Nio’s sub-brand Onvo has begun pre-sales of its first model, the L90, a three-row battery electric SUV designed to compete directly with offerings from domestic rival Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI). Pre-sales were announced at a technology launch event in Hefei, with the official market launch set for later this month and first deliveries to begin on August 1.
The Onvo L90 starts at RMB 279,900 ($39,000) with an 85-kWh battery pack. Under Nio’s battery-as-a-service (BaaS) subscription model, the starting price drops to RMB 193,900. The pricing strategy places the L90 significantly below Li Auto’s flagship six-seat SUV, the Li L9, which starts at RMB 409,800, and is expected to pressure Li Auto as it prepares to launch its own fully electric SUV, the Li i8, on July 29.
Designed with both six- and seven-seat configurations, the Onvo L90 features a 900-volt high-voltage platform and is built on a lightweight body structure. According to regulatory data, the vehicle’s curb weight ranges from 2,250 to 2,385 kilograms, undercutting the Li i8’s listed weight of 2,580 to 2,610 kilograms. The Onvo L90’s maximum driving range is up to 605 kilometers, and energy consumption for the two-wheel-drive version is listed at 14.5 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Performance specifications include up to 440 kW of output on the all-wheel-drive version, allowing the L90 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Dimensions measure 5,145 mm in length with a 3,110 mm wheelbase, putting the model close in size to the Li L9 and slightly larger than the Li i8.
The L90’s boxy SUV design aligns with current consumer preferences in China, unlike the MPV-like profile of the Li i8. While Li Auto says the Li i8’s shape supports better energy efficiency and interior space, Nio argues that the L90 achieves similar or better performance with a more traditional SUV silhouette.
William Li, Nio’s founder and CEO, said during the launch event: “The Onvo L90 is a product designed through a decade of technological innovation which better understands Chinese families. It is a revolutionary family-oriented pure electric three-row SUV and the ideal choice for large families.”
Safety features on the L90 include nine standard airbags and active safety technologies supported by advanced algorithms. Nio also showcased a large front trunk and emphasized spacious cabin design during the event.
Customers can now reserve the Onvo L90 with a deposit of RMB 2,000, which qualifies for limited-time incentives such as a RMB 5,000 discount on the vehicle’s final payment and a further RMB 5,000 toward optional upgrades.
