- The ET9 Horizon Edition starts at RMB 818,000 ($114,960), 6.51 percent higher than the base model, delivering a design that further emphasizes its high-end status.
- The ET9 is one of the most expensive models from a Chinese automaker, positioned to compete with the Mercedes-Maybach.
Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) has launched the ET9 Horizon Edition, a special variant of its ET9 executive flagship sedan, to intensify its push in China’s ultra-luxury car market.
The electric vehicle (EV) maker officially rolled out the higher-priced ET9 variant at Saturday’s Nio Day 2025 event, with deliveries set to commence by the end of this month.
The ET9 Horizon Edition starts at RMB 818,000 ($114,960) including the battery pack, which is RMB 50,000 or 6.51 percent higher than the base model’s RMB 768,000 starting price.
Beyond these two versions, the ET9 also offers a Signature Edition starting at RMB 788,000.
Under the BaaS (Battery as a Service) plan, the ET9 Horizon Edition starts at RMB 710,000, with a monthly rental fee of RMB 1,128 for the 102-kWh battery pack.
The two lower-priced variants under the BaaS plan start at RMB 660,000 and RMB 680,000 respectively.
The ET9 Horizon Edition features a two-tone blue and silver paint scheme and exclusive wheel design.
It also includes Horizon-exclusive badging and upgraded premium interior materials to emphasize its elevated status.
The ET9 was launched at Nio Day 2024 on December 21, 2024, with deliveries commencing in late March this year.
As one of the most expensive models from a Chinese automaker, it aims to challenge traditional luxury vehicles including the Mercedes-Maybach.
This market has long been dominated by German luxury brands, but China’s rapid electrification has created opportunities for domestic manufacturers.
Beyond the ET9, cars including the Maextro S800 from the Maextro brand, developed by Huawei with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group, and the BYD sub-brand Yangwang’s U7, are also vying for market share in this segment.
ET9 deliveries totaled 92 units in August, bringing cumulative deliveries to 2,065 units, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
($1 = RMB 7.1156)
The all-new ES8 starts at RMB 406,800 ($57,170), which isn’t cheap but is highly competitive for the model itself and its segment.
