NIO announced the introduction of its smart electric flagship SUV, EL8 in the UAE. Founded in November 2014, NIO has rapidly established itself as a leader in the premium smart electric vehicle market serving over 598,000 users across China and Europe. In 2023 alone, more than 107,000 new users joined the NIO community, reflecting the brand’s growing influence and leadership in the electric vehicle sector.
Mohammed Maktari, Chief Executive Officer of NIO MENA, shared his excitement for the launch, stating: “As we introduce NIO and EL8 in the UAE, we embark on a new journey towards shaping a brighter, more sustainable future together with our users. This launch is a testament to our mission, ‘Blue Sky Coming,’ and a reflection of NIO’s commitment to delivering innovative technology and exceptional user experiences. The UAE is a hub of progress, making it the ideal place to begin our expansion in the MENA region. With our premium smart electric vehicles, we aim to redefine the future of mobility here and inspire a new era of environmentally conscious innovation.”
All NIO vehicles are equipped with SkyOS, a platform that manages a range of vehicle functions, from autonomous driving and smart cabins to connectivity and digital cockpits. SkyOS allows seamless integration across various systems, creating a unified driving experience. A part of the advanced in-car technologies is NOMI, an in-built AI system designed to enhance the driving experience. NOMI listens, thinks, and understands, transforming the car from a machine into a thoughtful companion.
A true digital powerhouse, NIO’s intelligent Banyan system enables all the smart functionality and is constantly refreshing the rich content features through over-the-air (OTA) updates. NIO ADAM supercomputing – the most powerful, mass-produced mobile computing platform to date with 1,016 TOPS – is the brain of every NIO, while Aquila Super Sensing is the eye, responsible for obtaining a wealth of useful and reassuring driving information.
Using NIO’s full-stack technology algorithms, Aquila processes data from 33 cameras and sensors to offer a complete picture of the dynamic environment around the vehicle. NIO models also benefit from the industry’s furthest-detecting mass-product LiDAR. The 1,550 nm LiDAR can reach a maximum detection distance of 500 meters, equivalent to the length of five football pitches. 8 MP high-resolution cameras see further with finer detail, detecting vehicles 680 meters away, pedestrians 220 meters away, and traffic furniture such as cones 160 meters away. These technologies redefine the standards of intelligent driving sensing systems on production model cars.
In addition, NIO Power, an innovative smart power service solution, addresses range anxiety by allowing users to use NIO’s ground-breaking battery swap technology, where batteries can be replaced in as little as three minutes. These game-changing Power Swap Stations will be introduced in key locations across the UAE over the coming months, providing drivers with a charging solution that is as fast as refueling. NIO also offers NIO Power Home chargers, offering users the ultimate home charging experience.
NIO EL8 has arrived in the UAE and is the brand’s most advanced and luxurious flagship six-seat flagship SUV, blending intelligent technology, sustainable design, and powerful performance. Befitting its luxury positioning, EL8 is the pinnacle of refinement and comfort, suitable for business, families and individuals.
Sustainability is central to EL8’s design. Inside, EL8 features sustainable rattan, soybean foam seat cushions, and a roof headlining made from the world’s first plant-based woven suede, created using sugar cane and castor oil.
EL8’s intelligent and reassuring all-wheel-drive system employs 180 kW (Front) SiC permanent magnet and 300 kW (Rear) induction motors with the world’s first dual three-phase topology inverter to improve peak performance and reliability. Delivering 850 Nm of torque, 0-100km/h is swiftly achieved in just 4.1 seconds. Its Long Range (100 kWh) swappable battery can achieve a range of up to 510 km WLTP.
The EL8’s elegant exterior blends signature NIO design features such as the Double Dash front lights, X-Bar front and full-width taillights with progressive innovations. EL8’s signature straight, full-length shoulder line delivers a confident profile. Flush windows, fender-integrated cameras, ‘invisible’ roof rails, invisible turn signals, and hidden front and rear wipers ensure EL8’s sleek and efficient silhouette is a standout in the premium SUV segment.
The cabin environment is further enhanced by NIO’s in-car fragrance system. The EL8 debuts ‘Forest’, a new sensory experience that brings the enduring freshness of the woodland inside. Senses are further stirred by the 174 LED ambient waterfall lighting and 23-speaker, 7.1.4 enhanced and immersive 2,300 W surround sound system. It features Dirac Pro and Dolby Atmos technologies to achieve richer, balanced, and more dynamic sounds.
EL8 is available in five sky-themed exterior colors and three earth-inspired Nappa leather interior choices, with standard Premium Comfort Package (first and second row hot stone massage function, second row ventilated seats). Options include vibrant 21” or forged 22” wheels, orange painted Brembo brake calipers, electrically deployable towbar and NOMI Mate. EL8 is available now from AED 359,900.
Joining the NIO line-up in the UAE soon; EC6, a premium mid-size coupe SUV, and ET5, a mid-size smart electric sedan.
Users in the UAE can now experience, test drive and order NIO EL8, as well as preview NIO ET5 and EC6 models, at Mall of the Emirates (17th October to 6th November) and Yas Mall (17th October to 12th November). For more information and to book a test drive, please visit: https://www.nio.com/.
