll include the upcoming newcomer, the Volvo EX90, in the comparison. This actually comes with up to 7 seats as standard, but 6 seats can also be selected as an alternative. In terms of price, it is in a similar range to the EL8. Can it keep up?
At least on paper it looks promising. We hope to be able to give you an insight into Volvo's large premium SUV this year, because both visually and on the data sheet it could have what it takes to challenge the NIO for one or two customers. The basic version of the EX90 starts at 83.900 Euros (incl. 19% VAT.)
Incidentally, this one offers a similar number of sensors as the NIO EL8 and is also similar in dimensions. Among other things, the Volvo also has a LiDAR system, but this also seems to be causing some problems, at least supplier "LUMINAR" has caused a delay of a good year. The EX90 was actually supposed to launch before the EX30 last year. But the problems now seem to have been resolved, and you can no longer order the EX90 without LiDAR. We are curious to see how many other manufacturers will rely on this radar technology + cameras. So far, only BMW, Mercedes and Audi as well as NIO, Lotus and Lucid in Germany have LiDAR technology on offer.
Polestar 3 real competition?
Not really, we already sat in the "sporty" EX90 for a test drive. In our opinion, this is a completely different car. It does not have 6 seats and, for the time being, no LiDAR system. This will be available to order later next year. I am actually sure that a few months ago you could still order the EX90 without LiDAR and that it cost extra. At least that was the case now, with a considerable delay, deliveries of the EX90 are to start in spring 2025. So much for the possible competition from the NIO EL8. At a later date, we will of course test the EL8 again in everyday use for you in detail.