Sunday China Drive | Onvo L90: full-size three-row EV meets budget-friendly pricing
The Onvo L90 is the second model 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, incorporating components 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) pricing model.
The L90 is built on a 900V high-voltage platform and uses the same rear-mounted motor found in the ET9. While compatible with battery-swapping infrastructure, the L90 is configured for ride smoothness and energy efficiency rather than aggressive dynamics. The test vehicle used for this evaluation was a dual-motor variant 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 cabin of the L90 accommodates up to six adults across three rows. Materials include leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces.
The front seats offer 12-way power adjustment. The second-row zero-gravity seats include 4-way power adjustment and wide headrests designed to increase contact area by 15%. The third-row seats provide 962 mm of vertical height and can recline up to 38 degrees.
In-car entertainment is handled by a 17.3-inch 3K ceiling-mounted screen and an 8-inch rear touchscreen with dual interface modes. The Onvo Sound system includes 23 speakers with a maximum output of 2048W and support for 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos.
Additional features include an 8.86-litre onboard refrigerator that can operate while the vehicle is locked, with a working range between 0 and 50°C. Energy consumption is rated at around 2 kWh per week.
Cabin displays include a 35-inch AR-HUD and a 17.2-inch 3K central touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor. The system runs Onvo’s Coconut 2.0.0 software with 24GB RAM and 256GB of onboard storage.
Driving Experience
The Onvo L90’s driving characteristics are tuned for stability and 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.
A key feature is the adaptive air suspension system, which actively manages damping to limit body motion on irregular pavement. 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 is positioned as a full-size family EV offering extended range, swappable battery support, and a comprehensive technology 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.
