NIO EC6: The Stylish Coupe-SUV in the UAE EV Market

Strengthening the onslaught of EVs in the UAE is yet another Chinese electric carmaker, NIO. Anticipated to go shoulder-to-shoulder against BYD, the brand currently offers three models in our region: a sedan, a full-sized flagship SUV, and the most stylish haute-couture currently, the coupe-SUV named EC6. This model graces the roads with a tantalizing design and clever technology that proves nifty in everyday life.

Aesthetics

The NIO EC6 follows the theme of minimalism, characteristic of most premium electric counterparts. The front end is defined by a drooping hood with two trapezoidal sections that seamlessly integrate into the lighting compartment at their borders. Neatly executed LED DRL appliques draw attention.

The midriff features smart-looking flush-type door handles and a rising shoulder line that contributes to a beefy stance. A hallmark of its design is the expansive panoramic glass roof that seamlessly blends with the rear glass area.

From the rear, the car appears sportiest with a chunky LED light bar running across its width and a meaty skid plate that reinforces its SUV pretensions. The dual-mode active spoiler adds novelty while being functional.

Interior & Features

A glance at the NIO EC6’s interior reveals an extremely futuristic design, thanks to the materials used for the trim, function keys, storage spaces, and seats. Elevating its aura is ambient lighting and an AI Bot on the dashboard for added convenience.

The EC6 features four interior themes that emulate earth’s natural elements, called Onyx Black, Stream Blue, Red Loam, and Stellar Violet. A special mention must be made about the extremely well-contoured seats that offer:

• 16-way power adjustment for the driver
• 18-way power adjustment for the co-driver
• Heating, ventilation, and massage in a three-zone system encompassing the backrest, seat cushion, and leg rest

The coupe design provides a wide boot opening aperture, allowing for:

• 594-litres of cargo space
• Expanded luggage volume of 1402-litres with the rear seat row folded flat
• Towing capacity for trailers weighing up to 1260 Kg
• Roof rails with a payload capacity of 75 Kg

The NIO EC6 boasts a 12.8” high-resolution AMOLED center display, enhancing comfort with additional features such as:

• 6.6” rear HDR Control Display for rear air conditioning, seating position, heating, ventilation, massage, and media control
• AI Bot ‘NOMI’ for voice control of various settings
• 9.3” head-up display unit projecting vital information to the driver

Furthermore, the 256-colour ambient lighting system allows switching between 10 themes, while the 7.1.4 surround sound system delivers a melodious experience through 23 speakers, producing a combined audio output of 1000 watts.

Safety features include advanced driver assistance technology such as:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Active lane change
• Advanced park assist

Performance

The NIO EC6 is powered by:

• 150 kW front motor
• 210 kW rear motor

This configuration achieves an optimum balance between power and range, securing an estimated 550 Km on a single full charge on the NEDC cycle, while accelerating from 0 to 100 Km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The car adjusts its dampers based on road conditions and modifies brake force to restrict inertia inside the cabin for occupant safety and comfort.

Depending on terrain and driving preferences, there are nine driving modes available:

1. Eco
2. Comfort
3. Sport
4. Sport+
5. Custom
6. Sand
7. Snow
8. Wet
9. Trailer

Price and Availability in UAE

While exact pricing for the UAE and GCC markets is yet to be confirmed, the NIO EC6 is estimated to start from AED 239,900.

In addition to its existing lineup, NIO is set to introduce the stylish coupe-SUV, the EC6, expected to launch sometime next year.

Overall, the NIO EC6 emerges as a unique contender in the rapidly evolving EV space. If priced appropriately, it has all the bells and whistles to drive its success.