Nio Unveils L90 Premium SUV at Crucial Cost Point
====================================================================
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
Read also:
- More than half of British homes adhere to insulation standards established during the 1970s.
- German Obsession with Luxury Vehicles Thriving Amid Traffic Congestion
- Launch of Domestically Manufactured Seal 5 Hybrid Sedan DM-i by BYD in Thailand
- Coastal men's disruptions of dolphin gatherings might lead to jail sentences
