On May 6. we obtained some information about NIO's new brand, LeDao, from social media platforms. The first model of the LeDao brand, the LeDao L60. is developed based on NIO's third-generation platform NT3.0 and is positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model Y. This brand will be officially launched in May and primarily targets mainstream family markets.
According to the leaked information, we can gather several key points:
1. The LeDao L60 will be equipped with two battery packs: 60kWh and 90kWh. The former is provided by BYD with a lithium iron phosphate battery pack, while the latter is supplied by CATL with a ternary lithium battery pack. However, the battery pack will be thinner to provide more cabin space. Referring to the current mainstream 75kWh and 100kWh configurations of NIO, it is believed that the range will not differ much.
2. The LeDao L60 will be built on a 900V silicon carbide platform across the entire series and will include an AC charging port, enhancing the use of home charging piles. Additionally, the car will share NIO's battery swapping network and be compatible with NIO's third-generation battery swap stations, providing greater convenience in energy replenishment. It is described by Li Bin as a "battery-swappable Model Y."
3. The new car will feature front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspension, offering excellent comfort, suitable for family users. Moreover, its energy consumption will be within 13kWh/100km, surpassing the performance of the Tesla Model Y.
4. The interior craftsmanship is not significantly different from NIO's, equipped with a horizontal central control screen similar to the NIO ET9 and a built-in Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip.
5. The new car's price is expected to start at 229.900 yuan, with the BaaS battery leasing scheme bringing it to around 170.000 yuan, aiming for a monthly sales target of over 20.000 units. This price point aligns with Li Bin's statement that it will be 10% cheaper than the Model Y, whose current starting price is 249.900 yuan.
It is worth mentioning that Li Bin previously demonstrated the car's spaciousness in a video. The video shows that when the front passenger seat is adjusted close to the front end of the B-pillar, Li Bin, who is 180cm tall, has over two fist-widths of legroom, and the rear headroom also has some margin. Additionally, the car features a dark brown interior, and more color options are expected to be announced later.
Reviewing the first model of the LeDao brand, it will adopt a new design language, with a closed front end and split headlights, giving it a sharp appearance. The roof retains NIO's signature horn-like design but does not include LiDAR.
The side features a popular coupe-like silhouette with hidden door handles, and the front fenders are equipped with rearview cameras, potentially supporting advanced driving assistance functions. The rear continues the sporty style with a ducktail design on the trunk lid and horizontal strip taillights. In an era where through-type taillights are prevalent, the split taillight design stands out.
Editor’s note: It is evident that the new car aims to seize the current market position of the Model Y and even become a new benchmark in this segment. From the current perspective, most of the product capabilities of the LeDao L60 surpass those of the Model Y. Coupled with a price that is 10% lower, it is no exaggeration to say it is in a "dominant" position. However, according to previous reports, the new domestic Model Y will be launched later this year, marking the beginning of real competition. Achieving monthly sales of over 20.000 units will also depend on the responses from other domestic brands.
