Nio has launched the Nio limited-edition ET9 to celebrate a major achievement: producing its 1-millionth vehicle. The company released the special model today with a starting price of RMB 818,000 (about $117,070)—6.51% higher than the standard ET9’s base price of RMB 768,000.
Only nine units will ever exist. Nio offers three exclusive exterior themes, with exactly three cars per design. To highlight its significance, the automaker has printed “1,000,000” on multiple body panels and interior surfaces.
Nio first revealed the Nio limited-edition ET9 yesterday at its F2 factory in Hefei during the rollout of its millionth car. Although the event showcased the model, the company held back pricing details until today’s official launch.
Buyers receive the same premium benefits as other ET9 owners, including 10 years of free battery swaps. This aligns with Nio’s strategy of pairing luxury with its unique battery-as-a-service ecosystem.
The company introduced the ET9 at Nio Day 2024 on December 21, 2024, and began deliveries in late March 2025. Nio positions this flagship sedan to compete with ultra-luxury rivals like the Mercedes-Maybach. It stands as one of the most expensive vehicles ever built by a Chinese automaker.
Later in 2025, Nio expanded the lineup. On September 20, it launched the ET9 Horizon Edition with unlimited availability. Then, in November, it added new color options to strengthen the sedan’s executive appeal.
However, sales have slowed since an early spike. Deliveries hit 810 units in April 2025 but dropped sharply afterward. From March to November 2025, Nio delivered only 2,400 ET9s in total. Recent months average around 100 units—suggesting limited mass appeal despite its prestige.
Nio designed the Nio limited-edition ET9 not for volume but as a symbolic collector’s item. With just nine units, it creates urgency and exclusivity among loyal fans and early adopters.
This move reflects Nio’s broader vision: combine engineering with emotional storytelling. While mainstream EVs compete on price and range, Nio targets top-tier buyers who value legacy, innovation, and rarity.
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