ONVO L90: Big Power Meets Bigger Purpose
Welcome to the heavyweight league of electric SUVs, where the NIO ONVO L90 lumbers in like a quiet juggernaut. Built in China and priced from $30,300 (£24,130 / €28,270), this three-row all-wheel-drive beast doesn’t just check the boxes—it draws new ones. With sales starting in 2025, the L90 is designed to haul six or seven passengers, push out nearly 600 horses, and glide over tarmac with battery-swap speed that’s faster than your coffee order. Whether you're schlepping kids, cargo, or just craving guilt-free torque, it puts the family SUV squarely in the fast lane. And it’s gunning for the big dogs—think Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Li Auto L9—but at a price that keeps your mortgage intact.
- First revealed at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, the NIO ONVO L90 marks the second entry from NIO’s affordable Onvo sub-brand.
- Production kicks off in Q3 2025, with two powertrain options aimed at both efficiency seekers and performance junkies.
- Base price starts at $30,300 (£24,130 / €28,270), with higher trims estimated up to $42,000 (£33,470 / €39,160).
- The L90 positions itself as a value-packed rival to higher-priced EV flagships while offering battery-swapping technology unavailable elsewhere.
Specs: Battery and Performance Details
Battery: Long Range and Lightning Swaps
This isn’t your average plug-and-pray EV. The ONVO L90 packs an 85 kWh battery (NMC or LFP chemistry) from battery giants like CATL and BYD, promising a CLTC range of 605 km (375 mi) in rear-wheel-drive mode and 570 km (354 mi) in AWD trim. Realistically, you'll see 300–330 miles (483–531 km) in EPA driving. Thanks to its 900V SiC-based architecture, it supports 500 kW ultra-fast charging, zapping from 10–80% in about 20 minutes. But what truly sets it apart? NIO’s battery-swap ecosystem, letting you pull into over 2,000 stations in China and roll out in under 3 minutes with a fresh pack. That’s not refueling—that’s sorcery.
- Battery Capacity: 85 kWh (usable)
- Claimed Range: 605 km (375 mi) RWD / 570 km (354 mi) AWD
- Real-world Range: ~483–531 km (300–330 mi) EPA est.
- Charging Time: 10–80% in 20 minutes (500 kW DC)
- Battery Swap Time: 3 minutes at NIO stations (China only)
Performance: Muscle Car Numbers in a Family Suit
The AWD version of the L90 brings a combined output of 440 kW (598 hp), courtesy of a 340 kW rear motor and 100 kW front motor. That’s good enough for a sub-4.5-second 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) sprint, though official figures are still locked away. Top speed is capped at 200 km/h (124 mph), and while this SUV weighs in at 2,250–2,385 kg (4,960–5,258 lb), it moves like a performance sedan. The air suspension and ultra-light chassis components—19.6% lighter calipers, 50% lighter HV harness—keep things planted even when hauling a full family and weekend luggage.
- Power Output: 598 hp (440 kW)
- Top Speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
- Drive Type: AWD / Optional RWD (456 hp)
- Platform: NT 3.0 (Next-gen NIO EV platform)
- Acceleration (est.): 0–100 km/h in ~4.0–4.5 sec
Optional trims include a smaller 60.6 kWh battery (for markets with EV subsidies), but most buyers will aim for the 85 kWh sweet spot.
Exterior and Interior Features
Exterior: Sleek Size Without Screaming
The L90 doesn’t shout its size—it whispers it with authority. Stretching 5,145 mm (202.5 in) long, 1,998 mm (78.6 in) wide, and 1,786 mm (70.3 in) tall, with a 3,110 mm (122.4 in) wheelbase, it’s dimensionally a match for big-name three-row SUVs like the Kia EV9. Onvo’s “Way Up” design language throws in sleekness with substance—frameless doors, flush handles, and hidden B- and C-pillars deliver stealthy vibes, while the LED split headlights and wraparound DRL mean business. Even its drag coefficient—just 2.35—is more slipper than brick. There’s also a huge frunk (240 liters) up front, which is rare even in the premium EV crowd.
Interior: Roomy, Quiet, and (Almost) Everything Digital
While full cabin images are scarce, what’s confirmed sounds impressive. A 17.2-inch 3K touchscreen is the hub of the operation, joined by a 13-inch head-up display and rear-seat 8-inch screens. With Snapdragon 8295P and Nvidia Orin X processors under the hood (254 TOPS of computing), you’re looking at a rolling server. The Smart Driving system offers Level 2+ ADAS—everything from lane assist to automatic parking—with roof-mounted LiDAR and 8MP cameras on duty. Interior materials take a minimalist, loft-inspired approach. Fully reclining front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage? Yes. Storage space for seven carry-ons even with all seats up? Also yes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sub-$35K pricing for a premium 3-row EV SUV with over 600 km (375 mi) range
- Battery-swapping tech for full recharge in under 3 minutes (China only)
- Luxury-class powertrain: 598 hp and 900V ultra-fast charging architecture
- High-end tech stack with Level 2+ ADAS and AI-enhanced cockpit
- Massive cargo options: 240-liter frunk and class-leading rear boot
Cons
- Battery-swapping infrastructure limited to China
- Unknowns about real-world third-row comfort
- Design may resemble other luxury brands, raising originality concerns
- Software and infotainment may face localization challenges outside China
- Hefty curb weight could impact handling despite performance specs
Conclusion: A Big Win for Big Families
If you’ve got a family that fills three rows and expectations that fill a spreadsheet, the NIO ONVO L90 could be your go-to electric steed. It’s big, brawny, packed with tech, and priced for the middle class—without feeling middle-of-the-road. Battery swap tech? Killer feature, even if it’s China-only. Just be sure you’ve got space in the garage—and maybe a translator on hand.
News * 11.07.25 The Onvo L90 electric crossover from Nio started presales in China for 193,900 yuan (27,000 USD) with the BaaS subscription applied. Brand’s officials
Exterior and Interior photos of NIO ONVO L90
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Comparison:
The NIO ONVO L90 makes a bold entrance in the three-row electric SUV space, targeting families and tech-lovers alike. It squares off against the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Li Auto L9, and Volvo EX90—each fighting for dominance in spacious, high-powered EV territory.
Range
The ONVO L90 leads the pack with a CLTC-certified range of 605 km (375 mi), translating to about 483–531 km (300–330 mi) in EPA estimates. Kia EV9 delivers 480 km (298 mi), Ioniq 9 hovers around 500 km (310 mi), while Li Auto L9 (a range-extender EV) claims over 1,100 km (684 mi)—though much of that comes from gasoline backup. The Volvo EX90 lags slightly at 480 km (298 mi).
Acceleration
The ONVO L90's dual-motor AWD setup punches out 598 hp, sprinting to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 4.0–4.5 seconds. Kia EV9 GT hits the same mark in 4.5 sec with 576 hp. Hyundai Ioniq 9 and EX90 fall between 5.5–6.0 sec, while the Li Auto L9 takes just under 5.5 sec despite its size.
Power
At 598 hp, the Onvo L90 rivals or surpasses most in its class. The EV9 GT delivers 576 hp, the EX90 clocks in around 496 hp, and the Ioniq 9 reaches about 380 hp. Li Auto L9 manages 449 hp but supplements it with a range-extending engine.
Charging Time
With 900V charging tech, the L90 supports 500 kW input, allowing 10–80% top-up in 20 minutes. Kia EV9 and Ioniq 9 also use 800V systems and take about 24 minutes. The EX90 takes closer to 30 minutes. Li Auto L9 relies more on gas, so charging isn’t its forte.
Price
Here’s the kicker—the NIO ONVO L90 starts at $30,300 (€28,270 / £24,130). That’s miles below the EV9 (~$56,000), EX90 (~$78,000), Ioniq 9 (~$52,000), and Li Auto L9 (~$60,000). You get premium size and features without paying the premium badge tax.
FAQ:
What’s the real-world driving range?
The L90 delivers an estimated 300–330 miles (483–531 km) in real-world EPA driving, depending on driving style and conditions.
How powerful is the vehicle?
The ONVO L90 outputs 598 horsepower (440 kW) with its dual-motor AWD setup, offering strong acceleration and highway performance.
How fast can it go?
Top speed for the L90 is 200 km/h (124 mph), making it one of the fastest large electric SUVs in its segment.
What is the battery capacity?
The EV features an 85 kWh battery pack, available with NMC or LFP chemistry, optimized for long range and fast charging.
How long does charging take?
With 900V ultra-fast charging, the L90 can go from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes using a 500 kW DC fast charger.
What makes battery swapping unique?
The Onvo L90 supports 3-minute battery swaps at over 2,000 NIO swap stations in China, offering unmatched convenience versus plug-in charging.
How many people can it seat?
The SUV accommodates up to seven passengers with optional six- or seven-seat layouts for families and larger groups.
Is the vehicle good for families?
Yes, the L90 offers three-row seating, reclining front seats, premium cabin tech, and ample storage space for family road trips.
What is the starting price?
The NIO ONVO L90 starts at $30,300 (€28,270 / £24,130) and tops out around $42,000 (€39,160 / £33,470) depending on configuration.
What safety and ADAS features are available?
It includes Level 2+ ADAS with LiDAR, 8MP cameras, auto parking, and emergency braking powered by Nvidia Orin X and Snapdragon 8295P chips.
