Hands-on with ONVO L90: Comfort and functionality perfected

Today, we're checking out the second model from NIO's sub-brand ONVO—the ONVO L90.

This SUV carries forward ONVO's signature family design. The shape is very squared-off, giving it a solid stance, while both the headlights and taillights use sleek matrix-style clusters.

Since this is a big family SUV, the real question is: how much effort has ONVO put into space and functionality? Let's find out.

First up—the massive frunk. It offers 240 liters of storage, and opening it is super convenient. Just double-tap, and not only does it open electrically, but the air suspension also lowers the car, bringing the loading height down to just 60 cm.

That makes loading luggage so much easier, especially in tight parking spaces where popping open the rear hatch would be awkward.

The frunk opening is extra wide—83 cm—big enough that you could literally sit in it like a sofa.

ONVO even added cupholder grooves on both sides, plenty of hooks, and a drainage outlet at the bottom.

Now let's hop inside. You get power-deploying side steps and soft-close doors. The cabin design is clean and minimalistic, with four layers of materials that stretch from the front row all the way to the third row. Every touchpoint is wrapped in Nappa leather, while the air vents and ambient lighting are hidden for a seamless look.

At the center console is a 17.2-inch 3K display, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8295 chip and running the NT.Coconut 2.0 ONVO Smart System. It's smooth, packed with multiple features, and even has shortcut keys for entertainment.

Oh—and yes, there's finally a glovebox, which you can open electronically from the screen.

Just like other NIO vehicles, there's no traditional instrument cluster—the driver gets a 35-inch AR-HUD that automatically adjusts to your eye position for a crisp, futuristic experience.

Between the front seats, you'll find a small storage bin, dual wireless charging pads, cupholders, and another storage area above the built-in fridge.

But since this is a family flagship SUV, the real test is in the back. Today's car is a six-seater, though a seven-seat version will also be available.

The second row gets a 180 mm wide aisle for easy third-row access. Comfort features are fully loaded: both the first and second rows get ventilation, heating, and massage, while the second row even adds heated leg rests.

Behind the passenger seat, there's a folding tray table, while second-row seats come with magnetic mounts, cupholders, a phone slot, and even a little remote holder. There's also a one-touch zero-gravity seat mode on the door panel.

The rear suspension uses an integrated spring-damper setup, and the right-side second-row seat can fold flat at the touch of a button. Overhead, there's a 17.3-inch screen, controlled via the front display. And yes—that's an 8.8-liter fridge tucked in the back, adjustable from 0°C to 50°C, with six preset cooling/heating modes. Pretty cool.

Moving to the third row: this is no "kids-only" bench. Maximum legroom is 1,043 mm, headroom is 962 mm, and the cushions are thick with backrests that recline up to 38°electrically. It's genuinely comfortable for long trips.

Plus, thanks to the NT3.0 BEV-dedicated platform, the entire floor is completely flat from front to back, so moving around inside feels easy and spacious.

Cargo space is also impressive: 430 liters for the trunk, including another hidden storage compartment of over 100 liters. More than enough for family road trips.

Under the hood—well, technically under the floor—the ONVO L90 rides on a 900V high-voltage platform and comes in both single- and dual-motor versions. The single-motor uses the same rear motor as the NIO ET9. Official CLTC energy consumption is 15.4 kWh/100 km for AWD and 14.5 kWh/100 km for RWD, which is excellent for a big SUV.

Overall, the ONVO L90 makes its priorities very clear. It doesn't chase headline-grabbing specs like LiDAR-enabled assisted driving. Instead, it focuses squarely on what families actually need: space, comfort, practicality, and clever features—all within a reasonable budget.

The ONVO L90 officially hit the market at the end of July. Prices start at 265,800 yuan, or as low as 179,800 yuan if you opt for NIO's BaaS battery subscription model. Deliveries for the six-seat version begin August 1, 2025, with the seven-seat following in late September.

So, what do you think? Can the ONVO L90 become the main sales contributor in the brand's lineup? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!