Spy photos have been surfacing online throughout this past year showing what appears to be a new NIO prototype under camouflage. The vehicle was spotted testing in China, sparking speculation that this could be NIO’s 10th production model, rumored to be the NIO ES9.
In September 2025, camouflaged images of a large SUV surfaced on Chinese social media, widely believed to be the first spy shots of the ES9. The vehicle appears noticeably bigger than the current ES8, while retaining stylistic ties to NIO’s design language.
As stated by CNEV Post Back in May 2025, NIO’s co-founder and president, Qin Lihong, confirmed that the ES9 is anticipated to launch in H1 2026, marking the first time the company has publicly referenced the model by name.
Social Media
The NIO ES9 is already generating buzz across social media, with users expressing excitement and comparing it to known luxury SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade from General Motors and the Lincoln Navigator from Ford’s premium lineup.
What to Expect from the NIO ES9:
Advanced SkyRide Active Suspension: The ES9 is expected to feature the latest iteration of NIO’s proprietary SkyRide active suspension system.
Spacious Premium Interior: The ES9 is poised to offer interior space comparable to or surpassing the ES8 similar to the NIO ET9 executive flagship Sedan.
With NIO expanding its lineup, the upcoming ES9 is set to become the brand’s most technologically advanced and premium SUV yet.
NIO’s Growing EV Lineup
NIO currently offers nine models in its lineup: ET9, ES8, ES7, ES6, EC7, EC6, ET7, ET5, and ET5 Touring. Which makes the ES9 Its 10th model.
In addition to its main lineup, NIO also has two sub-brands — ONVO and Firefly.
ONVO focuses on delivering premium smart EVs at more accessible price points, targeting families and a broader market segment while maintaining NIO’s signature design, technology, and user experience.
Firefly, on the other hand, is positioned as NIO’s entry-level electric brand aimed at compact and urban-friendly vehicles. It’s expected to compete with mass-market EVs in China and Europe, emphasizing affordability, efficiency, and smart connectivity.
