Li Auto to put Li i8 all-electric SUV onto market in mid-July

Beijing (Gasgoo)–On July 11, Li Auto announced that pre-orders for its first battery electric SUV—the Li i8—will begin on July 17. The roadshows will kick off the following day, with display vehicles gradually arriving at dealerships. The official market launch of the Li i8 is scheduled for July 29.

Li i8; photo credit: Li Auto

Li Xiang, founder and CEO of Li Auto, described the Li i8 as a model that redefines the all-electric SUV category by delivering a breakthrough in space efficiency—offering a larger cabin within the same dimensions, or the same cabin space within smaller external dimensions. At Auto China 2024, Li Xiang emphasized that the Li i8 is not an MPV in form. If the section behind the C-pillar were removed, He said, the vehicle's front half would resemble the Tesla Model Y and Model X instead.

Based on official images, the Li i8 features a streamlined exterior that blends design cues from both the Li MEGA and L-series models. Its front profile resembles a bullet train with smooth lines, just like the MEGA, while the rear adopts Li L9-style full-width LED taillights and a dual-layer spoiler. The new SUV is also expected to offer a two-tone paint scheme and a panoramic glass roof.

The Li i8 will be equipped with a custom version of Hesai's ATL LiDAR system, air suspension, dual screens, and an AR-HUD (augmented reality head-up display). The interior continues Li Auto's signature family-style design.

The Li i8 features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with a combined output of 400 kW—comprising a 150 kW front motor and a 250 kW rear motor. Notably, it will be the brand's first model to adopt 5C ternary lithium battery technology. Two battery configurations will be available: 90.1 kWh and 97.8 kWh, offering CLTC-rated ranges of 670 km and 720 km, respectively.

According to Li Auto's product roadmap, the company plans to launch five REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) models, one premium flagship (the MEGA), and five BEV (battery electric vehicle) models by 2025. Beyond the upcoming Li i8, additional battery electric vehicles—including the i6, i7, and i9—will follow.