Livan Auto 8

Model Overview

The Livan 8 is an all-electric compact MPV by Livan Auto, first introduced to the market in early 2025 as the successor to the Maple 80v series. Positioned as a "chargeable and battery-swappable electric MPV", it leverages Livan Auto's technical expertise in battery swapping, catering to dual-purpose applications including e-hailing, passenger shuttle services, and large family transport. The 2026 model was officially launched in January 2026, receiving comprehensive powertrain and range enhancements over the 2025 iteration. The 2026 lineup offers 3 variants with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM127,800 to RM137,800, alongside limited-time promotional pricing of RM112,800 to RM122,800. The 2025 model was previously priced between RM137,800 and RM231,800.

Design Language

On the styling front, the Livan 8 retains the foundational silhouette of the Maple 80v, featuring a clean, rounded, and planted aesthetic. Up front, it sports a closed-off grille housing the charging port alongside sizeable lower air intakes to balance aerodynamics with cooling efficiency. The side profile carries clean, uncluttered character lines, enhanced by a two-tone exterior finish and 18-inch alloy wheels. Around the back, full-width LED tail lamps deliver a distinct lighting signature at night.

Dimension-wise, the MPV measures 4,812 mm long, 1,909 mm wide, and 1,699 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,807 mm. Spanning over 1.9 metres wide, it boasts a "wide-body" stance for a compact MPV, laying the foundation for generous interior shoulder room and lateral space. Minimum ground clearance when fully laden is rated at 130 mm.

Inside, the Livan 8 adopts a minimalist, utility-focused cabin layout. The dashboard features a 10.33-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display (Long Range variants) and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster (Long Range 5-Seater variant), paired with a urethane steering wheel. Gear selection is handled via an electronic shift-by-wire selector, with essential physical switchgear retained on the centre stack. Upholstery is trimmed in synthetic leather, while the 7-seater variant benefits from individual captain-style seats in the second row.

Powertrain and Performance

The Livan 8 is driven exclusively by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor driving the front wheels via a single-speed reduction gearbox. For the 2026 model, motor output has been bumped to 120 kW (approx. 163 PS) and 240 Nm of torque. This marks a notable performance upgrade over the 2025 model's 100 kW and 230 Nm figures.

In terms of energy storage, the 2026 model offers two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options:

The 2025 model offered a 515 km range variant powered by a 68.03 kWh ternary lithium (NCM) battery pack.

For charging and replenishment, the Livan 8 accommodates both DC fast charging and rapid battery swapping, with the latter capable of completing a full battery swap within 60 seconds. Notably, the vehicle lacks an AC slow-charging port, meaning energy replenishment is strictly limited to DC fast charging and battery swap stations.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Livan 8 rides on a monocoque chassis with a front-wheel-drive setup. Suspension duties are managed by MacPherson struts at the front and a composite multi-link non-independent (torsion beam type) suspension at the rear. This setup balances ride stability with robust load-carrying capability, engineered specifically to cope with multi-passenger travel and commercial cargo duties.

Steering is assisted by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, tuned for a light and effortless feel. Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto Brake Hold function. It rides on 225/55 R18 tyres, with no spare tyre provided.

Drive mode selection includes Standard/Comfort and Eco modes, while cruise control comes fitted as standard across the entire range.

Cabin and Features

The cabin prioritises functional utility and seating flexibility as its primary selling points. Buyers can select between a 5-seater (2+3) or a 7-seater (2+2+3) layout. The 5-seater variant offers a generous 819 litres of boot space, whereas the 7-seater variant provides 286 litres with all seats raised, expandable via split-folding third-row seats.

In-car infotainment features are tiered across the variant line-up:

• Long Range 5-Seater: Features a 10.33-inch central touchscreen, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, reverse camera, and smartphone mirroring.

• Standard Range 5-Seater: Omits the central touchscreen and reverse camera, providing only basic audio and vehicle telemetry.

• Long Range 7-Seater: Equipped with the 10.33-inch touchscreen, but makes do without the 7-inch digital instrument cluster.

In terms of convenience features, the 2026 range comes standard with an electric sunroof, multifunction steering wheel, keyless push-start, synthetic leather upholstery, and manual climate control. Power connectivity includes 1 front USB port, 3 rear USB ports, and a 12V power socket.

Safety and Intelligent Driving

Passive safety is basic, with the Livan 8 offering dual front airbags (driver and front passenger) as standard across the range, omitting side and curtain airbags entirely. Standard safety equipment includes ISOFIX child seat anchors, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS display), and a driver’s seatbelt reminder. The bodyshell utilises a high-strength cage construction to preserve passenger cell integrity during a collision.

Active safety is supported by standard electronic braking aids, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/BAS), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP). Auto Brake Hold and Hill Start Assist (HSA) are also standard fitment.

Driver assistance features remain entry-level. The range comes standard with rear parking sensors, a reverse camera (Long Range variants), and passive cruise control. There is no Level 2 (L2) semi-autonomous driving suite, with perception hardware limited to a single camera and 3 ultrasonic sensors.

On the warranty front, first-hand non-commercial owners of the 2026 model receive an 8-year or 150,000 km warranty covering the EV powertrain (battery, motor, and electronic control system); the 2025 model offered an 8-year or 200,000 km warranty.

Market Performance and Evaluation

Succeeding the Maple 80v, the Livan 8 brings notable improvements across range, powertrain efficiency, and price positioning. With entry pricing for the 2026 model reduced to RM112,800 (introductory price), it undercuts the outgoing 2025 model’s RM137,800 starting point by a significant margin. Key rivals in the battery-swappable and pure electric MPV space include the BYD D1 and Bestune NAT.

From an owner perspective, the vehicle's core strengths centre on:

• Rapid battery swapping: 60-second ultra-fast battery swaps effectively eliminate charging downtime and range anxiety.

• Spacious, versatile cabin: A 2,807 mm wheelbase combined with a 1.9-metre width offers generous interior volume across 5- and 7-seater configurations.

• Improved driving range: Up to 545 km (CLTC) on the 2026 model comfortably covers daily commercial and medium-distance travel requirements.

• Low running costs: Pure EV efficiency paired with battery swapping mitigates long-term battery degradation risks.

Shortcomings include:

• DC fast charging and battery swap only: Lacks an AC slow-charging port, creating inconvenience for home wallbox owners.

• No ADAS / L2 driver assistance: Lacks Level 2 active safety and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

• Sparse entry-level kit: Base variants miss out on essentials like an infotainment touchscreen and reverse camera.

• Niche brand presence: Livan Auto remains a relatively low-profile badge in the mainstream passenger car market.

Comparison with Main Competitors

The Livan 8 commands a distinct edge in physical footprint, driving range, and pricing, though it still trails mainstream rivals in brand equity and advanced tech features.

Conclusion

Serving as Livan Auto's strategic offering in the all-electric MPV segment, the Livan 8 carves out a competitive niche in the RM120,000 to RM140,000 price bracket with its 60-second rapid battery swapping, long 2,807 mm wheelbase, and versatile 5/7-seater seating options. The 2026 model brings critical enhancements across performance (120 kW), range (up to 545 km), and value (introductory pricing from RM112,800), markedly boosting its market appeal. For e-hailing fleet operators and commercial users focused on turnaround efficiency and operating expenditure, its battery swap capability and spacious cabin make a compelling case. However, the omission of an AC charging port poses limitations for domestic wallbox charging, while the absence of Level 2 ADAS leaves it trailing tech-forward competitors. Ultimately, prospective buyers will need to evaluate its unique charging dynamics against their daily operational requirements.