Today Li Auto released more information about the brand’s first ever all-electric model the Mega MPV set to be launched on March 1. The official video shows more interior information.
In the front the Mega replicates the winning formula of the L series of SUVs. An augmented reality head up display and multi-functional steering wheel do away with an instrument panel for the driver. The steering wheel itself has a small, 4.82-inch, display embedded in it. Air conditioning outlets, wireless charging panels, cup holders and other design elements are all carried over. Although the center mounted screen looks the same as in the L series it is said to be improved allowing users to view it better.
The MPV follows a 2+2+3 seating arrangement and bills itself as a mobile living space. Much like in the L9 there is a foldable ceiling screen on the roof between the first floor and second rows. On the back of the front passenger seat is a small airline side fold down tray for the second row.
Where the Mega significantly differs is the use of two large captain type seats for the second row passengers. These along with having adjustable leg rests have a 95° backrest reclining angle and 500 mm of movement backwards and forwards.
These seats should be very comfortable coming with a SPA level 16 point massage function split into six points on the cushion and ten on the backrest. Furthermore it has a new 270° surround heating system covering the backrest, seat cushion, leg rest, armrest and other areas. In addition the seats gain a 50W active cooling wireless mobile charging pad. Despite having a 532 mm seat cushion and 115 mm wide armrest there is still enough space in the center tunnel for easy third row access.
The third row itself is fairly standard layout wise for an MPV but it is more comfortable. Cushion length is 530 mm and backrest height 613 mm which is claimed to be better than in a D-segment executive sedan. Not only are the three seats heated but they also have rake adjustment of 22-36°. The whole third row can fold forward electrically expanding luggage capacity and increasing the depth of the space from 680 mm to 1,066 mm. A picture shows that space then packed with four 28-inch suitcases and a further two 20-inch cases.
The Li Mega measures in at 5350/1965/1850 mm, the wheelbase is 3300 mm so it’s truly massive. Drag coefficient though is an amazing for an MPV 0.215Cd. This aids the Mega to achieve a 710 km CLTC range from a 102.7 kWh Qilin 5C battery pack from CATL. Through ultra-fast charging using the 800V architecture peak charging of 552 kW is possible meaning 500 km of range can be added in 12 minutes.
Powering the Mega beast is a 155 kW front and 245 kW rear motor giving 542 Nm of combined torque. Acceleration is a terrifying 5.5 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph).
No official price has yet been announced but it is known that it will not exceed 600,000 yuan (83,400 USD) and Li Auto CEO, Li Xiang, has said that he expects the Mega to become a big seller.
Editor’s note:
I had a Li L9 as a press car for around 5 days last year and was very impressed by it, despite its size. Many of the winning attributes of that car are carried over to the Mega but the new car seems to ramp up the comfort for passengers even more. Some may question the wisdom of dropping the winning EREV formula but the combination of the Qilin battery and the superfast 5C charging should help mitigate the problem.