In today’s luxury automotive market, the NIO ET7 stands out with its unique appeal and exceptional performance, directly competing with traditional luxury brands like the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series. This comparison highlights the professional advantages of the NIO ET7.
1. Basic Information and Pricing
The NIO ET7’s price range (428.000-506.000 RMB) is similar to the new BMW 5 Series (439.900-525.900 RMB) and the E-Class (449.000-529.800 RMB), offering consumers a broader selection within this price bracket. The ET7 brings a unique product positioning and value proposition, giving luxury travelers an entirely new option.
2. Exterior Design: A Fusion of Futurism and Tradition
1. Front Design
The NIO ET7 showcases a strong avant-garde design reflective of the electric vehicle era, with sharp headlights blending seamlessly with its iconic "watchtower" feature, exuding a sense of technology while maintaining a business-like elegance. This distinctive design language grants the ET7 a high level of recognition among its peers.
The Mercedes E-Class continues its classic, refined business look. Although updated in detail, its overall style remains conservative.
The BMW 5 Series retains its signature fuel-era double kidney grille and circular halo design, with near-vertical daytime running lights adding a unique touch. However, compared to the ET7's futuristic appeal, the BMW 5 Series lacks innovative flair.
2. Side Profile
The ET7’s coupe-like roofline flows smoothly, with a clean and elegant visual effect enhanced by the sleek side profile, frameless electric doors, and hidden door handles. These not only elevate the aesthetic but also reduce drag, boosting driving efficiency.
While the Mercedes E-Class incorporates hidden door handles, its three-box sedan shape lacks the ET7’s sense of innovation and sportiness.
The BMW 5 Series raises the waistline with flush door handles, reinterpreting the Hofmeister kink with a stamped “5” detail. Though unique, it falls short of the ET7 in fluidity and elegance.
3. Rear Design
The ET7’s rear is layered with a vibrant, heartbeat-inspired taillight that stands out day or night. The back end exudes a strong sense of sportiness and power.
The new Mercedes E-Class starburst taillights are distinctive, but the rest of the rear lacks memorable elements and is rather plain.
The BMW 5 Series rear design resembles the new 7 Series, featuring a sleek taillight separated by chrome strips, with an “L” shape on both ends and a bold diffuser below. Although it has a sporty edge, it lacks the unique elegance of the ET7.
3. Interior Design: Modern Luxury vs. Traditional Opulence
1. Overall Style
The ET7’s interior follows the “second living room” design, using high-quality materials in a warm, inviting layout meant to make occupants feel at home on the road.
The Mercedes E-Class interior embraces a multi-screen setup that enhances its "electronic" feel, though this comes at the cost of the cozy atmosphere expected in traditional luxury cars.
The BMW 5 Series uses large screens to convey an upscale feel but retains a conventional design, lacking innovation.
2. Cabin Interaction
The ET7 has a clear functional layout, making it easy to operate, with the NIO Banyan intelligent system providing a variety of convenient features.
The BMW 5 Series still relies heavily on physical buttons, which can be handy for blind operation but feels somewhat cumbersome. The ET7’s minimalist design aligns more with modern aesthetic and usage trends.
4. Intelligent Cockpit: Technology Leading the Future of Mobility
1. Screens and System
The ET7 includes a HUD, a 10.2-inch mini LED dashboard, a 12.8-inch AMOLED central screen, and a 6.6-inch rear HDR control screen, all powered by NIO’s Banyan system. This setup delivers an immersive visual experience.
Mercedes E-Class has a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, a 14.4-inch OLED central screen, and a 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger. Despite impressive features, it lacks the ET7’s innovation and tech-savvy appeal.
The BMW 5 Series uses a 12.3-inch integrated dashboard and a 14.9-inch central screen with the latest iDrive 8.5 system, supporting 5G and OTA updates. Despite its highlights, it falls short of the ET7.
2. Audio and Entertainment Features
The ET7 comes standard with a 7.1.4 immersive sound system with 23 speakers and 1000W output, supporting Dolby Atmos. With Banyan 3.0.0. users enjoy extensive in-car entertainment options, supporting game controllers and AR/VR experiences.
Mercedes E-Class offers an optional 21-speaker Burmester system with Dolby Atmos and some third-party apps, providing some entertainment variety.
The BMW 5 Series comes with a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon system, with an option for an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system. It also offers in-car games through a partnership with AirConsole. However, it lacks the sound quality and entertainment depth of the ET7.
3. Smart Interaction
The ET7 includes a cabin sensing camera with infrared support and NOMI four-zone voice recognition for a more intuitive and personalized experience.
Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series have basic voice recognition and control functions, yet they lack the ET7's intelligence and convenience.
5. Driving Performance: Pursuit of Power and Control
1. Acceleration
The ET7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, powered by a dual-motor system with a front permanent magnet motor and a rear asynchronous motor producing 480 kW and 850 Nm of torque, providing a thrilling drive.
The fuel-powered Mercedes E-Class lacks the ET7's power; even the electric model falls short of the ET7’s performance.
BMW 5 Series’ 2.0T petrol engine performs well for its class but cannot match the ET7’s power. Its electric variant is also outpaced by the ET7.
2. Drag Coefficient and Suspension
The ET7 has a leading drag coefficient of 0.208. enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Its suspension includes a front five-link and a rear multi-link setup with standard intelligent air suspension and CDC damping control, providing comfort and control.
Mercedes E-Class has a 0.23 drag coefficient and a front and rear multi-link suspension, offering some comfort and handling but lacks the ET7's edge.
The fuel BMW 5 Series has no data on drag coefficient; its electric variant achieves a 0.23 or 0.25 coefficient depending on model. It features a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension, with an adaptive option available. However, it lags behind the ET7 overall.
6. Intelligent Driving Assistance: Combining Safety and Convenience
1. NIO ET7
NIO’s intelligent driving system aims to reduce driver fatigue and accidents. NIO Pilot users have driven 1.3 billion km, covering highways and 726 cities, making it China’s most used pilot system.
2. Mercedes E-Class
The Mercedes E-Class offers automatic lane changes, distancing from large vehicles, and point-to-point navigation, but lacks the ET7’s advanced capabilities.
3. BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series includes hands-free driving up to 136 km/h, active lane change confirmation, remote maneuvering, and a 200m automatic reversing and parking system, offering some unique functions but falls short of the ET7’s performance.
7. ET7 Advantages Summary
1. Stylish Design: A futuristic exterior/interior design with standout material quality and craftsmanship.
2. Comfort: Spacious, comfortable seating with excellent climate and air quality control.
3. Performance: Exceptional acceleration and braking with multiple driving modes.
4. Practicality: A powerful intelligent cockpit and advanced driver assistance for a convenient and safe driving experience.
In celebration of NIO's 600.000th global delivery, NIO offers a 600 million RMB subsidy for new car buyers, with up to a 3.000 RMB power-up coupon for use within NIO Power’s system.