NIO Inc. has officially launched its highly anticipated FIREFLY all-electric compact car, marking a significant entry into the competitive EV market. The new model is available in two variants—”Free” and “Glow”—with starting prices of 119,800 yuan and 125,800 yuan, respectively.
The FIREFLY stands out with a striking and innovative exterior, featuring a trio-headlamp setup, dynamic taillight ring, and fluorescent capsule-style accents that contribute to its unique appearance. The vehicle also includes a floating roof, flush door handles, and bold 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant yet distinctive design.
Inside, the FIREFLY embraces a minimalist and refined interior. Customers can choose between fabric or leather seats, designed with baby-safe materials. The cabin features a 6-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch central touchscreen with a user-friendly interface. A key highlight is the removal of the central armrest between the front seats, which allows for easier lateral movement—ideal for tight parking spaces.
The FIREFLY is compact, measuring 4,003 mm in length, 1,781 mm in width, and 1,557 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,615 mm. It offers practical storage, including a 92-liter front trunk and a 335-liter rear cargo area, which can expand to 1,253 liters when the second-row seats are folded down. The vehicle also features 27 storage compartments to cater to everyday needs.
On the technology front, the FIREFLY is equipped with NIO’s proprietary smart operating system. It includes the Lumo voice assistant, capable of understanding complex commands, and a 256-color ambient lighting system. The car also offers 7.1 Dolby surround sound and a custom “Forest Morning” scent to enhance the driving experience.
Advanced driver-assistance features come standard, with 24 high-performance sensors powered by a 128TOPS computing platform. This enables the FIREFLY to offer Navigate on Pilot (NOP) for 99% of highways and urban expressways in China. Additionally, the vehicle supports wide-scene automatic parking, solving common parking challenges in tight spaces.
Safety features are a top priority for NIO, with the FIREFLY boasting impressive torsional rigidity of 35,700 Nm/deg and submarine-grade 2000 MPa rear longitudinal beams. The car also comes equipped with nine airbags and 13 active safety features, ensuring a high level of protection for both drivers and passengers.
As NIO continues to innovate in the electric vehicle space, the launch of the FIREFLY marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to deliver cutting-edge technology, design, and safety to the growing EV market.
