Nio is rolling out a classic strategy to drum up excitement for its Onvo L60 fastback SUV: a limited-run, all-black special edition. The Onvo L60 Black Knight Edition just started deliveries in China, offering a stealthy aesthetic and a few unique touches aimed at capturing the attention of buyers in a crowded market. But with only 666 units available, it feels less like a product launch and more like a tactical move.
The original Onvo L60 arrived in September 2024 as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, boasting a competitive price tag. With Nio’s innovative BaaS (Battery as a Service) plan, customers could buy the car for just 149,900 yuan (about $21,200) without the battery. Despite the aggressive pricing, its first year on the market was tough. The model sold 68,707 units, a figure that fell short of expectations. In response, Nio launched an updated L60 in September 2025, and this Black Knight edition is the latest effort to boost its appeal.
Quick Specs & Metrics
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 4.6 | s | Single rear-axle motor |
| Peak power | 240 | kW | Approximately 322 hp |
| Range (CLTC) | 530 | km | Based on China’s test cycle |
| Battery capacity | 60.6 | kWh | LFP chemistry by FinDreams (BYD) |
| Max DC fast-charge | 900V Platform | N/A | 10-80% charge in 25 minutes |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 4,828/1,930/1,616 | mm | Consistent with standard L60 model |
| Starting price (BaaS) | 154,900 | CNY | Equivalent to approx. 21,900 USD |
| Starting price (Full) | 211,900 | CNY | Equivalent to approx. 29,965 USD |
What Makes the Black Knight Special?
The Black Knight’s appeal is all about its sinister look. The exterior is completely blacked out, from the body panels and exterior trim to the 20-inch rims and emblems. It gives the fastback SUV a more aggressive and premium presence on the road.
Inside, the theme continues with a black interior, but Nio added a splash of color with vivid orange stitching and seatbelts for contrast. It’s a small touch, but it works. In a nod to practicality, or perhaps the executive shuttle market, there’s a folding table for the rear right passenger.
Underneath the paint, the Black Knight is mechanically identical to the standard L60. It features a 60.6 kWh LFP battery from BYD subsidiary FinDreams, which powers a 240 kW (322 hp) motor on the rear axle. That’s enough to get the SUV to 100 km/h in a respectable 4.6 seconds. Thanks to its 900V high-voltage architecture, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes. And since it’s a Nio product, it also supports battery swapping, a feature that allows for a fresh battery in about three minutes.
A Calculated Move
The Black Knight Edition launched with a full price of 211,900 yuan ($29,965 USD), which is 5,000 yuan ($710 USD) more than the base L60. With the BaaS plan, the price drops to 154,900 yuan ($21,900 USD). This isn’t the first time Nio has used this strategy for its sub-brand. The company previously launched the Onvo L90 Black Knight Edition full-size SUV, another limited run designed to generate buzz.
Ultimately, the Onvo L60 Black Knight is a well-executed but familiar tactic. It’s a sharp-looking package with solid performance, but its real purpose is to put the L60 back in the spotlight. Whether a limited run of 666 dark-themed SUVs is enough to meaningfully reverse its sales trajectory remains to be seen.
