Onvo L90: New Six-Seat Electric SUV Aims to Undercut Lixiang and Aito
Chinese EV maker Nio is preparing to shake up the electric SUV market with the launch of its new flagship under the Onvo sub-brand. The Onvo L90 is a large, three-row electric crossover designed for family use, and its starting price is expected to be below 300,000 yuan, or roughly $41,900. That makes it significantly more affordable than rivals like the Lixiang L8 and Aito M9 — and a strong contender in China’s competitive EV segment.
First Look: Sleek, Smart, and Spacious
Although the L90 was officially unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, full specifications are still trickling out. The latest update came just days ago when Nio released the first images of the interior. The full spec sheet is expected to be revealed on July 10, when pre-orders officially open in China.
In terms of dimensions, the L90 measures 5145 mm in length, 1998 mm in width, and 1786 mm in height, with a generous 3110 mm wheelbase. Despite being a three-row vehicle, the layout is strictly six-seat, emphasizing comfort and space over maximum capacity. All seats come with power adjustment, and the first two rows can fully fold flat to create a sleeping area — a rare feature in this segment.
There’s no traditional instrument cluster — just like the smaller Onvo L60, the L90 uses a head-up display as the primary driver interface. Rear passengers get a large ceiling-mounted screen, while a center console includes a multi-function beverage box that can both heat and cool drinks. Additionally, the 240-liter front trunk offers more storage space than many rivals.
Power and Range: Dual-Motor Optional
The Onvo L90 will launch in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. The base model gets a single 462-hp electric motor on the rear axle. The high-performance variant will feature dual motors with a combined output of 598 hp and AWD capability. Both versions are powered by an 85-kWh battery pack.
Range estimates are solid: the rear-wheel-drive model is rated for up to 650 kilometers, while the AWD version will cover approximately 570 kilometers on a single charge, according to the Chinese CLTC cycle.
Strong Value Against Hybrid Competition
Unlike most similarly sized competitors in China, the Onvo L90 is a pure battery electric vehicle. Models like the Lixiang L8, starting from ¥321,800 ($45,000), rely on range-extending hybrid setups. The Aito M9, which is also available as a full EV, starts at ¥509,800 ($71,200), making the Onvo L90 look like a relative bargain.
Meanwhile, Lixiang is preparing to launch the fully electric Lixiang i8 later this month. Early estimates suggest a starting price around ¥400,000 ($55,900) — still notably higher than the Onvo’s base MSRP.
Built for Growth: New Factory Coming Online
To support production of the L90 and other Onvo models, Nio will soon launch its third manufacturing facility, scheduled to open in September 2025. According to Nio CEO William Li, the new plant will enhance manufacturing capacity and efficiency for the growing sub-brand.
