There’s something poetic about testing a future-forward electric car like the Nio ET5 against the backdrop of the Helpt Hills in Germany. The rolling terrain, the long sweeping curves, and the occasional sharp incline give us the perfect stage to see what this Chinese newcomer can really do. I had the keys to both the sedan and the Touring (wagon) version, and over a weekend, I set out to answer a question many EV enthusiasts are asking: Can the Nio ET5 match or even surpass the Tesla Model 3?
The Nio ET5 is a midsize electric vehicle designed to rival the best in the segment. With clean lines, a luxurious interior, and some clever tech tricks up its sleeve, like battery swapping, it’s more than just another new EV. And when I first laid eyes on it in person, it struck me how premium it looked. Styled in Munich, the ET5 has European design cues that make it feel more Audi than anonymous Chinese import.
Sleek, Sporty and Surprisingly European
From the moment I approached the ET5, I was greeted by flush door handles that extended out automatically. The frameless doors opened with a satisfying click, revealing a minimalist cabin that felt more lounge than automobile. Vegan leather, soft ambient lighting, and a massive panoramic roof created an air of modern sophistication. It’s clear Nio wanted to make a statement, and it worked.
Sliding behind the wheel, there’s a 12.8-inch vertical touchscreen in the center, and almost no physical buttons. It’s sleek, but occasionally frustrating. Adjusting the mirrors? That involved navigating through multiple screens. But once I got the hang of the system, and started using the onboard AI assistant, Nomi, it became more intuitive. Nomi is this little orb on the dash that reacts to voice commands and even displays emotions. A bit gimmicky, maybe, but it gave the ET5 a touch of personality.
Power, Poise, and Personality
No start button here. Just get in, foot on the brake, gear selector forward, and you’re off. The ET5 moves with grace and silence. At low speeds, it’s buttery smooth, with precise throttle modulation that makes parking in tight European towns a breeze. But don’t let that serene demeanor fool you.
Step on the accelerator, especially in Sport Plus mode, and the dual motors unleash all 360 kW (490 hp) with authority. The ET5 rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds. On the twisting roads of the Helpt Hills, this performance wasn’t just numbers on a spec sheet, it was felt in every hairpin turn and straightaway.
The steering, while slightly over-assisted in Comfort mode, felt sharper in Sport. Body control was impressive for a car weighing over 2.2 tons, and the low center of gravity thanks to the floor-mounted battery pack helped keep the ET5 planted.
Real-World Performance Stats
To stay accurate and dependable, we obtain our technical info directly from Nio’s official source.
| Specification | Nio ET5 | Nio ET5 Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Power (kW/PS) | 360 / 490 | 360 / 490 |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 700 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.0 s | 4.0 s |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Battery Capacity (Net) | 90 kWh | 90 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 590 km | 560 km |
| Real Range (ADAC Test) | 530 km | 515 km |
| Consumption (WLTP) | 18.6 kWh/100 km | 19.3 kWh/100 km |
| Charging (10-80%) | 23 min (DC 183 kW max) | 23 min (DC 183 kW max) |
| Boot Capacity | 386 – 1135 L | 450 – 1300 L |
| Price (with battery) | €68,500 | €68,500 |
Interior Details: Comfort Meets Innovation
The seats in the ET5 are supportive and well-bolstered. While taller drivers might wish for a slightly lower seating position, they’ll still find enough room and adjustability. Rear passengers, especially those over 1.85 meters, might brush the headliner due to the sloping roofline, but legroom is adequate.
The Touring version felt more accommodating, with a larger boot and better rear headroom. The absence of a glove compartment and front trunk (frunk) was disappointing, though. Still, Nio made good use of the available space, with clever underfloor storage and a flexible three-way split rear seat.
Sound insulation is another area where the ET5 shines. At 130 km/h on the autobahn, the cabin remains whisper quiet, measured at 67.5 dB(A). It’s the kind of tranquility you associate with high-end German sedans.
The Battery Swap Experience: A Glimpse into Nio’s Future
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Nio ET5 experience is the battery swap capability. Instead of waiting at a charger, I drove into a Nio Power Swap Station near Berlin. The car took over, aligning itself precisely as a robotic system unscrewed the depleted battery and replaced it with a fully charged one, all in about 6 minutes. No other EV brand offers this kind of convenience today.
However, the network is still in its infancy, with only nine stations in Germany. Nio aims to expand to 100 locations, primarily along major highways. For now, it’s a cool feature that feels like a glimpse into the future more than a daily convenience.
Charging and Range: Real-World Efficiency
Previously, Nio lagged behind its rivals in fast charging, but recent improvements have brought peak DC charging to 183 kW. During my test, I went from 10% to 80% in just 23 minutes, which is competitive with Tesla’s Supercharging network.
The ET5’s real-world consumption during my drive averaged 19.7 kWh/100 km, which aligns closely with official figures. That translated to about 530 km of range, enough to comfortably traverse from Munich to Frankfurt without a recharge.
Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?
At €68,500 with the 100-kWh battery, the ET5 doesn’t come cheap. But the equipment list is generous. You get 23 speakers, active safety tech sourced from 33 sensors, vegan leather, and that spectacular panoramic roof. If you prefer, you can lease the battery and pay a lower upfront cost (€47,500 for the car plus €289/month for the big battery).
Compared to a similarly specced Tesla Model 3 Long Range, the ET5 is more expensive. But if you value design, interior ambiance, and the novelty of battery swapping, it starts to make sense. Nio also offers flexible subscription plans, which might appeal to those looking for short-term ownership.
Downside: Not Quite Perfect
Despite its many strengths, the ET5 isn’t flawless. The infotainment system, while visually appealing, is clunky to navigate. The rear visibility is poor due to the narrow rear window. And while the suspension is comfortable, it doesn’t absorb road imperfections as gracefully as a BMW i4.
The lack of a frunk, limited glovebox space, and some UI translation issues in the software are minor gripes, but they do remind you that Nio is still refining its European offering.
Conclusion: A True Tesla Contender?
After several hundred kilometers through city streets, autobahns, and the scenic Helpt Hills, the Nio ET5 left a lasting impression. It’s stylish, quick, comfortable, and brings something new to the table with its battery swap tech. It may not yet dethrone the Tesla Model 3 in terms of infrastructure or brand loyalty, but it absolutely competes on performance and quality.
For buyers who want something fresh, premium, and a little different, the ET5 is a compelling option. And with the Touring variant, Nio has created one of the very few electric wagons on the market, a segment with much potential.
What is the real-world range of the Nio ET5?
Nio ET5 with a 100-kWh battery achieved 530 km, while the Touring version managed 515 km.
How fast is the Nio ET5?
It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds thanks to its 490 PS dual-motor setup.
Can I swap the battery in a Nio ET5?
Yes, at designated Nio Power Swap Stations, the battery can be replaced in 5–10 minutes, but the network is still limited in Germany.
