$NIO Inc(NIO.US)

Suddenly, I seem to understand the logic behind L90's move this time.

It's a bit similar to how ET9 offered existing owners the choice to give up certain rights in exchange for a 100,000 yuan renewal voucher before the ES9 launch.

It's mainly to pave the way for the later models.

This time, L90 offers more features without a price increase and even held a launch event before the L80.

It's mainly to pave the way for the L80.

Because the L80 will also get the Shenji 9031 chip, LiDAR, and the world model.

If the L80 has all that and the L90 doesn't, how can it be the flagship?

If the L80 doesn't get these features, it won't be competitive enough.

Bin Ge (Li Bin) mentioned in an internal speech a few days ago that "ES9 and L80 are crucial."

Since the L90 isn't moving high volume now, let the L80 handle that.

Maintaining a volume of 3-4 thousand units for the L90 would be enough to meet its target.

Objectively, the L90 with the added features is still quite cost-effective, somewhat addressing its weakness in intelligent driving, which is something the Nio Group has been working on this year.

D19 and L90 actually target two different customer groups. D19 mainly targets those with a tighter budget but a need for six seats; L90 satisfies families with a certain budget and requirements for quality in a large six-seater scenario.

Battery swapping remains a supplementary feature.

So, the L90 is no big deal. Next, we watch the L80.

The wait-and-see party always wins.