The Onvo L90 marks the second vehicle from Nio’s sub-brand Onvo, following the mid-size L60 SUV. Unlike its sibling, the L90 enters the market as a full-size, three-row SUV designed to serve larger households while integrating technology from Nio’s luxury flagship, the ET9. Officially launched in 2025, the L90 starts at 179,800 yuan (approximately 25,000 USD) under Nio’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model.

The L90 is built on a 900V high-voltage architecture and uses the same rear-mounted motor found in the Nio ET9, enabling swift acceleration for a large SUV. While the platform supports swappable battery packs, the L90’s identity leans more toward comfort, ride versatility, and high efficiency rather than sporty dynamics. Our test vehicle was a dual-motor version with adaptive air suspension.

Exterior

The L90 presents a tall and streamlined silhouette, with a focus on space optimization over aggressive styling. Unlike the L60’s more coupe-like shape, the L90’s roofline remains flat through the C-pillar, maximizing third-row headroom and rear cargo capacity.

Design cues echo Onvo’s brand language, including a full-width rear light bar, flush door handles, and a clean front fascia with no visible grille. Despite its large footprint, the SUV does not feel bulky from the outside thanks to its balanced proportions and low ride height when the air suspension is set to its lowest level.

LED matrix headlights, 21-inch wheels, and a rear roof spoiler complete the visual package. Drag coefficient is rated at 0.25 Cd, a competitive figure for a vehicle of this size.

Compared to similarly sized SUVs like the Li L9, which uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a range extender, the Onvo L90 relies on swappable battery technology. Both approaches aim to reduce range anxiety. This design allows the L90 to have no front engine and a spacious 240-litre front trunk (frunk) that can easily hold two 20-inch suitcases. It also has a trunk for 430 litres.

Interior

The Onvo L90 prioritizes spaciousness and comfort across all three rows. The cabin features high-quality materials throughout, including soft-touch surfaces and premium leather upholstery that enhance the luxury feel.

The front seats offer 12-way power adjustment, while the second-row zero-gravity seats feature 4-way power adjustment with wide cushions and large aviation-style headrests that increase contact area by 15%. The third-row seats provide a vertical height of 962 mm and adjustable backrests up to 38 degrees.

Entertainment includes a 17.3-inch 3K high-definition ceiling screen and an 8-inch rear screen with dual desktop options. The premium Onvo Sound system has 23 speakers with a maximum output of 2048W and 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos certification.

Additional amenities include an 8.86L onboard refrigerator that operates even when the vehicle is locked, and supports temperatures from 0 to 50°C while consuming about 2 kWh per week.

Cabin technology features a 35-inch AR-HUD and a 17.2-inch 3K central touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip with 60 TOPS AI capability, running Onvo’s Coconut 2.0.0 system with 24GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Driving Experience

The Onvo L90’s driving character reflects its dual priorities: comfort and energy efficiency. Acceleration is responsive but not aggressive. The dual-motor system produces around 440 kW, and while the rear motor is inherited from the ET9, tuning is geared toward smoothness rather than outright performance. In standard mode, throttle response is measured, making the vehicle feel relaxed even under rapid inputs.

We noted that in sport mode, the L90 does offer immediate torque delivery and linear acceleration, though it remains restrained compared to sport-oriented electric SUVs, like the Xiaomi YU7. Noise insulation is another strong point; at 120 km/h on highway sections, cabin noise was low, with little wind or tire intrusion.

One standout feature is the adaptive air suspension system, which provides a smooth and comfortable ride over uneven pavement with minimal vertical bounce. In comfort mode, the L90 effortlessly absorbs expansion joints and road imperfections. On winding roads, active damping helps keep the body relatively flat, though some body roll is natural given the SUV’s size. While large SUVs often feel like they “ride like a boat” over bumps, the L90 delivers a more controlled and composed driving experience. The braking feel was natural.

Overall, the L90 prioritizes composure and predictability over agility, aligning well with its role as a family-oriented vehicle.

Verdict

The Onvo L90 fulfils its role as a full-size family EV with solid range, refined comfort, and a competitive tech package. Priced from 179,800 yuan (25,000 USD) under the BaaS model, it brings premium features like adaptive air suspension and ET9-level motor to a more accessible segment.

More than just a scaled-up L60, the L90 offers real third-row usability, efficient 900V charging, and a spacious, well-appointed interior. Its composed ride and family-focused design reflect Onvo’s effort to reshape expectations for entry-level full-size EVs tailored to Chinese households.

Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.