Nio reveals 1000km-range ET5

Nio has revealed its new ET5 electric sedan in an online presentation, detailing the Tesla Model 3 rival.

The Chinese car brand is beginning to push into new markets and has confirmed it will produce vehicles in right-hand drive. Not yet confirmed is if Australia will be part of its RHD market launches, but it has previously stated intent to come here.

The ET5’s styling is reminiscent of the larger ET7, which has slim LED running lights and a smooth look from the front. The front bumper features air curtain inlets that help channel air down the side of the car and reduce drag, along with the car’s flush door handles.

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Revealed during the annual Nio Day event, the ET5 comes with 75kWh, 100kWh and 150kWh battery options for 550 kilometres, 700km and 1000km of driving range respectively.

While the 150kWh model offers a huge capability compared to current options, the predicted range figures for all models are based on the Chinese test cycle, so expect them to drop slightly once homologated through WLTP testing.

Based on Nio’s next-generation platform, which features a five-link rear suspension set-up, the ET5 features all-wheel drive with a 150kW electric motor mounted on the front axle and a 207kW motor on the rear axle, delivering a total of 359kW and 700Nm of torque for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds.

At 4790 millimetres long and with a 2888mm wheelbase, the ET5’s more compact proportions mean the arching roof made with a full-piece glass sunroof tapers aggressively towards the rear, kicking up on the boot lid with a gentle ducktail spoiler that sits above a full-width LED light bar, spanning the boot and the rear wings.

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Nio's last EV, the EP9

Inside, the ET5 boasts a minimalist design, with a 10.2-inch digital driver display joined by a 12.8-inch central touchscreen – 5G connectivity features, along with tech such as; Nio’s PanoCinema digital cockpit, full digital key technology and 19 safety and advanced driver assistance systems, according to the brand.

The ET5 will be available in nine exterior colours with six different interior themes. Nappa leather trim, as well as ventilated massage seats will be available as options.

Nio confirmed the ET5 features ultra-long-range and high resolution LIDAR sensors as part of its driver assistance tech to boost its autonomous driving capability.

Pricing is competitive too, in the equivalent range of $70,000 to $85,000 for the 75kWh and 100kWh models, which would make it a sharp rival for the Model 3 if Nio does launch locally.