Nio Onbo L80 spy shot..Model Y Killer Appears as Third Row Large SUV
Feb 12, 2025
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L80 spy shots have recently spread through Chinese automobile media. The prototype covered by the camouflage is covered with a black body cover, making it difficult to confirm the detailed design, but the size of the body is clearly distinguished.
While the existing Onbo L60 is a five-seater model, the L80 will be released as a six-seater or seven-seater model with three-row seats. This suggests that the Onbo brand is targeting the large family SUV market.
Online L80 Spy Shot
According to renders produced by automotive designer Sugar Design, the L80's projected design is likely to provide more roomy interior space while maintaining continuity with the L60.
There is a high possibility that a separate headlight design will be applied to the front like L60. The LED daytime running light (DRL) is located at the top and the main headlamp is placed further down.
As it has to accommodate three rows of seats, the roof line is more straight than the L60 and extends longer to the rear, so indoor space expansion is expected. Similar to the L60, the rear design is expected to maintain the Onbo brand's design identity by harmonizing the curved LED taillight with the glossy black bottom bumper.
Online L80 Projection (Source=Sugar Design)
The emergence of L80 and the expansion of the onbo brand are in line with Nio's global strategy. Nio has launched sub-brands called Onbo and Firefly to target the popular EV market while maintaining its premium brand.
L80 is part of this strategy, and while the existing L60 is aimed at the mid-size SUV market, the L80 is targeted at consumers who want a larger and more practical model.
Nio has been actively targeting European and Asian markets in recent years, increasing its brand influence. It plans to expand its expansion to 25 countries by 2025, and for this purpose, it is introducing a strategy tailored to each region. In particular, it is implementing a differentiated strategy that emphasizes shortening charging time and convenience with battery swap technology.
Online L80 Projection (Source=Sugar Design)
Until now, specific technical specifications of the L80 have not been disclosed, but Nio plans to officially unveil the L80 within the first quarter of 2024, according to Chinese automotive outlet CarNewsChina. If it goes according to schedule, the overall appearance and specifications of the vehicle are likely to be revealed in a few weeks. It is expected to be released in the Chinese market as early as May.
Onbo L80 is a direct comparison with Tesla Model Y in size and seating arrangement. The biggest difference between the two models is Nio's battery replacement technology.
Nio's battery replacement system allows batteries to be replaced in a much faster time than traditional charging methods, so there is no need to wait for a long charging time. This can be an important competitive edge for consumers of large SUVs with many long-distance driving. Tesla, on the other hand, continues its strategy to strengthen its fast charging infrastructure through its Supercharger network.
Onbo L60
Also, L80's price policy will be an important factor. The Onbo brand is likely to form a somewhat more popular price point than Nio's premium image. This can lead to a positive response from the market if a more competitive price is set than Model Y.
Nio has been growing steeply lately, boosting sales. In particular, the introduction of sub-brands such as Onbo is part of a strategy to target various consumers. The L80 is expected to become a key model that will further expand Nio's presence in the large SUV market.
As the official unveiling of the Onbo L80 approaches, attention is being paid to how this model will affect the electric SUV market. Competition with Tesla Model Y and Nio's battery replacement technology and pricing strategy are expected to be important factors that will determine success or failure in the market.
Editor Kim Tae-won tw.kim@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
