- Electric Vehicles
- Li Auto
- Li Auto i8
Li Auto i8
- Drive Type: AWD, RWD
- Body Type: 5 door SUV, 6 to 7 seats
- Self Driving: Advanced assisted driving system, Level 2+
- Airbags: Yes
PROS
- Standard dual-motor AWD paired with 800V, 5C-capable DC fast charging
- 720 km CLTC range from a 97.8 kWh battery pack
- Spacious 2+2+2 six-seat cabin with more interior length than a Mercedes-Benz GLS
CONS
- Real-world highway range drops well below the CLTC figure at sustained higher speeds
- Currently sold only in China, with no confirmed international rollout timeline
The Li Auto i8 is a full-size electric SUV from Li Auto, positioned as the brand’s flagship battery-electric model and its first pure-EV crossover. It sits in the large three-row SUV segment with a 2+2+2 six-seat layout, standard all-wheel drive via dual motors, and an 800V architecture. Its main significance isn’t styling — it’s platform: the i8 marks Li Auto’s shift from extended-range hybrids toward a dedicated battery-electric lineup, built to sit alongside the brand’s existing EREV models rather than replace them.
The i8 is available with a 97.8 kWh battery pack (CATL-supplied ternary NMC), rated at 720 km on the CLTC cycle — a Chinese standard that typically returns higher figures than WLTP or EPA testing, so real-world range in mixed or highway driving should be expected to come in lower. Independent testing by Autohome recorded 668.4 km in city conditions but only 417.4 km at a sustained 120 km/h, roughly 58% of the rated figure. On the charging side, the i8 uses a 5C-capable 800V system with a claimed DC peak rate that adds 500 km of range in 10 minutes; Li Auto has not published a specific kW peak figure or an AC onboard charging rate, so both should be treated as unconfirmed pending an official spec sheet.
Pricing for the current single Max trim sits at roughly 339,800 yuan, which converts to approximately $50,170 USD (about €43,000). Li Auto initially launched the i8 in three trims before consolidating to one after a slower-than-expected reception. The vehicle realistically suits larger families who need three rows of usable space and fast charging on longer trips, rather than single-motor commuter buyers. Within Li Auto’s own range, the i8 sits between the L9 (its extended-range flagship SUV) and the Mega (its EREV minivan), giving the brand a fully electric option at a similar size and price point. Externally, it competes with the Denza N9 and the NIO ES8, both large electric SUVs targeting the same premium family segment in China. For a direct spec-and-price comparison, the Denza N9 is the closest match — similar size, similar six/seven-seat configuration, and overlapping pricing.
The i8 reflects Li Auto’s broader strategy of using range-topping specs and fast charging to offset a later entry into the pure-EV market. Whether it closes the gap with domestic EV specialists will likely depend more on price positioning than on the hardware itself, since the underlying battery and charging figures are already competitive with segment leaders.
Li Auto i8 Photos
Full Electric Vehicle Specifications
MODEL
| Full Model Name | Li Auto i8 (Li i8) |
| Generation | 1st generation (2025–present) |
| Segment / Class | Full-size, three-row electric SUV |
| Available Trims / Variants | Two powertrain variants as of August 2026 — AWD and RWD (single trim each); originally launched as Pro, Max, Ultra before consolidating |
| Powertrain Options | Dual-motor AWD (400 kW / 536 hp) and single-motor RWD (250 kW / 335 hp) |
| Special Editions | None |
| Additional Notes | Li Auto's second fully electric model after the Mega MPV. RWD variant added August 6, 2026 to address slow sales — the i8 delivered 8,733 units in H1 2026, with just 779 units in June 2026 |
LAUNCH
| Reveal Date | February 2025 (concept); May 2025 (specs disclosed) |
| Launch Year | 2025 (launched July 29; deliveries from August 20) |
| Availability Status | On sale in China only |
| Brand / Manufacturer | Li Auto Inc. |
| Country of origin | China |
| Assembly Country | China (Changzhou, Jiangsu) |
| Markets Available | China; no confirmed international rollout |
| Grey Market Import | N/A — official dealer channels only |
| Base Price (USD) | RWD from 309,800 CNY (~$45,900 USD / ~€39,500 EUR); AWD from 339,800 CNY (~$50,340 USD / ~€43,300 EUR) |
| Additional Notes | Originally launched at 321,800 CNY for Pro trim; lineup streamlined to one AWD variant a week after launch, then expanded to add the lower-priced RWD variant on August 6, 2026 |
BATTERY
| Battery Capacity | 97.8 kWh on both current variants; 90.1 kWh on the discontinued Pro trim |
| Battery Chemistry | Ternary NMC — AWD uses a CATL-supplied pack, RWD uses a Sunwoda-supplied pack |
| Battery Architecture | 800V high-voltage system (both variants) |
| Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) | (CLTC): RWD — 780 km (~485 mi); AWD — 720 km (~447 mi). CLTC only |
| Energy Consumption | RWD — 13.6 kWh/100 km; AWD — 14.8 kWh/100 km |
| Regen Braking (Max kW) | Multi level regenerative braking |
| Heat Pump | |
| DC Charging (Max kW) | claimed 500 km added in 10 minutes via 5C charging |
| Cell Brand | CATL |
| Battery Preheating | Yes (implied by cold-climate testing) |
| Additional Notes | Battery passed underwater immersion, -40°C freeze, and drop tests per manufacturer claims |
PERFORMANCE
| Motor Type | AWD — front induction motor + rear permanent-magnet synchronous motor. RWD — single rear permanent-magnet synchronous motor |
| Motor Configuration | Dual-motor AWD or single-motor RWD (two separate variants) |
| Front Motor Output (kW / HP) | AWD — 150 kW / 201 hp. RWD — none (no front motor) |
| Rear Motor Output (kW / HP) | 250 kW / 335 hp (same rear motor spec on both variants) |
| Power Output (kW / hp) | AWD — 400 kW / 536 hp combined. RWD — 250 kW / 335 hp |
| Peak Power (kW / hp) | AWD — 400 kW / 536 hp. RWD — 250 kW / 335 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 660 Nm (AWD) |
| 0–100 km/h / 0-60 mph (seconds) The acceleration numbers are an easy way to compare car performance. We list either time from 0 to 100 km/h or time from 0 to 60mph, depending on which number(s) the manufacturers provide. The lower the acceleration time, the higher performance the car is. | AWD — 4.5 sec. RWD — 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed (km/h / mph) | 180 km/h (112 mph), AWD figure |
| Transmission / Drive | Single-speed, dual-motor AWD |
| Motor Unit Code | Front YS210XY103; Rear TZ220XYHP1 |
BODY
| Body Style | 5-door SUV |
| Body Colour Options | Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Grey, Purple, Silver |
| Platform / Architecture | Li Auto dedicated BEV platform |
| Dimensions (L×W×H mm) | 5,085 × 1,960 × 1,740 mm |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd) | 0.218 Cd |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,050 mm |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | Up to 195 mm (adjustable air suspension) |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | ~2,580–2,610 kg (varies by battery pack) |
| Suspension (Front / Rear) | Double-wishbone front / five-link rear; dual-chamber air suspension |
| Wheel Size (inches) | 20 or 21 inch alloy wheels |
| Parking Brake | Electronic |
| Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) | 565 mm load depth (3rd row up) |
| Frunk/Bonnet Capacity (L) | Electrically powered front trunk confirmed |
| Towing Capacity (kg) | 2,000 kg |
| Sunroof | Yes, fixed panoramic, blocks 99.9% UV |
| Aerodynamics | Teardrop-shaped, low-drag body |
| Additional Notes | Soft close doors |
SAFETY
| Airbags (count) | Front, side, curtain, rear |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Standard |
| 360° Camera / Surround View | Yes |
| Reversing Camera | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | Standard (implied) |
| Driver Assistance (ADAS) | Standard LiDAR + NVIDIA DRIVE Thor-U, 700 TOPS |
| ADAS Features | City NOA, automated parking, remote parking, autonomous emergency steering |
| Autonomous Driving Level | L2+ (advanced driver assist, not full autonomy) |
| Autonomous Driving System Name | Li AD Max, using a VLA (Vision-Language-Action) model |
| Autonomous Driving Hardware | NVIDIA DRIVE Thor-U, roof-mounted LiDAR |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) Safety Updates | Yes |
COMFORT
| Seating Capacity | 6 (2+2+2 layout) |
| Driver Seat Adjustment | Power |
| Passenger Seat Adjustment | Power, 14-way (2nd row) |
| Power Seats | Yes |
| Seat Heating | Yes |
| Seat Ventilation | Yes |
| Massage Function | Yes — 16-point driver's seat massage, plus 1st/2nd row on higher trims; 2nd-row captain's chairs recline to 145° |
| Climate Control | Multi-zone |
| Steering Wheel | White steering wheel option |
| Roof Type | Fixed panoramic sunroof |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | Yes |
| Central Armrest | Yes, temperature-controlled compartment (5–50°C) |
| Noise Insulation | Strong, per independent reviewer testing |
| Bluetooth / Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, cooled pads |
| Parking Aids | 360° camera, automated parking |
| Additional Notes | Tri zone climate control |
DISPLAYS
| Centre Screen (inches) | 15.7-inch |
| Driver's Display (inches) | Small touchscreen on steering wheel hub |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | Yes (AR-HUD referenced) |
| Rear Passenger Screen | 15.7-inch dash display; 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted display available as a paid option |
| Display Resolution | 2.5K |
| Physical Controls | Minimal, screen-focused |
| Voice Control | Yes, AI voice assistant |
| Additional Notes | Rear passenger display optional |
LIGHTING
| Headlight Type (LED/Matrix/Laser) | LED, integrated into front bumper |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | Yes |
| Tail Light Design | LED strip design |
| Underglow / Exterior Lighting | LED strip under windshield |
INFOTAINMENT & AUDIO
| Speaker Count | 20 (Pro/Max); 22 on discontinued Ultra trim |
| Navigation System | Built-in |
| USB Ports (count/type) | USB/Type-C confirmed |
| Rear Entertainment | Yes, large rear/ceiling screen |
TECHNOLOGY
| Smartphone App Control | Yes |
| Keyless Entry / Start | Yes |
| Remote Start | Yes |
| Remote Parking | Yes |
| Automatic Parking | Yes |
| AI Assistant | Yes, VLA (Vision-Language-Action) model |
OWNERSHIP
| Official Dealer Network | Li Auto retail centers, China only |
| Spare Parts Availability | China market only, currently |
| Import Duty Class | N/A — no official international market yet |
| Grey Market Support | N/A — official channels only |
Note
| Data Source | Li Auto official press materials, CarNewsChina, Autohome, Wikipedia |
| Last Updated | August 6, 2026 |
| Additional Notes | The single-motor variant that appeared in a June 2026 regulatory filing has now launched as the RWD trim (August 6, 2026), priced below the existing AWD variant to address slow sales — the i8 delivered 8,733 units in H1 2026, with only 779 in June |
| Editor's Note | The i8 now ships as two separate variants — AWD (CATL battery, 720 km CLTC) and RWD (Sunwoda battery, 780 km CLTC) — rather than one lineup with trim levels. Several fields remain unconfirmed pending further official disclosure and should be treated as such until Li Auto publishes complete specs. |
User Reviews
Disclaimer Note
Specifications sourced from manufacturer data and may reflect WLTP, CLTC, or EPA test conditions. Import prices in your local are estimates based on grey-market landing costs and exclude duties, clearing fees, and local taxes. Figures are subject to change without notice. Always verify with your local importer before purchase. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct
