- Spacious Interior and Sleek Three Row Design
- Impressive Performance and Exceptional Driving Range
- Full Production Readiness and Advanced Charging Network
- Competitive Price and Global Ambitions
Li Auto is gearing up to launch its first fully electric crossover, the Li i8, marking a major step in the brand’s expansion into the luxury EV segment. Scheduled for an official debut in late July 2025, the i8 has now reached its final stage of production readiness. The launch follows the company's earlier experience with the Li Mega, and expectations are high for the i8 to become a pivotal model in Li Auto’s transition to an all electric future.
Spacious Interior and Sleek Three Row Design
The Li i8 showcases a modern exterior that reflects the evolving design language of China’s premium EV brands. With a length of 5085 mm, a width of 1960 mm, and a height of 1740 mm, along with a long 3050 mm wheelbase, the i8 promises road presence and interior space to match.
Inside, the cabin strikes a balance between luxury and technology. It features dual 15.7 inch central screens, a sporty flat bottom steering wheel, and a head up display on the windshield. The six seat layout (2+2+2) ensures comfort and privacy for second row passengers, making the i8 well suited for families and long distance travel enthusiasts.
Impressive Performance and Exceptional Driving Range
The Li i8 is powered by a dual motor all wheel drive system that delivers a combined output of 400 kW (536 hp). The front motor produces 150 kW, while the rear generates 250 kW, allowing the SUV to reach a top speed of 180 km/h. These specs position the i8 as a serious contender in the premium electric SUV segment.
The base version of the i8 is equipped with a 90.1 kWh ternary NMC battery, offering a driving range of up to 670 kilometers under CLTC standards. The top tier variant comes with a larger 97.8 kWh battery, extending the range to 720 kilometers. This impressive efficiency reflects Li Auto's commitment to meeting the needs of customers who prioritize long distance capability without frequent charging.
Full Production Readiness and Advanced Charging Network
Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto, confirmed that the company has completed all preparations for the i8's launch, including finalizing production lines and training sales and delivery staff. These steps follow a learning experience with the previous Li Mega model, which faced challenges related to pricing and showroom space.
To support the user experience, Li Auto has built an extensive network of 2,500 5C fast charging stations across China. These chargers can deliver up to 500 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes. With this infrastructure, Li Auto has surpassed Tesla’s Supercharger network in China in both scale and speed, enhancing the practicality of owning a high performance electric SUV for everyday use.
Competitive Price and Global Ambitions
The Li i8 is expected to launch in the Chinese market with a starting price of 400,000 yuan (54,400 USD - 204,358 AED), positioning it as a strong contender in the premium six seater electric SUV segment. With rising demand for advanced EVs across the GCC, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the i8 is likely to capture the attention of tech savvy drivers and fans of high end design.
Through this model, Li Auto aims to correct its earlier missteps and solidify its standing in the global EV race. The i8 is more than just a new product launch, it represents a new era of innovation and reliability in the luxury electric mobility landscape.
