Nio’s new sub-brand, Onvo, has entered the fray with its debut model, the Onvo L60, an electric crossover aimed squarely at Tesla’s Model Y. With aggressive pricing, impressive range options, and advanced features, the L60 is setting its sights on becoming the go-to alternative for savvy EV buyers.
Familiar Yet Fresh Design
The Onvo L60 immediately feels familiar, blending design cues from established brands. The V-shaped headlights echo Polestar’s signature style, while the sloping rear brings to mind the BMW X4. Inside, the resemblance to Tesla is undeniable – a minimalist interior with a prominent 17.2-inch central touchscreen, no physical buttons, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with rotary dials.
This formula seems to resonate. Within 100 days, Onvo sold 20,000 units of the L60 in China alone. Pricing has been a key factor, starting at approximately €20,000 (without batteries) or €27,000 with the battery pack included. For European buyers, the price will likely be closer to €35,000, still competitive against the Model Y.
Battery Options and Charging Tech of the Onvo L60
The Onvo L60 launches with two battery options: 60 kWh and 85 kWh, with a 100 kWh variant to follow. The largest pack is said to deliver over 1,000 km (CLTC), translating to about 800 km in WLTP standards. Our test vehicle featured the 60 kWh pack, paired with dual-motor all-wheel drive, producing 340 kW / 462 PS. The front motor offers 100 kW / 136 PS, while the rear provides 240 kW / 326 PS.
Starting with 86% battery charge, the vehicle displayed a range of 451 kilometers, not far off the claimed 555 km. Charging is swift, thanks to its 900-volt architecture, which supports fast charging from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes. Under harsh winter conditions, the L60 charges almost twice as fast as the Tesla Model Y, filling up in 52 minutes versus Tesla’s 95 minutes. For even quicker top-ups, drivers can use Nio’s fourth-generation battery swap stations, which autonomously replace the battery in just three minutes.
Driving Dynamics and Efficiency
On the road, the Onvo L60 delivers satisfying performance. The dual motors propel the crossover from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 203 km/h. Navigating Guangzhou’s bustling traffic was a breeze, especially in Comfort mode. For more excitement, there’s a Sport mode, while an Eco setting extends range by up to 80 km without sacrificing air conditioning.
While the suspension prioritizes comfort – suited for the Chinese market – European drivers might prefer a firmer setup for a sportier feel. Similarly, the steering could offer more feedback. Despite this, efficiency impresses: we averaged 17.9 kWh/100 km, even with minimal regenerative braking and highway speeds of 120 km/h.
Advanced Features, With Some Trade-Offs
The L60 is equipped with 30 sensors, including 4D imaging radar, which tracks and maps multiple moving objects in high resolution. However, it lacks a LiDAR system, meaning its Level 2++ Navigate on Pilot Plus (NOP+) system might not perform as well in poor weather compared to Nio’s flagship models. During our sunny test drive, it handled flawlessly.
Inside, the Onvo L60 offers a well-executed, albeit less luxurious, interior compared to Nio’s flagship ET9. Material quality and build are solid, and the cabin is impressively spacious. Thanks to its 2.95-meter wheelbase, even tall passengers can sit comfortably in the rear. The minimalist design aligns with modern tastes, and practicality is enhanced by features like battery leasing options under the Battery as a Service (BaaS) model.
Competitive Pricing and Availability
In China, the Onvo L60 starts at ¥206,900 (€27,000). Opting for the 60 kWh AWD model adds ¥20,000 (€2,600), while the 85 kWh battery costs an additional ¥29,000 (€3,900). With BaaS, buyers save ¥57,000 (€7,500) upfront but pay a monthly fee of approximately €79 for battery leasing.
European buyers may need to wait until 2026, but with its competitive pricing and advanced features, the Onvo L60 could establish itself as a strong Tesla Model Y rival.
