In a viral video that’s taking the internet by storm, China’s NIO ET9 electric sedan has left car enthusiasts and luxury vehicle giants reeling. The flagship EV, equipped with a groundbreaking active suspension system, glides over speed bumps with yacht-like smoothness, while industry titans BMW and Audi struggle to keep up. This stunning display of engineering prowess signals a seismic shift in the automotive world, with Chinese innovation challenging the dominance of German luxury brands. Buckle up as we dive into why the NIO ET9 is rewriting the rules of luxury driving.
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The Viral Showdown: NIO ET9 vs. BMW and Audi
A video posted by @NoContextHumans on X on August 31, 2025, has racked up millions of views, showing the NIO ET9 navigating a series of asymmetrical speed bumps with jaw-dropping stability. The car’s body remains virtually motionless, a testament to its SkyRide intelligent chassis system, while a BMW 7 Series and an Audi A8 bounce and sway noticeably on the same course. The contrast is stark: the NIO ET9 looks like it’s floating on air, while the German luxury sedans appear to struggle with body roll and cabin disturbance.
This test, conducted in China, has sparked heated debates online. Some call it a game-changer, with comments like, “I don’t understand why anyone in China would buy anything but NIO!” Others question the fairness, noting that the BMW and Audi might have been set to sport mode, which prioritizes handling over comfort. Regardless, the visual impact is undeniable, and the NIO ET9’s performance is turning heads globally.
SkyRide: The Tech Behind the Magic
At the heart of the NIO ET9’s dominance is its SkyRide fully active suspension system, developed in collaboration with Boston-based ClearMotion, a company NIO has heavily invested in. Unlike traditional suspensions, SkyRide uses electro-hydraulic actuators at each wheel, powered by high-speed hydraulic pumps that adjust up to 1,000 times per second. This allows the ET9 to respond to road imperfections in just one millisecond, reducing in-cabin motion by up to 75% compared to conventional systems.
The system builds on Bose’s electromagnetic suspension concept from the 1990s, once deemed too complex for production. ClearMotion’s innovation, called ClearMotion1, simplifies the setup with a single electrical connector per wheel, eliminating external hydraulics. NIO showcased this tech’s flair by driving the ET9 over bumps with a tower of 14 champagne glasses on its hood—none spilled. Another viral moment saw the ET9 “dancing” to music and shaking off snow, proving its suspension’s versatility.
The ET9 also integrates cloud-connected HD maps of Chinese roads, enabling predictive adjustments before the wheels even touch a bump. This fusion of real-time data and lightning-fast actuators makes the ET9 feel like a “yacht on wheels,” as one YouTube reviewer described it.
NIO ET9: A Luxury Powerhouse
Priced at 788,000 yuan (about $108,800), the NIO ET9 is no budget EV—it’s a direct shot at the Mercedes EQS, BMW i7, and Audi A8. Launched in December 2024, it sold out its limited First Edition of 999 units in just 12 hours. Powered by a 900V electrical architecture—the world’s first in mass production—it delivers 697 horsepower from dual motors and a 650 km (404 miles) CLTC range with a 100 kWh battery. Its steer-by-wire technology and rear-wheel steering, with an 8.3° turning angle, make it agile despite its 5,325 mm length.
Inside, the ET9 screams luxury with Nappa leather, a 2800W 35-speaker sound system, and dual LCDs. Its “Active Defense” safety feature uses the suspension to adjust ride height during an impending collision, a world-first for occupant protection. These innovations helped the ET9 outsell the BMW 7 Series (761 units) and Audi A8 (649 units) in China in April 2025, with 835 units delivered.
BMW and Audi: Caught Off Guard?
BMW and Audi are no strangers to advanced suspensions. Audi’s e-tron and Porsche’s Taycan feature sophisticated systems, and BMW’s 7 Series offers adaptive air suspensions. However, the viral test suggests the NIO ET9’s SkyRide system may outshine them in comfort-focused scenarios. Critics on Reddit argue the German cars might have been in sport mode, which stiffens suspensions for handling, not comfort. One user noted, “Switch to Comfort mode, and you’ll have a softer suspension.” Others point out that the ET9’s taller body allows for longer suspension travel, giving it an edge in this test.
Still, the optics are damaging. BMW’s biggest market is China, where it faces growing competition from domestic EV makers. NIO’s CEO, William Li, boldly predicted that foreign brands will continue losing market share as Chinese EVs like the ET9 lead in electrification and smart tech. With premium car sales in China (electric and petrol) totaling 3.47 million units last year, and EVs making up 27%, the stakes are high.
The Bigger Picture: China’s Automotive Ascent
The NIO ET9’s viral moment is more than a suspension flex—it’s a symbol of China’s rapid rise in the global auto industry. Once known for low-quality clones, Chinese carmakers are now innovating at breakneck speed. The ET9’s tech, from its 5 nm Shenji autonomous driving chip to its battery-swapping system, showcases China’s edge in EVs. NIO’s network of 3,275 Power Swap stations lets owners swap batteries in three minutes, easing range anxiety.
While the ET9 is unlikely to hit U.S. roads soon due to tariffs and market barriers, its tech could influence global brands. ClearMotion’s suspension system, made in the U.S., might find its way into Western vehicles, flipping the narrative of Chinese cars as mere copycats. As one Reddit user put it, “The Chinese car industry now has big legacy brands looking to it for high-tech luxury solutions.”
Why This Matters
The NIO ET9’s viral test isn’t just about a smooth ride—it’s a wake-up call for the auto industry. With Chinese EV makers like NIO challenging BMW, Audi, and Mercedes in their own premium segment, the balance of power is shifting. Social media is buzzing with reactions, from awe (“This is the future!”) to skepticism (“Is this test rigged?”). Regardless, the ET9 has put the world on notice: Chinese innovation is here to stay.
For more updates on cutting-edge EV tech, follow trusted sources like Wisdom Imbibe and NIO’s official website.
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