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4.0<\/span> out of 5<\/span><\/p>\n This is the second generation of EL6, but the first destined for Europe, and designed with an eye on Western tastes. It\u2019s a smart looking thing, nicely proportioned with clean lines. Certainly much less fussy than the Mercedes, although we\u2019re going to have to get used to the Nio\u2019s roof-mounted sensors that might get people trying to hail you down if you opt for one in black.<\/p>\n But it\u2019s the interior that will win hearts; it\u2019s a triumph of minimalist design, comforting materials and strong quality \u2013 we particularly liked the vegan leather covering the seriously comfortable seats.<\/p>\n Our EL6 came with the bigger 100kWh battery with a claimed range of 328 miles. That\u2019s nothing groundbreaking \u2013 and nor is the maximum charging speed of \u2018around 182 kW\u2019. But who needs fast charging when you can simply switch out the empty battery instead?<\/p>\n Driving dynamics are a mixed bag. We really liked how easy it is to drive, first selecting Comfort mode where the steering is light and performance good enough. If you want to go for the 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds you\u2019ll have to cycle through Sport to Sport+ mode, while there\u2019s also an Eco setting, or you can customise things yourself. To make the most of the EL6\u2019s four-wheel drive system, there are various off-road modes, too.<\/p>\n There are so many ways to personalise the car, as well \u2013 from lights, to the driver assistance features. So many, in fact, you\u2019ll need a good hour or so to set the car up \u2013 like you would with a new computer.<\/p>\n You can also opt for a smaller 75kWh battery with a range of 252 miles, which offers the same performance and saves 20kg in weight. That, and standard 20-inch wheels rather than the 21s of our test car, may take the edge off a slightly firm (and occasionally noisy) ride, although it\u2019s still better than a Polestar or a Tesla.<\/p>\n Currently Nio is aiming at a \u201clate 2024\u201d on-sale date in the UK, although that may slip \u2013 getting the battery-swap stations in place is key to that. That means we\u2019ll have to wait a little longer for official pricing, though the EL6 starts at \u20ac65,500 (\u00a357,076) in Germany. Nio expects to lease most of its cars, though, which will bring the battery swapping boons into play with, potentially, a couple of free swaps per month before additional costs.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--gFUsqUmk--\/f_auto,t_content-image-full-mobile@1\/v1697791503\/autoexpress\/2023\/10\/Nio%20EL6%20road%20test-3.jpg\")
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\n Model:<\/td>\n Nio EL6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Price:<\/td>\n From \u00a357,000 (est)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Powertrain:<\/td>\n 100kWh battery, 2 x e-motor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Power\/torque:<\/td>\n 483bhp\/700Nm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transmission:<\/td>\n Single-speed automatic, four-wheel drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 0\u201362mph:<\/td>\n 4.5 seconds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Top speed:<\/td>\n 124mph<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Range\/charging:<\/td>\n 328 miles \/ c.182kW (10-80% in 40 mins est)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n On sale:<\/td>\n Late 2024<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n