NIO ES8 vs Tesla Model S
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | NIO ES8 | Tesla Model S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 653 | 670 | -2.5% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 850 | 949 | -10.4% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 19.5 | 17.5 | +11.4% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 5★ (NHTSA) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Single-speed | 1-Speed Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $83,720 | $76,500 | +9.4% |
- Tesla Model S makes about 3% more power (670 vs 653 hp).
- Tesla Model S is the more efficient EV, using 17.5 kWh/100km against 19.5.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (China and US); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: ES8 or Model S?
NIO ES8 advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
Tesla Model S advantages
- Pulling torque (+10%)
- Energy efficiency (+10%)
- Affordability (+9%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Tesla Model S if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
Tesla Model S delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
NIO ES8 vs Tesla Model S: which should you choose?
NIO ES8 (2025 Executive Edition 100kWh (Gen 3)) — electric suv with 653 hp and 850 Nm, rated at 19.5 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $83,720 in the China market.
Tesla Model S (2026 Dual Motor AWD) — electric sedan with 670 hp and 949 Nm, rated at 17.5 kWh/100km, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $76,500 in the US market.
NIO ES8 vs Tesla Model S: Tesla Model S is more powerful. Tesla Model S makes about 3% more power (670 vs 653 hp). Tesla Model S is the more efficient EV, using 17.5 kWh/100km against 19.5.
Performance
The Tesla Model S is the more powerful, at 670 hp against 653 hp, with 949 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a 1-speed automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Tesla Model S is the more efficient EV, drawing 17.5 kWh/100km against 19.5 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
NIO ES8 is rated 5 stars by C-NCAP and Tesla Model S 5 stars by NHTSA. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Tesla Model S lists lower at about $76,500 (USD-converted from the US market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NIO ES8 better than the Tesla Model S?
Tesla Model S is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. Tesla Model S makes about 3% more power (670 vs 653 hp).
What is the main difference between the NIO ES8 and the Tesla Model S?
Tesla Model S makes about 3% more power (670 vs 653 hp). Tesla Model S is the more efficient EV, using 17.5 kWh/100km against 19.5.
Which is better value?
Tesla Model S delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Tesla Model S if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.