When considering a fast, luxurious, and spacious electric SUV, it is likely that you think of something far beyond your price range. But the Onvo L90, which is a new EV under NIO's budget-friendly sub-brand, is looking to turn that narrative on its head. It is powerful, family-sized, and, frankly, priced surprisingly well; especially at a time when EVs in the U.S. are either ultra-premium or boringly bland. Not to mention, it could be coming to American roads soon.
Let's dive into the ins and outs of why this SUV is making headlines, and why American families should be watching.
The Mystery of the $25,000 Price Tag
One of the quite astonishing parts of the story of the Onvo L90 is the price. NIO is offering the SUV at an entry price of just $25K, but there's a catch. Instead of purchasing the battery like everyone else, buyers are leasing the battery via NIO's Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS);
So, yes, you pay approximately $125 a month for a battery service fee, but you save thousands when you buy the vehicle.
It's not only clever, it's also practical. It reduces the barrier of entry for families who would like to plug in, but can't foot a $50K+ price tag, which is what most competitors ask; for comparison, most three-row EVs like the Rivian R1S or Kia EV9 start at nearly double.
Performance That’s Anything but "Budget"
The pricing scheme of the Onvo L90 may have you fooled. This SUV has proper performance credentials. The range-topping Ultra trim features dual motors producing up to 590 horsepower, all-wheel drive performance, and serious performance. It'll get to 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds. That isn't just fast for an EV—it is just plain fast.
Even the base complementary models (Pro and Max trims) took rear-wheel drive, producing approximately 456 hp, which is plenty for everyday driving, towing, or overtaking on the highway. So, whether you are commuting, road-tripping, or picking up the kids after school, the Onvo L90 is not just about getting there; it is about the experience getting there.
Packed With High-End Tech and Space for the Whole Family
In the rear, the L90 resembles a lounge on wheels rather than an SUV. You can choose between six and seven seats, with both options providing ample legroom in different variations. The second-row captain's chairs in the six-seat layout feel especially luxurious, and both rows have heated and ventilated seats and all four seats have massage - that includes rear passengers as well.
The driving display is a 17.2-inch float display, along with a 35-inch augmented reality heads-up display and dual rear displays for your passengers. If you consider subsidies such as a mini fridge, wireless charging pads, and the panoramic glass roof, you get a vehicle that satisfies all people who enjoy the comfort of seating, luxury SUV experience, and high-tech gadgetry.
Impressive Range and Fast-Charging Capability
Range anxiety is one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, but the L90 is putting the issue on the table, literally. With an 85kWh battery, its rear-wheel-drive configuration can drive 376 miles (605 km) on a full charge under the CLTC cycle. The AWD Ultra does just under 354 miles (570 km)- good enough for a long drive.
What's particularly convenient about the L90 is the 900V ultra-fast charging architecture. This means quicker stopping times while charging, improved energy efficiency, and reduced heat generation. Buying the L90 means you will be back on the road sooner whether you are charging at home or at a public charging station.
Safety & Build Quality Inspire Confidence
The Onvo L90 has a hybrid steel-aluminum structure with 84% high-strength materials providing safety against crashes. The vehicle has successfully completed more than 60 crash tests, including high-speed wet road velvet missions and various truck collision tests—all beyond normal testing construction.
Ninety airbags are standard, which includes an airbag between the front seats and a far-side center airbag which are typically in expensive luxury vehicles. The long curtain airbag deploy, at nearly 3 meters long. This airbag will protect passengers in the third-row in case of a side impact.
Why This SUV Might Shake up the U.S. EV Market
Although it's only available in China right now, NIO has suggested the Onvo brand is meant to go global, and the U.S. is a target. Why does this matter? Because American buyers love big SUVs and family friendly features, but they want good value for their money. The L90 has both, so if NIO brings it to the States at a price near what they are selling it for now, this could be a legitimate competitor.
It’s not just a competitor to Tesla or Rivian—it’s thousands of dollars cheaper, and has features that feel next-level. If you’ve been waiting for an electric SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Onvo L90 could be it.
Onvo L90 Electric SUV Specifications
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Conclusion
The Onvo L90 is more than just an electric SUV - it is a proud statement from NIO that high performance, family-friendly capabilities, and affordability do not exist in individual categories. The L90 blends power with comfort, and smart price through the BaaS model: the L90 offers a true value-oriented, three-row SUV designed for real families sent into the EV world.
If it comes to market in the U.S. soon - and one could assume it will - the Onvo L90 will be a game-changer. It is the first electric SUV on the market that challenges the notion EVs are for the privileged and/or tech elite. It makes it clear that design, practicality, and performance can exist with an affordable price tag.
For anyone in the market for their next vehicle, or considering an electric vehicle, the Onvo L90 might be the most exciting option available.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops