2024 Nio ES8

2024 Nio ES8 - Design Review

Overall Grade = C
​AVERAGE​

Front End: C-
    Good: Smooth clean lines
    Bad: Double chin
Rear End: C+
    Good: Well rounded rear lights
    Bad: Oversized reflectors
Side: C
    Good: Rims with a purpose
    Bad: Limited accents
Overall Appeal: C
    Good: Clean flowing lines
    Bad: All too simple​

​​​Score: 52.28%
Grade: C
Rating: AVERAGE
AutoLooks Rating: 5.2 out of 10

Front End: 46.96%
Rear End: 55.38%
Side: 54.59%
Overall Appeal: 52.17%

AutoLooks Buy List: HOLD
Recommended Tuner: POSSIBLE
Trent Setter: NO
Future Classic: NO
Stock Value: SAME

2021 NIO ES8 Rating: 65.37%

      NIO is currently going through their expansion plans as they move into the European marketplace.  This expansion may help them grow as a company, but will their new designs help them grow on a personal level?

      Overall the original ES8 was a ground breaking vehicle for the EV marketplace. Opening up new doors and showing us that this market can be fun as well.  But, it seems all that has come to an end with the arrival of the NIO's new design language.

     From front to rear, this updated product has  a few changes from the original which may not sit well with others. 

Dropping from a B rating, the new ES8 is a step into the wrong direction.  But, how could that be?  Let's take a look.

        NIO has moved its product line from being an alternative to an I.C.E. product, to now running in the EV ring.  This is no more true than up front, as the hard edges and great lines, have given way to a double chin.   Where there was once a front grille, there is now a nose protrusion.  The great looking intake gills, have given way for oversized running lights without any accents fins.  And up on the hood, they have removed any form of character in favor of clean edge lines.

      Running along the side profile, NIO has toned down the beltline and removed the accents.  This gives the ES8 a smoother side profile, but pulls any sport appeal away from the entire layout.  With no defining lines now, the ES8 could only be saved by the new rim layout.  But the addition of side cameras adds a feature which does not blend in well.

      Out back NIO has done away with any hard defined character lines, in favor of a seamless look.  This bodes well for its image of a clean design, but adds in a CopyCat factor borrowed from Lincoln.  Without the hard edge lines, NIO has moved over to a clean wrap around tail light which blends well, but does not make this rear stand out from the crowd.  The best design feature is the fact that NIO has buried the rear wiper into the upper spoiler.  This adds onto their new clean line design profile.

​​        NIO has done a wonderful job at moving the ES8 into a new world of Premium products.  But has failed to keep its sport appeal alive.  The once great appeal of a crossover with some character to it is now gone.  Pushed out by clean lines and blended windows, this new product is a step out of what we had come to expect.

       Moving further up the Premium food chain is one thing.  But sacrificing your original image in place of a new one.  That could push a few of your original customers away.  Let's just hope their original image can be moved over to the new entry level brand NIO is working on.

Everett J.
#autolooks

​COMPETITION:
Haima 7X - 57.54%
Toyota Innova Hycross - 60.30%
Vinfast VF8 - 61.14%
Wuling Capgemini - 57.27%