What are the differences between NIO ES6 and EC6?
3 Answers
The differences between NIO ES6 and EC6 are as follows: The front face design of the NIO EC6 is basically identical to that of the ES6, with the only possible difference being the interior design of the grille. The EC6 uses chrome decorative strips while the ES6 does not. The traditional panoramic sunroof on the ES6 has been replaced with a panoramic glass roof on the EC6. In terms of configuration, the EC6 is unlikely to have any major differences from the ES6. Additional details: From the contour lines on the side of the body, it can be seen that the fenders and shoulder line design of the EC6 are exactly the same as those of the ES6. The biggest difference lies in the roof. The roof contour line of the EC6 starts to drop rapidly from the B-pillar all the way to the rear. Both models are equipped with two power configurations: a 160kw permanent magnet synchronous motor and a front 160kw permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with a rear 240kw AC asynchronous motor.
The main differences between the ES6 and EC6 lie in their styling and practicality. The EC6 is a coupe-style SUV with a more dynamic and fashionable design, featuring a sleeker roofline that looks particularly cool, which may appeal more to younger buyers. In contrast, the ES6 adopts a traditional SUV shape, with a boxy and imposing front end that emphasizes spaciousness, making it especially suitable for family use. In terms of dimensions, both models have similar lengths and wheelbases, but the EC6's sloping roofline affects rear headroom and trunk capacity, making it less convenient for carrying large luggage compared to the ES6. Other aspects are quite similar, such as both being electric vehicles with comparable performance specs—dual-motor all-wheel drive delivers strong acceleration and a range of around 600 kilometers. From my observations on the road, the EC6's coupe elements enhance cornering stability, but if you frequently transport passengers or cargo, the ES6's practicality wins hands down—a key consideration when choosing. Overall, both are premium NIO models, so the choice comes down to personal preference for sportiness or utility.
The performance differences are minimal, with both offering dual-motor or single-motor options, and nearly identical maximum power and torque. The EC6 is slightly more aggressively tuned, delivering a sportier driving feel. After driving the EC6, I found the acceleration more exhilarating, especially on high-speed corners, with agile chassis response and better tire grip. The ES6 leans more toward comfort, with a moderately firm yet smooth ride that filters out bumps effortlessly, making daily commutes more relaxed. In terms of range, both models offer approximately 500-600 kilometers with the same battery pack, sufficient for a week of city driving on a single charge. Space-wise, the EC6 has slightly less rear legroom and tighter headroom, while the ES6 provides a more spacious rear seat and additional storage options. The EC6 is about 10,000 RMB more expensive, but if you're not after the coupe styling, the ES6 offers better value for money. I recommend test-driving both to feel the nuanced differences in handling.