Li Auto i8

Model Overview

The Li i8 is the debut model in Li Auto’s i-series battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV lineup, positioned as a family-oriented six-seater D-segment pure electric SUV. Officially launched on 29 July 2025, the model was initially offered in three variants — Pro, Max, and Ultra — with prices ranging from RM321,800 to RM369,800. On 5 August 2025, Li Auto revised its product strategy, standardising the i8 line-up around the Max variant specification at an adjusted price of RM339,800, while bundling a complimentary Platinum sound system worth RM10,000 and offering an optional rear cabin entertainment package (priced at RM10,000). Customer deliveries commenced on 20 August 2025. Serving as Li Auto’s first pure electric SUV, the i8 spearheads the brand’s strategic expansion from range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) into the BEV market.

Design Language

Drawing styling inspiration from luxury yachts, Li Auto officially touts the i8 as an innovative cross between an SUV, a sedan, and an MPV. The front fascia takes cues from the MEGA, sporting a closed-off grille, a sharply raked windscreen, and a 3D full-width "star-ring" LED daytime running light below; the rear retains the upright profile typical of the Li L-series SUVs, complete with a slim full-width LED taillight cluster and a roof spoiler. Along the sides, a sleek fastback roofline is complemented by a two-tone body finish and flush-fitted side glazing. It boasts an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.218 Cd. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 5,085 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,740 mm in height, with a 3,050 mm wheelbase. Five exterior colour options are offered: Pearl White, Metallic Silver, Metallic Black, Elephant Grey Special Edition Cold Light Paint, and Sky Blue Special Edition Cold Light Paint. The interior is available in three dual-tone themes: White, Grey-Brown, and Orange-Yellow.

Powertrain & Performance

Across the entire range, the Li i8 is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. The front electric motor produces 150 kW, while the rear motor puts out 250 kW, delivering a combined system output of 400 kW (approx. 544 PS) and a peak torque of 660 Nm. The 0–100 km/h century sprint is completed in 4.5 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 180 km/h. Underpinning the SUV is an 800V high-voltage architecture paired with a silicon carbide (SiC) electric drive system.

For the battery pack, the Pro variant is fitted with a 90.1 kWh ternary lithium (NMC) 5C ultra-fast charging battery, delivering a CLTC range of 670 km; the Max and Ultra variants upgrade to a 97.8 kWh NMC 5C pack, extending the CLTC range to 720 km. Standard 5C DC fast charging allows up to 500 km of range to be replenished in just 10 minutes. The architecture can sustain over 300 kW of charging power across the 0–80% state-of-charge (SoC) window. Energy consumption is rated between a frugal 13.4 and 14.8 kWh/100 km. Kerb weight stands at 2,580 kg for the Pro variant and 2,610 kg for the Max and Ultra variants.

Chassis & Handling

The Li i8 rides on an all-aluminium chassis featuring front double-wishbone and rear five-link independent suspension. Dual-chamber Magic Carpet air suspension and continuous damping control (CDC) are fitted as standard across all variants. The adaptive air suspension offers four ride-height settings with up to 40 mm of lift. Even with a full payload of six adults on board, it can effortlessly execute a hill start on a 60° incline. The second-row step-in height is as low as 401 mm, mirroring that of a conventional passenger car. Electric power steering (EPS) and an electronic parking brake (EPB) with Auto Hold are standard across the board.

Cabin & Equipment

The Li i8 adopts a 2+2+2 six-seater cabin configuration. Thanks to the inverted battery packaging and optimised motor layout, the third-row seats offer a 333 mm cushion height, 503 mm seat cushion length, and 544 mm cushion width, easily accommodating a 190 cm tall designer in total comfort. The second-row walk-through aisle measures 180 mm wide. Boot depth remains a generous 565 mm even with the third-row seats in place.

On the infotainment front, all variants come standard with a twin 15.7-inch 3K OLED setup consisting of the central touchscreen and front passenger entertainment display, complemented by an ultra-clear head-up display (HUD). The Ultra variant gains an additional ceiling-mounted 21.4-inch 3K rear entertainment screen. Dual 50W wireless smartphone charging pads are standard equipment. The smart cockpit runs on the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset. The climate control system is equipped with a CN95 cabin filter and intelligent air vents, offering three airflow modes: S-curve sweeping, draft-free indirect flow, and individual vent shut-off. Additional creature comforts include dual panoramic glass roofs, power sunblinds, soft-close doors, a hands-free powered tailgate, and 256-colour ambient lighting. The Pro variant features first-row large-angle dual lounge seats with vertically adjustable soft headrests; the Max and Ultra variants come standard with an 8.8-litre smart dual-temp mini-fridge/warmer. All seats feature power adjustment and heating as standard, with the first two rows adding ventilation and 10-point SPA-grade massage functions; the second-row right seat features a zero-gravity lounge seat with dual folding tray tables; the third-row backrests support power reclining, heating, and individual split-folding.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Autonomous driving tech is a key selling point for the Li i8, built upon the next-generation Mind VLA (Vision-Language-Action) end-to-end architecture. A roof-mounted Hesai ATX LiDAR sensor is standard across the range. Processing-wise, the Pro variant runs on a Horizon Journey 6M (J6M) chip; the Max and Ultra variants pack the high-performance NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor-U chip, delivering up to 700 TOPS of compute power. Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities are standard across the range. Pro variant owners enjoy lifetime complimentary City NOA (Navigate on Autopilot); Max and Ultra variants receive lifetime access to the full-suite VLA large driving model. The ADAS suite comprehensively covers both Highway NOA and Urban NOA scenarios.

In terms of passive and active safety, tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), a 540-degree surround-view monitor, and a transparent underfloor view are fitted as standard across all variants. Battery longevity tests indicate over 80% State of Health (SoH) retention even after 1,500 ultra-fast charging cycles. The vehicle comes with a 5-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty, while the high-voltage battery is backed by an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.

Market Performance & Overview

The Li i8 represents Li Auto’s crucial product pivot — recalibrating its pure electric roadmap and rapidly deploying an ultra-fast charging network following the lukewarm reception of the MEGA MPV. As of 31 May 2026, Li Auto’s proprietary supercharging network spans 31 provincial-level administrative regions and 290 cities nationwide, comprising 4,088 supercharging stations and 22,563 operational DC charging guns. In January 2026, a 3-year 0% interest financing package (with a down payment from RM99,800) alongside a 0% down payment scheme was rolled out for the i8. As the linchpin of Li Auto's electrification transition, the i8 sets a compelling benchmark in the RM300,000-class premium BEV SUV segment courtesy of its headline 5C supercharging, Mind VLA intelligent driving system, dual-chamber air suspension, and cavernous three-row six-seater cabin.