NIO ET5 Touring Review: an electric all-rounder for those who don’t want to choose between dynamics and practicality

The world of electric vehicles has long gone beyond experimental prototypes and niche models. Nowadays, buyers expect from EVs not only a range, but also comfort, design, user-friendly interface and… a trunk for real life. This is where the NIO ET5 Touring, an electric station wagon designed specifically for the European market, has appeared, but which is already arousing interest in […]

The model is based on the well-known ET5 sedan, but has a different purpose – to be a family-friendly, comfortable and dynamic electric car with a rather sporty character. In this review, we’ll find out what the ET5 Touring really offers, whether it has a chance to become a serious player in Ukraine, and how it stands out from the competition.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

What it looks like – understated, but with a hint of something

The NIO ET5 Touring doesn’t try to impress with a futuristic show car, as is often the case with new electric cars. Instead, it is calm, even a little reserved. But this restraint works to its advantage. The design is minimalist, with no ostentatious aggressive tuning or unnecessary decorative elements. Nevertheless, there are nuances that attract attention – narrow LED headlights with characteristic leaf-shaped daytime running lights, streamlined bonnet lines, and solid rear optics with a clear, laconic contour.

In profile, the car looks elongated but not bulky. The proportions of the body are well balanced: a long base, low roof and gently sloping silhouette create the look of a real shooting brake. A glass roof and neat roof rails add to the dynamic mood. The ground clearance does not exceed the typical city standard, so the ET5 Touring does not look like a crossover. This is exactly the case when the car speaks about itself not loudly, but confidently. It looks as if it is designed for those who do not pursue outrageousness, but appreciate visual balance and thoughtfulness.

First impression behind the wheel: very composed

Getting into the ET5 Touring gives the impression of a well-organised work environment. Everything the driver encounters is comfortable, well thought out and in its place. The steering wheel is of medium diameter and covered with high-quality material, and it fits well in the hands. The seats have a deep profile, they hold the body well but do not restrict movement. The buttons and controls are not overloaded, everything is intuitive.

The ET5 Touring’s acceleration is smooth, without jerks, but with a considerable amount of traction. The pedal response is instantaneous, as expected from a full electric car. All-wheel drive combined with two motors (front and rear axles) ensures not only stability on different surfaces, but also predictable dynamics. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 4 seconds, but it is delivered without drama. The car does not push or pull forward with fury, but simply accelerates smoothly and confidently. The car weighs more than two tonnes, and this weight is felt in a good way: it adds stability and solidity on the road.

Riding comfort – somewhere between premium and everyday use

In terms of suspension, the ET5 Touring balances the stiffness of a sports saloon with the comfort of an everyday city car. The suspension is not adaptive, but it works out the irregularities of Ukrainian roads – deep potholes, patches, tram tracks. It’s not too soft to float, but it’s not oaky like some electric cars with hard settings.

At speed, the car holds the road without nervousness, does not react sharply to gusts of wind or road slopes. When cornering, it is stable, with minimal roll, despite its considerable weight. It also doesn’t disappoint in the city: it passes potholes calmly, doesn’t cling to curbs, and braking feels predictable. The smooth ride is what sets the ET5 Touring apart from many competitors in a similar price category.

The noise insulation is worth mentioning separately. It is really good here. The cabin is comfortable both when driving in the city and on the highway at 110-130 km/h. There are minimal sounds from the suspensions, and the wind noise does not get through even with a strong side wind. This creates a sense of separation from the outside world – without the feeling of an “aquarium”.

Interior: restrained, but not ascetic

Interior. The ET5 Touring is a modern space without any pretension. There are no shiny chrome trim pieces or elaborate shapes designed to create a pseudo-luxury effect. Instead, there are practical materials that are pleasant to the touch, a logical layout and, most importantly, space.

The front seats are well supported, ventilated and heated. The dashboard is made in the form of a narrow screen in front of the driver’s eyes, and the centre console is represented by a vertical 12.8-inch display. It is not overloaded, the response to touch is fast, and the interface is laconic. There’s no need to search through ten menus to find the function you need – everything you need on the road is within easy reach.

The second row is a real plus. Thanks to the long wheelbase, there’s plenty of legroom even for tall passengers. The low roofline doesn’t feel cramped, and you can adjust the seatbacks slightly for a more comfortable seating position. Also worth mentioning are the climate control in the second row and the sockets for charging gadgets.

Among the interactive solutions, it is worth mentioning the Nomi voice assistant, which responds to driver requests, can change climate settings, control multimedia or help with the route. It doesn’t look like a gimmick, but is really integrated into the overall logic of interaction with the car.

Ability to work in everyday life: not only to drive, but also to live with it

Pros:

• A large boot that is really comfortable. The floor is flat, the backrests fold easily, and there is a cubbyhole for cables or bags.
• Roof rails – you can easily attach a roof box or a bike rack
• Charging socket on the left-hand side at the rear – making it convenient to pull up to charging stations from either side
• Comfortable keyless entry, adaptive cruise, 360-degree cameras – everything works smoothly

Points to consider:

• There is no front boot – Teslas, for example, have one, but this one doesn’t
• No physical buttons – everything’s done via the screen. You get used to it, but not straight away
• There is no official service in Ukraine – this is not yet a mainstream model on our market

Cruising range and charging: real numbers, not fantasies

The declared range of the NIO ET5 Touring in the mixed cycle is from 290 to 575 km, and in real conditions these figures are confirmed. In city mode, especially in the warm season, the car can cover more than 500 km on a single charge. On the highway, the result is more modest – about 300-340 km, which is typical for all-wheel drive electric cars with two motors. In winter, the range is expected to drop to 290-340 km, depending on speed and the use of heating.

Fast charging works really well, with a charge from 10 to 80% taking around 30 minutes at a 140 kW station. That’s the power the ET5 Touring is capable of receiving, although in reality the average speed is around 110 kW for most of the session.

For home or office use, a three-phase charging system with a capacity of up to 11 kW is available, which provides a full charge in 7-8 hours. This is suitable for overnight charging in a private home or an equipped car park.

It is also important to note that the car supports the battery preheating function, which means that the system can automatically warm up the battery before charging (especially in cold weather) to ensure a stable and high charging speed.

For those who frequently drive in the city or on long-distance routes with an existing charging network, this electric car will be quite predictable in terms of costs and convenient in planning stops.

Charging for modern electric vehicles: who we are and what we offer

We, ECOFACTOR, are working to make charging electric vehicles and hybrids throughout Ukraine as convenient as filling up a petrol car. And if you’ve already looked at the BYD Leopard 5 hybrid SUV, you’ve probably thought about access to charging infrastructure. This is where our contribution comes in.

Ours devices are fully developed and manufactured in Ukraine, in accordance with industry standards. We combine technical reliability with practicality, so charging does not require complicated steps or unnecessary equipment. This is important for owners of ET5 Touring electric cars who value convenience, quietness and confidence in every trip.

Our solutions

• Charging stations for home and business: We offer AC stations with a capacity of up to 44 kW and DC stations with a capacity of up to 420 kW, which are suitable for both private use and commercial facilities such as restaurants, offices, car parks or residential complexes.
• Mobile charging solutions: For situations where access to a fixed point is limited, we offer mobile stations that are easy to transport and use on the go.
• Online shop: In our online store you can buy cables and adapterscharging accessories, RFID cards for accessing stations and other equipment that helps make the charging process simple and secure.
• A platform for operators: We have created a convenient tool for managing the network of stations – with the ability to track energy consumption, set tariffs, control billing and quickly add new stations to the network.
• Mobile application: Our app for iOS and Android helps users to find charging points, monitor the charging process and pay for sessions via smartphone. The app includes map of charging stationswhere you can see real-time statuses and select the nearest point.

We don’t just sell equipment – we’re creating an ecosystem where electric cars become a convenient part of everyday life. Owners of cars such as the NIO ET5 Touring can charge their vehicles at home, at work or on the road without any hassle.

We understand that modern drivers value time, so all our solutions – from the online store to the app – are designed with simplicity in mind. Nothing superfluous, just functionality that is actually used every day.

Driving technology: can do more than it looks like

The car is equipped with the NAD system – a Level 2 autonomous driving platform. It includes:

• adaptive cruise control
• staying in the lane
• automatic parking
• Pedestrian and cyclist recognition system

And there are also 33 sensors, including lidar, cameras and radars. Under the bonnet is a computer powered by NVIDIA Orin X chips – yes, the very same ones found in top-of-the-range gaming systems.

This means that the car really does ‘see’ its surroundings. And even in the dark or in the rain, it doesn’t brake for no reason. But for now, all of this works as a driver-assistance feature, rather than a fully-fledged autopilot.

Who is this car for

The NIO ET5 Touring isn’t a car for just one season, and it’s certainly not a ‘trial’ option. It’s designed for those who take their choice seriously, who see a car not just as a means of transport, but as part of their lifestyle. This is a car for people who want to break free from the usual mould – who refuse to compromise between practicality and performance, or between comfort and technology.

The ET5 Touring will do the trick:

• For those who want an electric car without all the fuss, but with character: There’s no aggressive design or flashy badges here. It’s a understated style with a hint of confidence. And at the same time – all-wheel drive, quick acceleration and modern driving systems.
• For families who value space in the cabin and boot: There’s plenty of room for child seats, suitcases, groceries and even a bike on the roof. The second row is comfortable, and the boot isn’t just spacious, but also practical for everyday use.
• For people who often drive in the city and on the motorway: the power reserve means you don’t have to worry when driving around town, whilst the performance and quietness in the city are simply a joy. And one more thing: you don’t get tired at the wheel, even after 400 km.
• For those who are tired of crossovers but want versatility: this car offers a lower ride height, better road holding and lower aerodynamic drag – whilst retaining everything people love about crossovers: boot space, roominess and comfort.

This car isn’t an impulse buy. It’s for those who weigh things up, analyse their options and aren’t afraid of new brands. Those who’ve already tried ‘all the well-known makes’ but want something different – something more flexible, smarter and more practical. The ET5 Touring is exactly that.

Results.

The NIO ET5 Touring is an electric car that doesn’t play on emotions, but simply does the job well. It doesn’t impress with a flashy design or experimental features, but it does convey a sense of confidence, stability and thoughtfulness in every detail. It combines the comfort of an everyday car with the dynamism of a sports car, whilst its large boot and spacious interior make it ideal even for family trips.

It will fit right in on Ukrainian roads – thanks to its range, high-quality suspension and modern driver-assistance systems. This isn’t a flashy car, but a sensible choice for those who already know what they want from an electric vehicle. And if the charging infrastructure – in particular the ECOFACTOR network – continues to develop at this pace, it will only be a matter of time before the ET5 Touring appears on our roads.

Frequently asked questions