If you fancy swooning over one of the world’s quickest cars - the all-electric NIO EP9 - you need to mark this date in your diary.
The EP9 made headlines across the world in May of 2017 when it set a new lap record for an electric vehicle (EV) at the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack in western Germany.
Using obscene amounts of power - 1,360 PS - the EP9 can accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds, and can also hit 124 mph from a standstill in just 7.1 seconds.
The EP9 went round the so-called ‘Green Hell’ course in 6 minutes 45.900 seconds, breaking a record set in 2012 by the Toyota TMG EV P002.
Ultimately, the EP9’s record eventually fell to rivals, and the electric Nürburgring crown is currently held by the Volkswagen ID.R.
Yet the EP9 is still one staggering bit of kit - which was priced at £1.23 million when it went on sale to a handful of lucky buyers.
On April 23 this year, the EP9 will make an appearance at a ‘Sunday Scramble’ event at the Bicester Heritage automotive venue, just north of Oxford.
And while NIO might not be a manufacturer you’re familiar with, you’ll be hearing a lot more about it in the coming months.
NIO, headquartered in China, specialises in premium electric vehicles. It’s the brainchild of William Li, a billionaire entrepreneur often dubbed the ‘Chinese Elon Musk’.
In October last year, NIO confirmed that its cars were coming to the UK in 2023, having already previously entered other European markets.
What can you look forward to as a lease customer?
Well, three of NIO’s cars tipped to be coming to Britain are the ET7 saloon (above), the more compact ET5 saloon, and the EL7 SUV.
The ET7 was recently put through its paces by safety assessors Euro NCAP, who said it was ‘one of the safest vehicles in its class’ and handed it the full five stars.
It’s a stunning rival to the Tesla Model S, coming with a huge 150 kWh battery that unlocks power of 653 PS and a claimed range of up to 466 miles between charges.
With a sumptuous, minimalist interior and autonomous driving tech, you’d better believe the NIO ET7 is taking the fight to Tesla, as well as rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
The smaller ET5 (below) is more of a match to the Tesla Model 3.
The so-called ‘fluid fastback’ also boasts a 150 kWh battery, as well as power of up to 490 PS, and 0-62 mph sprint time of 4.3 seconds.
Once again, autonomous driving capabilities are a big selling point, as is the interior that’s as sophisticated as it is eco-friendly, coming with creature comforts like a large panoramic roof and a fully-immersive sound system.
The EL7 SUV (below), on the other hand, rivals vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, Mustang Mach-E and the KIA EV6.
NIO says its EL7 promises ‘one of a kind athleticism’, and it’s easy to admire the car’s svelte, coupe-like rear.
A large 658 litre boot is right up there among the best in class and is ‘ideal for getaways and long road trips’, says NIO.
Comfort is paramount with the EL7. It boasts seats that are heated, ventiled, and massaging, and which also feature an ‘air cushion’ system to soak up any bumps in the road.
Meanwhile a maximum Towing Capacity of 2,000 kg - and a dedicated ‘camping mode’ where you can draw power from the car’s battery to power your coffee machine, for example - means it’s an SUV that should prove popular with the outdoorsy crowd.
Once more, there’s no shortage of power - with the EL7 packing a maximum of 652 PS and 850 N·m peak torque, as well as a 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds, when you drop it into ‘Sport+’ mode.
All in all, there’s plenty to whet the appetite - and will bring you more news about NIO when it arrives.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 20/02/23.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- New electric MINI Convertible launched
- Arctic outing for upcoming VW Touareg
-
Are UK drivers putting the brakes on speeding..?
-
Don't be left in the dark on fog lights
- Skoda Kodiaq to the rescue!
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
