Investigation
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The Li Auto i8, a new electric SUV, was launched in China in late July 2025. With a starting price of 321,800 yuan (approximately 44,830 USD), the i8 offers a six-seat layout, a powerful drivetrain, and a competitive CLTC range of up to 720 km per full charge.
The i8 features a unique design inspired by yachts, blending elements of MPVs, off-roaders, and sedans. It boasts a slanted bonnet, headlights integrated into the front bumper, an LED strip under the windshield, and flush door handles. Despite some debate over its MPV-like appearance, the company emphasizes the SUV's off-road capability, as demonstrated by driving footage on steep slopes.
The interior of the i8 offers a spacious cabin, with a length of 3,514 mm, which is 91 mm longer than the interior length of the Mercedes-Benz GLS. The second-row captain chairs can recline to 145 degrees, providing ample comfort for passengers. The center console is equipped with two 15.7-inch screens, and the i8 is the first car to feature a white steering wheel. Other amenities include a ceiling-mounted rear screen, a built-in refrigerator, and cooled wireless charging pads.
The i8's technical specifications are impressive. It offers a dual-chamber air suspension, a 400 kW dual-motor drivetrain producing 536 hp, and a drag coefficient of 0.218 Cd, which is better than the Tesla Model X and slightly better than the Tesla Model Y. The electric SUV's exterior styling is complemented by its interior design, which features a 2+2+2 layout.
In terms of power, the i8's electric motors adopt in-house developed SiC (silicon carbide) power modules, allowing for efficient energy conversion and quick acceleration. The i8 offers a dual-motor 4WD as standard, ensuring smooth handling on various terrains. The chassis also boasts a dual-chamber air suspension that can be adjusted by 65 mm, offering a comfortable ride.
Li Auto reported delivering 30,731 vehicles across all models in July 2025. However, the i8's initial reception was sluggish, with reports of only about 6,000 firm orders shortly after launch. In response to weaker-than-expected demand, Li Auto restructured the i8's model offerings by consolidating three variants into a single version priced at 339,800 yuan, aiming to improve market acceptance. Deliveries of the i8 were scheduled to commence on August 20, 2025, with early buyers offered a 10,000 yuan discount.
Li Auto continues to expand its retail and charging infrastructure, operating 535 retail stores, 527 service centers, and over 3,000 supercharging stations across 153 cities, supporting the i8 and other models. The company also offers voice assistance through "Lixiang Tongxue" (Li Auto Classmate).
In summary, the Li Auto i8 is a premium six-seat electric SUV with strong technical specs and design ambitions. While its market performance has been mixed, with initial sales slower than expected, deliveries are ongoing as of August 2025. The i8 aims to carve out a niche in China's competitive EV market, offering a unique blend of style, comfort, and off-road capability.
[1] Li Auto Official Website. (2025). Li Auto i8. Retrieved from https://www.li-auto.com/product/i8
[2] CNBC. (2025, August 10). Li Auto i8 electric SUV starts deliveries in China. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/10/li-auto-i8-electric-suv-starts-deliveries-in-china.html
[3] Reuters. (2025, July 30). Li Auto to start deliveries of i8 electric SUV in China in August. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/li-auto-start-deliveries-i8-electric-suv-china-august-2025-07-30/
[4] Bloomberg. (2025, August 5). Li Auto Cuts Prices for Electric SUV in China as Demand Slows. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-05/li-auto-cuts-prices-for-electric-suv-in-china-as-demand-slows
[5] Electrek. (2025, July 31). Li Auto i8 deliveries delayed to August, price cut by $7,000 amid slow demand. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2025/07/31/li-auto-i8-deliveries-delayed-to-august-price-cut-by-7000-amid-slow-demand/
- The i8, with its modern design boasting elements of gadgets like the dual 15.7-inch screens and the white steering wheel, showcases a lifestyle that seamlessly integrates technology and luxury.
- Justifying its position against traditional cars and other electric vehicles, the Li Auto i8's impressive technical specs, including off-road capability and long range, further cements its place in China's evolving technological landscape.
