The much-anticipated NIO Day official preview is here. This year’s surprise is the electric tail wing of the EC7. There have been many spy shots of this car online. Based on these images, let me share my speculation on the EC7. It may not be entirely accurate, so let’s focus on NIO Day (picture source: internet/WeChat group, infringement deleted).
How do ES7 and EC7 compare in terms of positioning? Is EC7 simply the coupe version of ES7? As for positioning, I think EC7 will be positioned above ES7, and its size and rear space (excluding headroom) will likely be larger. Rather than being the coupe version of ES7, it is closer in relationship to ES8, with extremely similar interiors for the front row of both cars. In terms of price, I believe it will be slightly more expensive than ES7, likely by around 20,000 RMB, due to the larger size and better configuration.
A friend of mine recently said he had just reserved an ES7, with an expected delivery date in early next year. As he is relatively young and values appearance, I suggested he should take a look at EC7 during NIO Day, which may change his mind.
Next, let’s talk about the information from the spy shots:
- EC7’s door handles seem to adopt the same flat capacitance door handle design as ET7/ET5/ES8, which is in line with the trend of the times.
- The charging port is still in the front, which may disappoint some potential customers. However, I believe NIO has its own considerations, such as faster charging speed, which may not be apparent now, but will be realized with the third-generation NIO Power Swap station and ultra-fast chargers released on NIO Day. The charging speed of NT2.0 SUV, with the charging port in the front, will also see significant improvement next year.
- The position of the side and rear cameras has been adjusted to the body, making it more integrated.
- The electric tail wing, which adds to the appearance, has benefits in reducing wind resistance. It will also be available on the subsequent coupe-style SUV model.
- The button area of the previous interior has been adjusted, replacing physical buttons with toggle switches, and the area has been reduced (which I think is negative optimization based on the pictures).
- The wireless charging panel/cup holder has also undergone changes, with the length of the charging panel increased.
- EC sunroof should be selectable.
- According to the previous declaration information of ES8, EC7 should also be able to choose NIO’s self-developed six-piston calipers.
These are basically all the information available (just guessing).After the release of the EC7, has NIO completed the update rhythm of ES7 and EC7 to replace ES6 and EC6? Will NIO continue to have ES6 and EC6 in the future? Previously, Qin Lihong mentioned in a media interview that each NIO model has a different historical mission to fulfill. Some models are designed to increase the brand’s richness, while others may prioritize volume and practicality. Therefore, even after the release of the EC7, NIO will still release ES6, EC6, ES7, and EC7 with standard air suspension, larger charging power, larger space, and higher prices in the coming year. In NIO’s own words, the ES6 and EC6 can be thought of as a stylish, niche, and spacious five-seater hatchback SUV, while the EC7 is a small, stylish, and sporty SUV with a touch of luxury. Although the ES8 is the highlight of NIO Day, it does not prevent me from loving the EC7.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.