Essentially China's answer to Tesla, Nio is best known for producing the astonishing 1,342-hp Nio EP9 electric supercar, which set the fastest EV lap time at the Nurburgring. However, the company also makes electric vehicles designed for the mass market such as the ES8 SUV. Now, the automaker has launched a new midsize electric SUV: the ES6. Billed as a "high-performance, long-range, smart electric SUV," the ES6 targets a more affordable segment than its larger ES8 sibling.

A dual-motor setup offers up to 536 hp and electric all-wheel drive in the range-topping Performance version. This isn't a conventional setup though, as the ES6 uses a high-efficiency permanent magnet motor with an output of 215 hp and a high-performance induction motor that produces 322 hp.

The former is designed for medium and low-speed daily driving, while the latter provides brisk acceleration and high speed. According to Nio, the ES6 is the world's first EV that uses a PM motor and IM motor, which the automaker claims is a highly efficient combination that reduces costs and offers strong power.

With this innovative setup, the ES6 can sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 124 mph. An optional 84 kWh battery pack also provides a driving range of 317 miles according to the NEDC test procedure. A smaller 70 kWh unit from the ES8 is offered as standard.

The SUV's bodywork is made entirely of aerospace-grade aluminum while some structural parts of the chassis are built from high-strength carbon fiber. In terms of design, the ES6 looks very similar to the ES8 but is slightly shorter, narrower, and has a smaller wheelbase, although there's still plenty of room for passengers in either five- or seven-seat configurations.

Inside, the cabin features a massive touchscreen powered by the NOMI in-car AI system, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, sports seats, and Microfiber suede headliner. A Lounge Seat, nappa leather interior, and an intelligent fragrance system are also optional. Pricing for the Nio ES6 starts at RMB 358,000 (around $51,800), while the range-topping 400kW version starts from RMB 398,000 (around $57,600) with the 70kWh battery, and RMB 448,000 ($64,850) with the 84kWh battery. Customer deliveries will begin in China in June 2019.