0:00 / 0:00 The Tesla Model Y is the world’s bestselling vehicle, and although in China the BYD Seagull snuck ahead of it last year, its popularity there has inspired numerous imitators. We’ve just driven the best of these, hailing from private new-energy vehicle maker Nio’s new Onvo subbrand. (That name stands for its mission to take families “on voyage.”) Might the Onvo L60’s electrical architecture innovations coupled with the lure of three-minute battery-swapping end up denting the Model Y’s global sales? And what cool features should automakers selling vehicles in the USA be poaching from the L60 in hopes of doing the same? AI Quick Summary The Onvo L60, a Tesla Model Y rival from China's Nio, offers more space, luxury, and 3-minute battery swaps. It features superior comfort, advanced tech, and pricing starts at $21,200. Its arrival in Europe will test its market impact against Tesla's aging lineup. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article. Read Next How Does Onvo L60 Measure Up to Model Y? Size-wise, think of the L60 as a Model Y L, measuring 3.1 inches longer on a wheelbase stretched 2.3 inches to add rear-seat space. Back seats are highly prized in China, leading many foreign brands to stretch their rear compartments in this market. Tesla doesn’t stretch the Model Y for the Chinese market, however, so Nio is seizing that opportunity with its Onvo brand. Additionally, given that hardly anyone buys Tesla’s Model Y third-row option in China, Nio didn’t consider it when developing the L60. Although its overall cargo room may be slightly smaller than the Model Y as a result of adding that rear-seat space (directly comparable SAE numbers are not available), and the L60 doesn’t have a frunk, it does feature a deep, frunk-sized well beneath the rear cargo floor (for which Onvo offers a refrigerator accessory). Design-wise, the look of the L60 is Model Y derivative, but it manages to squeak out a slight advantage in both drag coefficient (0.229 vs. 0.236) and frontal area (thanks to narrower tires, smaller frameless side-view mirrors, and that lower height). What About Power, Torque and Efficiency? The Onvo L60 bests the Model Y on power when comparing entry, Chinese-market RWD models, 322 to 295 hp, but cedes torque superiority 225 versus 310. Onvo AWD models add an AC induction front motor that boosts output to 456 hp and 325 lb-ft, matching Tesla’s Model Y Performance model on horsepower but trailing Tesla’s two AWD models by 85 and 172 lb-ft in torque, respectively. Factory estimates for 0–62-mph acceleration are 4.6 to 5.9 seconds. (Our AWD Model Y test cars have hit 60 mph in 3.5–4.5 seconds.) See All 23 Photos With its aerodynamics advantage, mass parity with the Model Y, and in-house-developed motors on the cutting edge of efficiency, the Onvo L60’s 12.1-kWh/100 km (173.1 mpg-e) rating was poised to beat the Tesla’s 12.9 until the Juniper model showed up achieving 11.9 (176.0 mpg-e—all on the more forgiving Chinese cycle). Onvo claims another efficiency win, however: Its “sleep mode” monitoring the vehicle draws less power, thanks to an E-Fuse function that can shut down more vehicle systems when parked, and a “Starlight Sentinel” camera monitoring system that uses less power to see in the dark. As a result, Onvo says the L60 only expends 1 kWh over 16 hours of monitoring versus 2–3 kWh for the Tesla. Comfort Forward The amount of time Chinese drivers spend on traffic-choked, low-limit urban freeways tends to deemphasize any power and torque deficit while accentuating comfort advantages. Hence Onvo strives to overdeliver in this area. All five seats, including the middle rear, are treated to a 10-layer composite seat structure, including a particularly soft 0.6-inch-thick surface layer atop a 0.8-inch layer of Comf.Pro “cloud comfort” foam, with only stitching—not foam contouring—defining the center rear seat area. The front seats come standard with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, and the passenger side gets a footrest. Or, for peak passenger comfort, pop off the headrest, recline the backrest 180 degrees, and enjoy chaise-lounge seating while belted into the rear. (Note, the driver side reclines similarly, and Onvo sells mattresses and bedding to suit voyages that include camping.) Onvo claims a few health and comfort advantages for its heat-pump-based HVAC system, as well, which dispenses an “air blanket” from wide vents placed far forward on the dash, and from B-pillar vents in the rear. Its ventilated front seats feature a dual-function design that blows air through the bottom cushions and sucks air in from the backrests to avoid blowing on the waist. Front and rear seat heaters take just 30 seconds to warm from 32 to 68 degrees. See All 23 Photos