Nio Unveils L90 Premium SUV at Crucial Cost Point
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In the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles, two new six-seat and seven-seat electric SUVs have entered the Chinese market, making a significant impact. The Onvo L90, launched by Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO), and the Li i8, Li Auto's first all-electric SUV, have captured the attention of consumers since their respective launches in late July 2025.
The Onvo L90 has seen a strong market performance, with over 4,000 units sold in the first ten days and around 2,300 weekly insurance registrations by mid-August. This places it among the top three large SUVs, trailing behind Huawei-backed models like the Aito M8 and Aito M9. Key factors contributing to the L90’s success include its competitive pricing, a 600+ km CLTC range based on a 900-V high-voltage platform, and a family-friendly seven-seat configuration.
On the other hand, the Li i8, priced at RMB 321,800 with variants up to RMB 369,800, offers a better range of 670-720 km CLTC, depending on the battery variant. The Li i8 emphasizes a well-developed charging infrastructure, with over 3,000 supercharging stations in China. However, the Li i8 has struggled to convince buyers to pay its premium over the L90, reflected in a notable drop in Li Auto’s stock price on launch day.
Tesla's six-seat Model Y L, while an important competitor in China’s premium electric SUV market, lags behind recent localized models like the L90 and Li i8 in terms of customization for Chinese family needs and pricing strategy. Tesla is expected to launch a six-seat Model Y variant in China by autumn 2025, targeting affluent families, but has been temporarily overtaken by Nio and Li Auto, who have focused on spacious, intelligent vehicles priced closer to 300,000 yuan to capture this segment.
Here's a summary comparison of the three electric SUVs:
| Feature | Onvo L90 | Li i8 | Tesla Model Y L (upcoming) | |--------------------------|-------------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------| | Launch | July 2025 | July 2025 | Expected Autumn 2025 | | Price (starting) | 265,800 yuan | 321,800 yuan | Higher, premium segment focus | | Seating | 6 or 7 seats | 6 seats | 6 seats | | Range (CLTC) | ~605 km | 670-720 km | Comparable but varies by variant| | Production status | High demand, supply constrained | New launch, premium positioning | Yet to launch in China | | Market reception | Strong demand, top 3 large SUV seller | Struggled against L90 at launch | Competitor but behind in China | | Charging infrastructure | Battery-as-service plan | Extensive supercharger network | Tesla’s own network is strong |
As the Onvo L90 and Li i8 continue to make waves in the Chinese market, the focus shifts to production scale-up to maintain momentum. The Li i8, positioned as a more premium alternative, faces challenges defending its price premium against the Onvo L90. Tesla remains a major player but currently trails on localized family SUV features and pricing strategy.
[1] China Daily [2] CNBC [3] South China Morning Post [4] Reuters [5] Bloomberg
- The electric vehicle industry in China is witnessing a boom, with new six-seat and seven-seat electric SUVs entering the market and making significant impacts.
- Nio Inc's Onvo L90 and Li Auto's Li i8 are two such models that have caught the eye of consumers since their launches in July 2025.
- The Onvo L90 has shown strong sales, selling more than 4,000 units in the first ten days and having over 2,300 weekly insurance registrations by mid-August.
- The Li i8, priced at RMB 321,800, offers a range of 670-720 km CLTC and boasts over 3,000 supercharging stations in China.
- Tesla's six-seat Model Y L, while a formidable competitor, lags behind the L90 and Li i8 in terms of customization for Chinese family needs and pricing strategy.
- The Onvo L90's success is attributed to its competitive pricing, long range, and spacious seven-seat configuration.
- Despite the Li i8's premium price, it has struggled to outsell the L90, as reflected in a drop in Li Auto’s stock price on launch day.
- Tesla is expected to launch a six-seat Model Y variant in China by autumn 2025, targeting affluent families, but is currently overtaken by Nio and Li Auto.
- A summary comparison shows that the Onvo L90, Li i8, and Tesla Model Y L have differences in launch timing, price, seating, range, production status, market reception, and charging infrastructure.
- As production scaling up becomes crucial for both the Onvo L90 and Li i8, the Li i8, positioned as a more premium alternative, faces challenges in maintaining its price premium against the Onvo L90.
- Tesla remains a major player in the electric vehicle market, but currently trails the Onvo L90 and Li i8 in terms of localized family SUV features and pricing strategy.
- The Chinese market for electric vehicles continues to evolve, with innovation in technology, infrastructure, and business strategy shaping the automotive lifestyle and transportation industry.
