NIO EL6 - TESTED 26.9.23. TANNIS BUGT, DENMARK ON SALE LATE 2024 (EST)

New family SUV from Chinese EV specialist is overflowing with innovation

- VICKY PARROTT

W e should start here by pointing out that you can't buy the Nio EL6 in the UK. Not yet, anyway.

However, Nio has already started selling cars in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden and a UK offensive is highly likely before the end of 2024, with this 4.85-metre-long family SUV set to be one of the Chinese EV specialist's launch models.

It's hard not to draw comparisons between the EL6 and the supersmooth, computer-mouse styling that Tesla has made its own, although there's more than a hint of Hyundai at the front. Sleek and inoffensive yet generic just about sums it up, although that camera housing above the windscreen is distinctive, if perhaps not in a flattering way. Taxi, anyone?

The EL6 sits on Nio's new NT2.0 platform and offers two lithium ion battery options: a 75kWh pack and a 100kWh pack, good for a range of 252 or 329 miles respectively.

Charging is capped at 140kW for the smaller battery and 180kW for the bigger one, as used by our test car. That's a way off Tesla, Hyundai and Kia rates but still roughly on a par with many alternative EVs.

Anyway, Nio also has its patented battery-swapping technology, so the EL6's battery can be changed out for a fresh, fully charged pack in around five minutes at one of Nio's special roadside swap stations.

The company has 120 of these planned for installation across mainland Europe and intends to have several here ahead of its launch - although we can't help but feel that the UK's notoriously awkward road infrastructure and planning laws might prove something of a challenge. Good luck to them.

The EL6 has a 201bhp induction motor at the front and a 282bhp synchronous motor at the back for permanent four-wheel drive and a combined output of 483bhp.

There's also standard adaptive damping and no fewer than nine driving modes.