A Look Ahead: NIO's NT3.0 Models

I’ve thoroughly researched and organized the information shared by Bin Li and other NIO executives in various public forums to provide a subjective analysis of the NT3.0 models.

Three key points to review:

Moving Upward (ET5 is the most affordable NIO for now; future models will be more expensive)
Skyline and horizontal screens will define NIO’s next-generation cabin design
Sky Chassis will be extended to other models

1. Moving Upward (This is very important)

NIO is particularly reluctant to lower prices, which might be evident to many. For those new to NIO, let’s delve into this:

The pricing for the NT2 ES6 at launch was not aligned with previously delivered models. The ES6 and ES7 configurations and size differences couldn’t justify a 100,000 RMB price difference. Given the market conditions at the time, it was clearly a survival strategy due to rapid market changes. A reasonable price difference should be around 50,000 RMB. (This refers to the NT2 configurations, and it’s possible that the NT3 ES6/7 could justify a 100,000 RMB difference.)
NIO is very focused on brand, luxury, and style, which I believe has been successful. I admire Bin Li’s strategic resilience and will share a related story separately.
When the NT2 ES8 was announced, its configuration and price were set. However, a few months later, when orders were locked, the price was reduced, and configurations were enhanced. I saved over 50,000 RMB on my ES8 with the same configuration.
A detailed analysis shows that the prices of NT2.0 ES6, ES8, EC6, and ET5T are not aligned with previously delivered ET7, ET5, ES7, and EC7.

Combining the above points, with the presence of the LeDao brand, NIO aims to move upward and target the high-end market. NT3.0 presents a great opportunity to set things right.

We can boldly predict that the NT3.0 NIO ET5 might be discontinued (this is just a guess). I personally think the 5 series should belong to the LeDao brand, and the NT3.0 NIO’s most affordable model should be the ES6. This will make the “moving upward” and “high-end” positioning indisputable, unlike the current situation criticized for average transaction prices.

Assuming my guess is correct and the NT3.0 entry model is the ES6, I believe it should start at around 400,000 RMB.

Bin Li also mentioned that the third-generation NIO won’t have as many models and will focus more. So, which model among the 6, 7, and 8 series should be cut? If we must choose, the EC7 is the most suitable to be discontinued.

Now, the full picture of the models is coming together. Let’s also analyze the prices, from cheapest to most expensive:

ES6 (400,000 – 450,000 RMB)
EC6 (450,000 – 500,000 RMB)
ET7 (500,000 – 550,000 RMB)
ES7 (550,000 – 600,000 RMB)
ES8 (600,000 – 700,000 RMB)
ET9 (700,000 – 800,000 RMB)

Additionally, there will be an MPV, possibly called EE9. What price do you think is appropriate?

There might be disagreements on the pricing, so feel free to discuss. I’ll continue to explain my reasoning behind these guesses.

2. Skyline and Horizontal Screens for the Next-Generation Cabin Design

This is easy to understand: starting with NT3.0, there won’t be sunroofs. Instead, a design language similar to the ET9’s roof will be used (saying goodbye to sunroof noise), adding a more high-end feel and distinguishing it from the first and second-generation models.

3. Sky Chassis Extension

Pay attention to the term “extension.” It doesn’t refer to the ES8, as the ES8 is the flagship SUV (Bin Li mentioned there won’t be an ES9 when the ES8 was released). So, where will it extend to? It can only be the 7 series, which is one reason why I guessed the entry-level price to be 400,000 RMB. The 7 series with the optional Sky Chassis priced above 500,000 RMB seems reasonable. If the 7 series has the Sky Chassis, the 6 series should at least have air suspension, making a starting price of 400,000 RMB reasonable.

Final Addition

Bin Li has also stated that with the third-generation platform, NIO’s journey from 0 to 1 can be considered complete.

This “0 to 1” leap represents an all-around upgrade. It shouldn’t be viewed solely as a hardware configuration upgrade but more as the expansion of NIO Group’s matrix, vision, and blueprint.

With the upcoming launch of the LeDao and Firefly brands next year, the NIO brand’s future actions will be more focused and pure, aiming higher and no longer needing to balance farming and elegance.

I believe the future NIO brand will compete not only with BBA but also with Porsche. Let’s wait and see.

adding USD in where price in RMB is showing, assume exchange rate is 1 usd for 7.2yuan

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