The electric vehicle landscape just got more exciting with NIO’s latest offering through its Onvo brand. The L90 SUV isn’t just another electric vehicle—it’s a thoughtfully designed family hauler that challenges everything we thought we knew about large electric SUVs.
What Makes the Onvo L90 Special?
When you first see the L90, its imposing presence is undeniable. Stretching over 5 meters long and nearly 2 meters wide, this isn’t a vehicle that blends into the background. The design team, led by former Bentley designer Raul Pires, has created something that looks both bold and refined—exactly what busy families need.
Space That Actually Works for Real Families
Here’s where the L90 gets interesting. Most large SUVs promise space but deliver cramped third rows and awkward cargo areas. The Onvo L90 takes a different approach entirely. With an effective cabin length of over 4 meters and that massive 240-liter front trunk (the largest in the Chinese market), this SUV actually thinks about how families use their vehicles.
The front trunk alone can hold two 20-inch suitcases plus additional bags, or even a single 30-inch check-in luggage. This means airport runs become infinitely easier, and weekend getaways don’t require playing Tetris with your belongings.
Performance Meets Practicality
Under the hood, the L90 isn’t messing around. The rear-wheel-drive version packs 340 kW of power, while the all-wheel-drive variant bumps that up to 440 kW. For those keeping score, that’s enough power to rocket from 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds in the AWD version—not bad for a family SUV.
But it’s not just about straight-line speed. The 900-volt electrical architecture means faster charging (10-80% in under 18 minutes), and the sophisticated suspension setup with air springs ensures everyone arrives comfortable, not carsick.
Technology That Actually Helps
Smart Features You’ll Use Daily
The 17.2-inch central screen isn’t just there for show—it’s running on Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon 8295P chip with genuine AI capabilities. The 35-inch AR heads-up display keeps important information at eye level, while the 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound system with 23 speakers turns every drive into a concert experience.
For families with different climate preferences (and we all know how that goes), the three-zone climate control lets everyone stay comfortable. There’s even an 8.86-liter onboard refrigerator that can hold twelve cans and works even when the car is locked.
The Battery Situation That Changes Everything
Range anxiety? The L90 addresses this in two ways. First, the standard 85 kWh battery provides up to 605 kilometers of range for the rear-wheel-drive version. Second, and perhaps more importantly, every L90 supports NIO’s battery swapping technology.
This means instead of waiting for charging, you can swap to a fully charged battery in about three minutes at any of NIO’s 3,400+ battery swap stations across China. It’s like filling up with gas, but cleaner.
Pricing That Makes Sense
Here’s where things get really interesting. The L90 starts at 265,800 yuan (about $37,000 USD) with the battery included. But here’s the clever part—if you opt for NIO’s Battery as a Service (BaaS) program, the starting price drops to just 179,800 yuan with a monthly battery rental fee of 899 yuan.
This approach makes the L90 accessible to more families while ensuring the battery is always maintained and can be easily upgraded as technology improves.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | ¥265,800 ($37,000) with battery / ¥179,800 with BaaS |
| Dimensions | 5,145mm × 1,998mm × 1,786mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,110mm |
| Power Output | 340kW (RWD) / 440kW (AWD) |
| Range | Up to 605km (CLTC) |
| Battery Capacity | 85 kWh standard |
| Charging Speed | 10-80% in 18 minutes |
| Frunk Capacity | 240 liters |
| Weight | From 2,250kg |
| Acceleration | 4.7 seconds (0-100 km/h AWD) |
Who Should Consider the L90?
This SUV makes sense for families who want the space and comfort of a premium large SUV without the premium price tag. If you’re tired of choosing between affordability and features, the L90 offers a compelling middle ground.
The vehicle works particularly well for families who do regular long-distance travel, thanks to that impressive range and the battery swapping network. City families will appreciate the advanced driver assistance features and the surprisingly efficient 14.5 kWh/100km energy consumption.
What’s the Competition Looking Like?
The L90 enters a competitive field, going head-to-head with vehicles like the Li Auto i8 and potentially impacting Tesla’s Model Y L when it launches. Early market reaction suggests the L90’s pricing strategy is causing some concern among competitors—Li Auto’s stock dropped over 6% the day after the L90’s launch event.
The Bottom Line
The Onvo L90 represents something refreshing in the electric SUV space—a vehicle designed around real family needs rather than just impressive specifications. With deliveries beginning in August 2025 and strong pre-order numbers already rolling in, it’s clear NIO has struck a chord with families looking for their next vehicle.
Whether the L90 will expand beyond China remains to be seen, but for now, it’s setting a new standard for what families should expect from their electric SUVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does battery swapping actually take?
A: The entire battery swap process takes approximately 3 minutes, making it faster than most gas station visits.
Q: Can I buy the car without the battery rental program?
A: Yes, you can purchase the L90 with the battery included for ¥265,800, or opt for the BaaS program at a lower upfront cost.
Q: When will the Onvo L90 be available outside China?
A: NIO hasn’t announced international availability yet, though the company has filed trademarks in Australia, suggesting potential future expansion.
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