ET5

nio age5 — On the NAF's practice track, you could test the 4-wheel drive.

On the same day that the first customers received their cars, I got a closer look at Nio's "little" newcomer. Here are my first impressions.

New models from Nio

Nio's currently smallest model is far from a small car, but small compared to the other models from Nio and the first low-built car in a sedan version. Prices start from 426 with Battery-as-a-Service and 000 with the smallest battery of 531 kwh. This is a popular price range where you get a long range and four-wheel drive. Nio ET500 shares a user interface with the larger models, including the excellent system for voice control. according to Marius Hayler, Managing Director, NIO Norway, Nio will soon launch three new models that will further complement the model range.

Nio ET5 can be delivered in 9 different colours. Oddly enough, it was nicest in black, I think.

look and feel

When you unlock the car, the door handles slide out. The doors close with "soft-close". Inside you can choose 4 colours. Several of the cars had a bright interior with a Flux-like green tone. Inside, the full panoramic roof creates a good sense of space. The seats seemed firm, and I quickly found a good driving position. With the comfort package you get seats with heating, ventilation and massage. The user interface is screen-based as on the Tesla, with a multifunction steering wheel, as well as voice control. The interior is modern and minimalist, where advanced mood lighting and premium music systems can help create a special atmosphere. In evening lighting, the mood lighting can be made to move in time with the music. Just ask Nomi!

Behind the wheel

There are 6 different driving programs, Sport+, Sport, Comfort, Eco and Snow, Trailer, as well as a custom one. Soon there will also be a driving program for sand and wet roads. Driving around NAF's closed practice track didn't give a proper road feel, but my general impression is that the car seems firm like a Tesla without tipping and dove. The steering feel was good and at low speed the systems kept the car stable in tight evasive manoeuvres. The four-wheel drive system engaged seamlessly. Nio ET5 can stop from 100 km/h in just 33,8 meters and on the smooth sections the speed was reduced quickly without any drama.

Equipped for self-driving functions

I have not familiarized myself with the car's self-driving features, but the ET5 is equipped with 7 high-resolution cameras, 4 surround cameras, LIDAR, radar, ultrasonic sensors and more. I tested self-parking and it worked impressively. Firstly, the system could mark all parking spaces on the screen, and maneuver the car to the desired space, even if it was several car lengths away.

The Nio ET5 has brake calipers made by Nio. Larger models have Brembo brakes.

The rear part is successful. Looks like a hatchback, but is a regular sedan. Visibility to the rear through the rear window is limited.

Say hello to Nomi!

Nomi is Nio's version of the Apple Homebox. You can ask Nomi anything about the car - and probably a bit more, if she's in the mood. She can hear who is speaking. If the passenger requests a massage, she starts the massage in the passenger seat. The voice control works well, and enables the driver to stay focused on the road. It is perfect for those of us who need reading glasses to read the screen. In the Nio ET5, it is optional equipment to have Nomi "Humanized" with its characteristic eyes visible on the dashboard. In the standard version, Nomi is "Simplified" without eyes. Understandably, some people find that it can be disturbing that someone follows them all the time. Did you know that Nomi actually stands for "know me"?

Almost everyone rents batteries

According to Marius Hayler, 96 percent of customers have chosen to rent batteries - Battery-as-a-Service. That is a surprisingly high proportion, especially when you consider that most Norwegians might want to own. Those who rent can use it Power Swap along the road. It only takes 5 minutes to change the batteries. Another aspect of renting batteries is that the rent includes 200 kwh per month from Nios Power Swap or Power Charge stations. Today there are 4 stations, but that number could rise to approximately 20, based on obtaining building permits.

Comes with a 150 kwh battery

It is also worth mentioning that battery hire allows you to change the battery size as needed. Today you get a 75 kwh or 100 kwh battery, while Nio's large 150 kwh battery will soon be rolled out in China. The Nio ET5 is prepared for these batteries, so if you rent a 100 kwh battery today, you can upgrade to 150 kwh – probably before the end of the year. Also consider that even if you, as the first owner, do not need the largest battery, the next owner is free to choose. That could make Nio attractive on the used market.

The Nio ET5 is larger and has more equipment than the Tesla Model 3 (Terjes Bilers' reportage car).

Facts about the NIO ET5 100kwh

Weights and Measures
Length, width, height: 479 x 191 x 150 cm
Wheelbase: 289 cm
Net weight without driver: 2160 kg
Luggage compartment: 386 liters (no "Frunk")
Max trailer weight: 1400 kg

Range
Battery capacity 100 kwh: Range: 590 km WLTP

Performances
Total power: 489 HP
Torque: 700 Nm
0-100: 4,0 seconds
Top speed: 200 km/h

Prices 100 kwh (incl. taxes)
Battery-as-a-Servce: NOK 426 + NOK 250 per month
Including batteries: NOK 629

Recommended accessories
Electric towbar: 9*

Comfort package: 12*
-Heated steering wheel.
-Electrically adjustable front seats with adjustable lumbar and thigh support.
-Front seat with ventilation and massage.
-Seat heating in the back.
- Fragrance system
-Air purifier/ionization system

Winter tires: 32

Can be ordered online. Delivery time approx. 4 months.

*Stated price without VAT. All or part of the amount is subject to VAT if the total exceeds 500.

The trunk takes 386 litres. The rear seats are foldable. No "miss".

See

NIO Norway

The ET5 is NIO's first model to fall below the VAT limit. Now the first delivery of cars has arrived in Norway for unpacking and preparation.

If I remember correctly, the time of the cars' arrival agrees well with what I was told a year ago. Asbjørn Mitusch, press spokesman for NIO Norway, will not reveal the date for when the first cars will be delivered, but states that it will happen during this month. At the moment, the cars are being prepared at Birger N. Haug's facility in Røyken.

Fits Tesla Model 3

The NIO ET5 is interesting because it can match the "people's car" Tesla Model 3 in almost every respect. Tesla 3 is known for a lot of range and 4-wheel drive without costing the shirt, but is built like a cheap car. Inside, the Tesla can seem ribbed and it is rarely difficult to point out poor finish. On paper, the NIO ET5 can match Tesla in all important areas such as price, performance, charging and range. In addition, NIO can score on a higher standard equipment level and premium feel.

Below the VAT limit

All NIO models can optionally be supplied with Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS). Then you rent the batteries instead of buying them. The price for the NIO ET5 without batteries is NOK 429. Then you can add equipment such as tow hitch, comfort package, winter wheels and still end up well below the VAT limit. This makes it even more attractive to rent batteries, even if the rental price is also subject to VAT. Battery-as-a-Service includes the option to change batteries along the way and always have good batteries, even after several years. You can also change the battery capacity/range as needed.

Facts about the NIO ET5 (AWD)

Weights and Measures
Length, width, height: 479 x 191 x 150 cm
Wheelbase: 289 cm
Net weight without driver: 2140 – 2160 kg

Range
Battery capacity 75 kwh: Range: 419 – 456 km
Battery capacity 100 kwh: Range: 540 – 590 km

Performances
Total power: 489 HP
Torque: 700 Nm
0-100: 4,0 seconds
Top speed: 200 km/h

Prices 75 kwh
Battery-as-a-Service: 429 + 000 per month
Including batteries: 541

Prices 100 kwh
Battery-as-a-Servce: 429 + 250 per month
Including batteries: 629

Recommended accessories
Towbar (1400 kg): 9*