New middle-class rival also in Germany: Next e-car shock for BMW and Co.?

The passenger car market is highly competitive.

More and more foreign suppliers are increasing the pressure on German manufacturers.

Now a Chinese brand is targeting BMW and Co. in this country.

Munich - The Chinese car market has long been considered a lucrative region for German manufacturers with the prospect of good sales figures.

Hardly any other nation has experienced such a steep economic upswing in the past few decades as the Middle Kingdom.

However, German brands have been struggling with problems in China for some time: Chinese suppliers are crowding out foreign competition, especially in the rapidly growing market for electric cars.

Nio ET5: Chinese competition for BMW, Tesla and Co.

To the displeasure of BMW, VW and Co., however, this competition is increasingly spilling over into the home country.

In recent years, Tesla has been the best-selling electric car in Germany with its mid-range models Model 3 (2021) and Model Y (2022).

There is a risk of further trouble from Chinese providers, who are increasingly also trying to attract customers in Europe. 

In April 2023, Nio will launch the ET5 mid-size sedan in Germany.

The new car could potentially hit as well as the Tesla Model 3 a few years ago. But is that realistic?

The newcomer from the Far East has an enormous pound in terms of range in its luggage. 

The coupé-like, elegant sedan from Nio is not only targeting the successful Tesla model (ten centimeters shorter) but also the BMW i4 (the same length at 4.78 m): the ET5 has an impressive battery with an output of 150 kWh, which should enable a range of up to 1000 kilometers.

However, it is based on the Chinese test cycle (CLTC), while the WLTP values ​​according to the European standard are still unknown (March 2023).

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The Chinese manufacturer Nio is also launching the ET5 mid-size sedan in Germany.

© IMAGO/Daniel Ren

BMW rival Nio launches electric mid-range – change or charge the battery

However, according to reports, the most powerful model will not be available in Germany until 2024.

Alternatively - and these variants are available earlier - the middle class can be bought with two smaller batteries: with 75 or 100 kilowatt hours, with ranges of 550 or 700 km.

A special feature that Nio will have over local providers: in addition to classic quick charging, battery changing stations play an important role: the battery can be changed with five-minute service stops before the journey continues.

So far there are only three such "Power Swap Stations" in Germany, but the expansion is progressing.

The Nio concept means that the battery is purchased separately for an additional charge when the vehicle is purchased.

The smallest battery costs 12,000 euros, for the larger 100 kWh power dispenser 21,000 euros are due.

The performance data of the ET5: 489 hp, all-wheel drive and a top speed of 200 km/h).

While other German rivals such as Mercedes, VW and the subsidiary Audi do not yet have an electric sedan in the middle class, a station wagon variant will soon be available in China, which should also come to Germany in the medium term.

Charging an electric car: These ten go the furthest after 20 minutes

Charging an electric car: These ten go the furthest after 20 minutes

Chinese competition to BMW and Co.?

Nio also offers battery rental

Including the start of sales of the Nio ET5, the Chinese car manufacturer Nio is now represented in Germany with three models: the upper class ET7 and the premium SUV EL7 are expanding the range.

The model that is now starting in the middle class, the ET5, should have the best sales opportunities.

How are its chances to be assessed?

With regard to the price, the novelty from Asia does not seem to be cheap, especially the separate purchase of the battery could deter local customers, because the base price is just under 60,000 euros. 

Alternatively, the battery can be rented, which reduces the financial outlay: The energy storage device then costs 169 euros (75 kWh) or 289 euros (100 kWh) per month.

Purchasing the dynamic electric sedan could also be worth considering by leasing.

In terms of charging capacity, however, there is room for improvement with the Nio ET5: 11 (AC) or 130 kilowatts (DC) are average values ​​that the electric cars of the competition (BMW or Volvo) can trump.

In return, the new competitor in Germany grants a new car guarantee that provides buyers with five-year protection.

Those who value innovative infotainment should not be disappointed by Nio: high-tech, including the latest generation of driver assistance programs, are already in the basic model, and there is also an impressive, digital cockpit with a panoramic view and ambient lighting with 256 colors.

As far as safety is concerned, the car brand from the Middle Kingdom is also striving for the optimum: the target - but not yet confirmed - is five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.

List of rubrics: © IMAGO/Daniel Ren