NIO ET5 vs Audi e-tron
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | NIO ET5 | Audi e-tron | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 489 | 408 | +19.9% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 700 | 664 | +5.4% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 14.0 | 22.4 | -37.5% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $44,520 | $87,372 | -49.0% |
- NIO ET5 makes about 20% more power (489 vs 408 hp).
- NIO ET5 is the more efficient EV, using 14.0 kWh/100km against 22.4.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (China and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: ET5 or e-tron?
NIO ET5 advantages
- Engine power (+17%)
- Pulling torque (+5%)
- Energy efficiency (+38%)
- Affordability (+49%)
Audi e-tron advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the NIO ET5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the NIO ET5 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
NIO ET5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
NIO ET5 vs Audi e-tron: which should you choose?
NIO ET5 (2025 Facelift 75kWh) — electric sedan with 489 hp and 700 Nm, rated at 14 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $44,520 in the China market.
Audi e-tron (2020 e-tron 55 quattro) — electric suv with 408 hp and 664 Nm, rated at 22.4 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $87,372 in the Germany market.
NIO ET5 vs Audi e-tron: NIO ET5 is more powerful. NIO ET5 makes about 20% more power (489 vs 408 hp). NIO ET5 is the more efficient EV, using 14.0 kWh/100km against 22.4.
Performance
The NIO ET5 is the more powerful, at 489 hp against 408 hp, with 700 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a single-speed transmission.
Running costs
The NIO ET5 is the more efficient EV, drawing 14.0 kWh/100km against 22.4 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
NIO ET5 is rated 5 stars by C-NCAP and Audi e-tron 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The NIO ET5 lists lower at about $44,520 (USD-converted from the China 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 ET5 better than the Audi e-tron?
NIO ET5 is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. NIO ET5 makes about 20% more power (489 vs 408 hp).
What is the main difference between the NIO ET5 and the Audi e-tron?
NIO ET5 makes about 20% more power (489 vs 408 hp). NIO ET5 is the more efficient EV, using 14.0 kWh/100km against 22.4.
Which is better value?
NIO ET5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the NIO ET5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the NIO ET5 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.