Is the NIO ET5 worth buying in 2026?
The ET5 (and ET5 Touring wagon) is NIO's D-segment sedan and estate. It targets Model 3, BMW i4 and Polestar 2 buyers who want a premium experience without a premium markup.
Powertrain and range
Dual-motor 360 kW (150 kW front + 210 kW rear) as standard — no cheaper single-motor version.
75 kWh (485 km WLTP) or 100 kWh (560 km WLTP) NCM pack. A 150 kWh semi-solid pack is available in China via swap and rolling out in Europe from H2 2026.
Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS)
You can buy the car without the battery and subscribe monthly (~€169 for 75 kWh, €289 for 100 kWh in Germany). This cuts sticker price by €12–21k and includes swap-station access.
For high-mileage drivers, swap (3 minutes vs 25 minutes DC) is transformative on long trips; for low-mileage drivers, BaaS is usually more expensive than fast-charging.
Interior and driving
Air suspension is not offered on the ET5 (it is on ET7 / EL7). Steel springs are well-damped; the ET5 is more agile than the larger ET7 but firmer at low speed.
Interior uses microfibre 'Karuun' rattan and vegan leather. Fit is excellent; the panoramic roof is fixed glass with no shade — a real weakness in hot climates.
- 01Premium D-segment sedan with legitimate driving credentials.
- 02BaaS + swap network is unique — worth it only if you can use swap stations regularly.
- 03Consider ET5 Touring for family use; interior room is Passat-class.
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