Review: Nio ET5 makes other cars feel dated, proper Tesla Model 3 rival

The Nio ET5 is an electric vehicle (EV) that was unveiled in China in late 2021 and subsequently went on sale about nine months later. Its size and positioning put it right in the crosshairs of the Tesla Model 3.

Powering the ET5 is a dual-motor setup that delivers a combined output of 487 PS and 700 Nm of torque, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 4.3 seconds.

The exceptional range of over 1,000 km is made possible by a rather large 150 kWh ultra-long range battery. There are two additional battery options: 100 kWh and 75 kWh, offering driving ranges of 700 km and 550 km respectively. These figures are estimations based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

Braking is managed by four-piston fixed brake callipers constructed from cast aluminium. These brakes, along with a balanced 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, are said to contribute to effective roadholding.

The ET5's interior boasts a 10.2-inch instrument display and PanoCinema, an AR-VR panoramic cockpit. A 12.8-inch AMOLED screen handles infotainment, and a 7.1.4 audio setup features 23 speakers producing 1,000 watts.

Sustainable materials define the ET5's upholstery and trim, reducing carbon emissions by 30%. Nio Autonomous Driving (NAD) equips the car with advanced autonomous capabilities, including a high-resolution lidar and multiple sensors.

The Nio ET5 is equipped with Nio Autonomous Driving (NAD), featuring the Aquila Super Sensing and Adam Super Computing suites. These suites enable gradual deployment of autonomous driving capabilities after successful development validation.

Notably, the vehicle includes an ultra-long range high-resolution lidar with a 120-degree field of vision and a 500-meter maximum range. Additionally, it incorporates 11 eight-megapixel cameras, five millimetre-wave radar units, and 12 ultrasonic sensors to support autonomous driving functions.

Our man Adrian has had a go in it during a trip to China and found it to be a compelling product overall. Learn more about it in the video below.

Also read: BYD dethrones Toyota in China, but Nio thinks not all EV brands will survive