The Nio ET5 Touring, first launched in mid-2023 because the model’s first property mannequin, rapidly stood out for mixing electrical efficiency with on a regular basis practicality. For 2025, Nio has given it 500 updates within the areas that matter most for long-term possession. The refreshed mannequin retains its dual-motor AWD structure and distinctive capturing brake proportions. Nonetheless, it advantages from improved journey consolation, quieter cabin acoustics, enhanced assisted driving options, and a extra responsive in-car system. These refinements rework the ET5 Touring right into a extra mature, well-rounded product that feels purpose-built for each day use and spirited driving.
We are going to take a deep dive into Nio ET5 Touring 2025 on this week’s Sunday China Drive.
Exterior
Visually, the modifications are refined, principally centred across the entrance finish. The up to date headlights are extra three-dimensional and adaptive, providing improved visibility and a sharper lighting signature. A brand new LED strip and black trim beneath the entrance bumper add a little bit of character, whereas the wheels now are available a contemporary dual-tone “five-spoke fan blade” design.
Regardless of the restrained aesthetic revisions, some considerate upgrades go unnoticed. The entrance windshield now encompasses a new thermal insulation coating that performs almost on par with aftermarket tint movies, whereas nonetheless passing authorized mild transmission requirements. It’s a reminder that whereas Nio saved the bodywork acquainted, they’ve been busy refining the place it issues most.
Inside
Inside, the updates are much more obvious and significant. The vertically oriented central display is gone, changed by a wide-format horizontal unit—borrowed from Nio’s flagship fashions—that dramatically improves the person interface, notably when multitasking between navigation and system capabilities. The stylish gear selector on the centre console can be gone, changed by a extra conventional steering-wheel gear selector. The supplies really feel extra premium, however the seats mark essentially the most vital leap ahead.
Lengthy-legged drivers rejoice: the seat cushions are longer and extra supportive and supply thigh help worthy of European sport-tourers. Nio added a 14-way adjustment and upgraded the froth padding for higher posture and long-distance consolation. Within the earlier model, the driving force’s seat was comparatively excessive, even at its lowest place, making you’re feeling such as you have been behind the wheel of an SUV. The refreshed mannequin has corrected this and permits the driving force to take a seat in a decrease place. The rear seatbacks acquired the identical consideration, with improved cushioning and a flat flooring, making the ET5 Touring much more nice for passengers.
Storage-wise, the Touring continues to shine. With 529 litres of cargo house behind the second row and as much as 1,687 litres when folded flat, it accommodates every thing from sports activities gear to small furnishings. The 4/2/4 break up additionally makes it sensible for longer gadgets. One intelligent addition: the brand new magnetic mounts behind each entrance seats enable for simple placement of tablets or telephones, which are perfect for rear-seat leisure or engaged on the go.
Driving Expertise
Essentially the most transformative upgrades are below the pores and skin. Nio has outfitted the ET5 Touring with CDC (Constantly Damping Management) adaptive suspension and hydraulic bushings on the rear subframe. Gone is the marginally floaty, comfortable really feel of the earlier mannequin. Instead is a dynamic stability between consolation and assured highway holding.
The steering really feel has improved noticeably. Extra weight, higher suggestions, and diminished artificiality supply a more in-depth connection between the driving force and the chassis. Mixed with the stiffer suspension setup and refined chassis calibration, the ET5 Touring now gives a extra poised and communicative drive, whether or not cruising on highways or carving mountain roads.
A number of drive modes allow you to tailor the expertise. Notably, Nio has added a “drift mode,” which turns the dual-motor AWD system right into a rear-wheel-drive setup, full with adjustable stability controls and rear axle torque distribution. A “mountain mode” and a versatile EPM interface enable mix-and-match configuration of suspension stiffness, energy response, and steering weight.
Even in consolation mode, the automotive stays composed over bumps and pace humps, because of the CDC’s quick real-time damping changes. If you happen to’re travelling with household, that consolation interprets to a smoother, extra enjoyable journey. However dial it as much as sport or customized, and the Touring comes alive—with tighter physique management, diminished roll, and sharper transitions by way of corners.
Noise insulation has additionally been enhanced. Mixed with the improved seat supplies and air suspension refinement, the cabin expertise is now extra serene and upscale, particularly at freeway speeds.
Verdict
The refreshed Nio ET5 Touring is a textbook case of learn how to execute a significant mid-cycle replace. It doesn’t depend on visible drama or headline-grabbing powertrain modifications. As an alternative, it focuses on what issues: the standard of your each day drive, the connection you’re feeling behind the wheel, and the minor however essential enhancements in consolation and value.
Whereas it could not sway those that count on a radically completely different exterior, the 2025 ET5 Touring rewards those that worth substance over flash. The brand new adaptive suspension and reworked chassis convey a welcome dose of maturity to the driving expertise. The upgraded seats and cabin tech shut the consolation hole between the ET5 Touring and pricier luxurious EVs. And with all of this wrapped into what stays one of the crucial versatile and handsome electrical wagons available on the market, Nio has created a compelling evolution of their most accessible efficiency touring mannequin.
This isn’t only a refresh—it’s a recalibration of what the ET5 Touring will be. Keep tuned for subsequent week’s Sunday China Drive at Automotive Information China, the place you possibly can learn extra first-person evaluations of Chinese language vehicles.
