NIO Looks to Shatter 3-Row SUV Market with ONVO L90

NIO has just brought a new vehicle model to market, via its new-ish family-oriented brand, ONVO. The model is the ONVO L90. It’s a large, 3-row SUV. NIO indicates that it is a high-end model, but the starting price for the large SUV is just RMB 279,900 (~$39,000). You can also buy it with the Battery as a Service (BaaS) option, with a starting price of RMB 193,900 (~$27,000).

NIO argues that the ONVO L90 “redefines value” in its vehicle class.

Notably, the L90 was designed by a former Bentley designer, Raul Pires. And despite being a large 3-row SUV, it’s got a surprisingly low Cd of 0.25. Here are some other numbers and features:

• 5,145 mm long
• 3,110 wheelbase
• 16-million-color ambient lighting
• premium genuine wood trims
• titanium soft-glow accents
• 5 exterior colors: Ridge Brown, Stellar Silver, Sunrise Gold, Mountain Black, and Snowcap White
• 3 interior themes: Cloud Mist Beige, Radiant Night Black, and Banyan Cinnamon
• 3-row layout with 6 or 7 seats
• 14.5 kWh/100 km efficiency rating
• 605 km (375 mile) CLTC-rated range with the two-motor version and 85 kWh battery

Also, NIO makes an interesting point as to why a fully electric powertrain is helpful in this segment. “Space is the foremost priority for large three-row SUV users. However, most flagship SUVs in this segment today rely on hybrid or extended-range powertrains, which require the packaging of both electric and combustion systems. As a result, many struggle to meet real-world family needs, especially pain points such as uncomfortable third row, insufficient room for both passengers and cargo, and inaccessible trunks in tight parking spots,” the company writes.

“Built on NIO’s full-domain 900V high-voltage platform, the ONVO L90 introduces a revolutionary spatial layout. With 36 highly integrated designs, it innovatively redefines the utility and comfort of three-row SUVs. Offering 4,195 mm of effective cabin length, 670 L storage space, and a 240 L smart power frunk which is the largest in the Chinese market, the ONVO L90 sets a new benchmark in its segment, delivering a VIP experience in every seat, ample space for six people and ten suitcases, and storage in both front and rear.”

Wicked. As someone who really doesn’t feel the need for a giant vehicle, well, I can’t say I find such a vehicle appealing. But with behemoths surrounding me on the road constantly here in Florida, I am sure many buyers will appreciate those features. If NIO could sell the model in the USA, I imagine it could find many buyers — but that certainly isn’t going to happen.

NIO also highlights the company’s extensive battery swapping and EV charging network. “Extensive power infrastructure is key to eliminating range concerns. NIO has deployed 3,400 Power Swap Stations and 4,659 Power Charger Stations nationwide to date and built up a battery swapping network connecting 20 backbone expressways, spanning 16 city clusters connecting 550 cities in China. While the range-extended three-row SUVs still struggle with recharging infrastructure and efficiency, the ONVO L90 taps into NIO’s robust charging and swapping network, freeing users from range anxiety.”

If safety is your concern, here’s how NIO assures you that this model is a leader in that regard as well: “Safety is engineered into every millimeter. The L90 was developed according to the 5-star safety rating standards of the 2024 C-NCAP protocol and the toughest safety requirements of the 2024 C-IASI. It features a body composition of 84% aluminium alloy and ultra-high-strength steel, which provides all-round protection for the front trunk, cabin, and battery compartment. The L90 comes standard with nine airbags, including a 2.92 m ultralong side curtain airbags with a capacity of 56 L extending from the first to the third row.” Official ratings will come out later, of course.

Will the ONVO L90 be a hit? I assume so. Also, I don’t recall NIO announcing new Chinese models on its English website like this for quite a while, so I assume it’s very proud of this model and bullish on how it will perform on the market. Stay tuned to CleanTechnica — we’ll be tracking it closely in our China EV sales reports and NIO sales reports as possible. Heck, if it does well enough, we could see it in our world EV sales reports, but it’s extremely hard to break in there.