Tesla Model Y vs. NIO ES6 is a comparison many EV enthusiasts may not expect, especially when one of the contenders is a car you’ve likely never seen before. The NIO ES6 is an all-electric SUV that often flies under the radar outside China, yet it sits in the same premium EV category as the Audi e-tron, Model X, and Mercedes-Benz EQC, and even overlaps with the space occupied by Tesla’s popular offerings.
NIO is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that’s far more established than many realise. You may have spotted the brand through its involvement in Formula E, a clear sign that this isn’t just another startup chasing trends. With the ES6, NIO presents a serious challenge to the Tesla Model Y, positioning it as a capable, tech-heavy alternative in the same segment.
From design and body shape to overall intent, both the Model Y and the ES6 target buyers looking for a practical yet premium electric SUV. Let’s compare them closely and see which one offers better value, and more importantly, who each car is really for.
NIO ES6
From its exterior looks, you’ll definitely know that it’s a modern EV car. The minimal looks, lightbar LEDs, and Tesla-like door handles definitely throw an EV vibe. The straight belt line in the side profile makes it look modern and clean. Although it doesn’t look sporty or youthful from any side, it is an elegant EV car for boomers.
Coming to the interior, we think it’s better than the Model Y. It uses all leather, which stretches from the dashboard to the seats and center console. It also has three-zone climate control, two for the front and one for the rear.
The battery size comes in two packs: 75-kWh and 100-kWh. The smaller one claims a range of 490 km, and the larger one lasts for 625 km.
Besides that the car has got some good ADAS features, 33 sensors in total and seven cameras on the roof with LiDar, and to process that, it got Nvidia’s Orin-X chip with 1016 TOPS.
The drive quality is also great, not too good, but perfect for in-city and long highways.
Tesla Model Y
Model Y is also a great car, and the first choice when we think about an EV. It’s a B-segment crossover, very compact and just a bit bigger than Model 3 in height and ground clearance.
Just like every Tesla car, it follows the same language and exactly the same stylings, everyone will know that it’s a Tesla car from the 1st look. Sit inside and nothing is much different. It’s the same Tesla interior in which all controls are controlled by one TV like infotainment and there are two programmable buttons on the steering wheel.
The battery pack is 60 kWh that gives you a range of 290 Km. And, don’t forget it’s a Tesla, their battery infrastructure is superb in the UAE and it’s the thing that no other brand can compete with.
This car might not be the best option that you can buy out there, but a good option to consider if you like the practicality and infrastructure of Tesla.
Here’s a 1-1 comparison:
Engine & Performance
Here’s the engine and performance specs:
| Specs | Model Y | ES6 |
| Powertrain | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive |
| Battery Capacity | 75 kWh or 100 kWh options | 75 kWh or 100 kWh options |
| Range (EPA est.) | Up to 330 miles | Up to 360 miles (NEDC) |
| Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 3.5 seconds (Performance model) | 4.7 seconds (100 kWh version) |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (Performance model) | 124 mph |
Interior
Here’re the interior specs:
| Specs | Model Y | ES6 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 or 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Display | 15-inch central touchscreen | 11.3-inch central touchscreen |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
| Cargo Space | 68 cu ft | 584 liters (20.6 cu ft) |
| Interior Materials | Premium synthetic materials with optional upgrades | High-quality materials with customizable color themes |
| Audio System | 14-speaker premium audio system | 12-speaker audio system with 5.1 surround sound |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone automatic climate control | Tri-zone automatic climate control |
Safety Features
Here’s the 1-1 comparison:
| Specs | Model Y | ES6 |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Side Collision Warning | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Autopilot with Adaptive Cruise Control; Full Self-Driving available as option | NIO Pilot with Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Autonomous Emergency Steering | Available with Full Self-Driving package | Yes |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | Yes (with Autopilot) | Yes |
| Parking Assistance | Automatic parking (parallel and perpendicular) | Automatic parking |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Yes | Yes |
| 360-Degree Camera | No | Yes |
| Surround View Monitor | Optional with Full Self-Driving | Yes |
| Driver Drowsiness Detection | No | Yes |
| Pedestrian Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Crash Test Rating | 5-star overall NHTSA rating | 5-star C-NCAP rating |
Conclusion
Both cars compete with each other in terms of specs, segment and interior details. However, Model Y has got an edge for being a Tesla car. As Tesla has got better infrastructure, more battery charging stations and overall customer support is lot better in Tesla than compared to NIO.
If you want to read the full comparison of Tesla Model Y vs. NIO ES6, follow the Arabwheels blogs.
