Li Auto will debut its first electric SUV model, the Li i8, in late July.
China-based automaker Li Auto is preparing to enter the pure electric vehicle (BEV) market with its latest offering, the Li i8. Scheduled for an official launch on July 29, 2025, this six-seater, pure electric SUV is set to make a significant impact in the rapidly growing BEV market.
The Li i8 boasts impressive specifications, including a length of 5085 mm, a width of 1960 mm, a height of 1740 mm, and a wheelbase of 3050 mm. Under the hood, it is equipped with an all-wheel-drive system powered by a 150 kW (201 hp) front motor and a 250 kW (335 hp) rear motor, totaling 536 hp.
Two battery options will be available for the Li i8: a 90 kWh and a 97.84 kWh capacity. The corresponding CLTC ranges for these options are 670 km and 720 km, respectively. The curb weight for the 90 kWh version is 2580 kg, while the 97.84 kWh version weighs slightly more at 2610 kg. The vehicle has a top speed of 180 km/h.
Li Auto's founder, chairman, and CEO Li X announced the launch of the Li i8 on Weibo, marking the company's second BEV model and its latest offensive in the BEV market. The Li i8 is positioned as a medium-to-large SUV, signifying a significant move by Li Auto into the BEV market, as the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) market is nearing saturation.
To support the launch of the Li i8, Li Auto has accelerated the construction of charging infrastructure. By the time the Li i8 is launched, the company will have over 2,500 supercharging stations in China. The Li i8 will enter the highly competitive pure electric SUV market, aiming to differentiate itself with its NVIDIA Thor-U chip and LiDAR-enabled AD Pro system.
The expected price range for the Li i8 is between 350,000 to 400,000 yuan (approximately 48,800 – 55,800 USD). This places it slightly above Li Auto's most expensive model, the Li Mega, which is currently priced starting at RMB 529,800 ($73,680).
In May, Li Auto delivered 40,856 vehicles, representing a year-on-year increase of 16.66 percent and a month-on-month increase of 20.38 percent. From January to May, the company delivered 167,659 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 18.73 percent.
The Li i8's launch comes at a time when BEVs are gaining traction over EREVs, which currently dominate Li Auto's lineup. The company has filed for regulatory approval for the Li i8 electric SUV, signalling its commitment to the BEV market. Preparations for production, training, and delivery of the Li i8 are in their final stages, setting the stage for a promising debut in the competitive BEV market.
- Li Auto is set to enter the electric vehicle (EV) market with its latest offering, the Li i8, a six-seater, pure electric SUV scheduled for an official launch on July 29, 2025.
- The Li i8 boasts impressive specifications, with a length of 5085 mm, a width of 1960 mm, a height of 1740 mm, a wheelbase of 3050 mm, and a top speed of 180 km/h.
- Under the hood, the Li i8 is equipped with a 150 kW (201 hp) front motor and a 250 kW (335 hp) rear motor, totaling 536 hp, and will offer two battery options: a 90 kWh and a 97.84 kWh capacity.
- The launch of the Li i8 marks Li Auto's second entry into the BEV market and is a significant move, as the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) market is nearing saturation.
- To support the launch of the Li i8, Li Auto has accelerated the construction of charging infrastructure and plans to have over 2,500 supercharging stations in China by the time the Li i8 is launched.
- The Li i8 aims to differentiate itself in the competitive BEV market with its NVIDIA Thor-U chip and LiDAR-enabled AD Pro system.
- With an expected price range of 350,000 to 400,000 yuan, the Li i8 will enter the rapidly growing BEV market, signaling Li Auto's commitment to this sector, and will likely impact the lifestyle, technology, and future sales of cars and electric-vehicles in China.
