Tesla-bashing NIO ET5 sedan makes debut

China's Audi or BMW alternative, NIO, has launched its all-new NIO ET5 sedan that has been created to challenge the Tesla Model 3.

Based on the car-maker's latest Technology Platform 2.0, the new 2022 NIO ET5 joins the brand's current larger ET7 sedan, EC6 crossover and the ES6 and ES8 SUVs.

Launched with the choice of a 75kWh or 100kWh battery, the base ET5 has an impressive 550km range while versions with the bigger power pack can cover more than 700km between top-ups.

If that's not enough, the ET5 will have the option of a huge 150kWh battery that will be capable of exceeding 1000km on a single charge, although all the claimed ranges are set under Chinese regulations that aren't as strict as the European WLTP test.

Boosting the range, the new NIO ET5's look is said to have been honed in the wind tunnel in an effort to slash drag.

That explains the smooth look and ultra-slim headlights that feature a pair of air curtains beneath them that channel air carefully around the front wheels.

There's also an enclosed grille, pop-out door handles and a fastback rear-end design that's supplemented with a rear diffuser.

Improving stability at high speed is a subtle rear ducktail spoiler that reduces lift.

At the rear there's also a full-width LED light bar and pair of slimline tail-lights.

All versions also come with a 1.28-square-metre panoramic glass roof that's claimed to filter out 99.9 per cent of all harmful UV rays.

As standard, the ET5 comes with a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, with the smallest NIO producing a punchy 360kW and 700Nm of torque.

That allows for a 0-100km/h sprint of just 4.3 seconds.

Ensuring agile handling, the car-maker's next-gen platform features a five-link independent rear suspension.

Inside, there's a typically minimalistic cabin that get a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver and a larger 12.8-inch centrally-mounted infotainment system with 5G connectivity.

The full package of driver assistance systems on offer has yet to be revealed, but ultra-long-range roof-mounted HD LiDAR sensors are standard. This hints that Level 3 autonomous cruise control could be offered, allowing hands-off/eyes-off-the-road driving.

In China, the 75kWh ET5 has been priced from 328,000 RMB before subsidies which is around $A70,500. The same car is also offered on a subscription service from around 980 RMB ($A220).

NIO has already begun a rapid expansion of its business in Europe with a launch believed to be planned for the UK that could coincide with the ET5 (or more likely one of its SUV siblings) making its debut in Australia.