Cars

NIO EC7 debuts as the SUV with the lowest drag

NIO-EC7_3

At the NIO Day 2022 held in Hefei (China) recently, NIO unveiled the EC7 electric SUV—billed as the SUV with the lowest drag co-efficient in the world. Prices start at RMB 488,000 (US$ 70,085 or INR 58,03,400) with a 75 kWh battery pack, RMB 546,000 (US$ 78,420 or INR 64,97,820) with a 100 kWh battery pack, and RMB 418,000 (US$ 60,035 or INR 49,73,900) with BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service). Deliveries in China are expected to commence in May 2023.

As you can probably tell from the photos here, the EC7 is one of those controversial coupe-SUVs. Although fits in the mid-size segment, the EC7 is for those who find the EC6 a bit small. It measures 4,968 mm long, 1,974 mm wide and 1,714 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,960 mm. The EC7 sports NIO-typical clean design with smooth flowing lines, flush door handles and roof-mounted LiDAR and front cameras. Also, notice that although it has fender-integrated camera housing, there are traditional rearview mirrors—which I’m guessing are for regulatory compliance in different markets. The EC7 boasts a total of 33 high-precision sensors (including LiDAR and all the cameras).

The drag co-efficient number is 0.230 Cd, but I guess that number would’ve been even better without those traditional rearview mirrors. But anyway, the EC7 boasts an active grille shutter and an active spoiler. The front discs measure 380 mm, gripped by Brembo 6-piston calipers. Air suspension with adaptive dampers also comes standard. Another key highlight of the EC7 is the Smart Matrix LED headlights which take help from LiDAR in order to adapt to road conditions.

The cabin too is just as minimal and high-tech as the exterior. Key highlights include a 12.8-inch AMOLED central display; NOMI AI assistant; a HUD with 16-inch real estate; new front Lounge Seats with zero-gravity mode; Smart Electrochromic Glass, and a 23-speaker surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and Dirac Pro. Sustainably-sourced materials include bio-based Haptex, bio-based microfibre headliner and a sustainable rattan.

Moving on to the juicy bits of the story then, the EC7 packs a dual-motor AWD powertrain, delivering peak figures of 480 kW (653 metric hp) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft). Not sure with which battery pack but NIO claims a range of up to 940 km (584 mi) as per China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) standards. In Sport+ mode, the coupe-SUV is claimed to sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds. And BTW, you got 10 modes to play with: Trailer, Comfort, Eco, Sport+, Easy Pass (jacked-up ride height), Snow, Sand, Wet, Sport and Custom.

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