Li Auto is gearing up to expand its all-electric lineup with the upcoming i6, a mid-to-large pure electric SUV designed for young families. Recently leaked spy shots reveal a vehicle resembling the larger i8 SUV, adopting a streamlined MPV-like silhouette focusing on interior space and practicality. The i6 is expected to be officially unveiled in September, following the i8’s July debut, with a broader rollout planned for October.
The i6 will be Li Auto’s first five-seat all-electric SUV and the second model in its pure EV lineup (the Li Auto i8 is expected to be a six-seater). Built on a dedicated EV platform, it measures approximately 4.8 meters long with a 2.96-meter wheelbase. Its short front overhang, fastback-style roofline, and floating roof reduce aerodynamic drag to below 0.25 while maximising cabin space. Inspired by the Li MEGA and i8, the front features a wraparound DRL light strip and recessed headlights for a clean, futuristic look.
Spy photos confirm an efficient layout. The shortened engine bay makes room for a spacious interior, with second-row legroom exceeding one meter. The rear cargo area accommodates bulky items such as camping gear or foldable bikes, and the increased roof height improves headroom without compromising the streamlined profile. A sloping rear window, roof spoiler, and full-width taillight design complete the sporty rear-end appearance.
Power is expected to come from a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system likely shared with the i8, delivering around 400 kW of combined output and enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in approximately 5 seconds. The i6 will use ternary lithium batteries supplied by CATL or Sunwoda, offering a CLTC range of 600–700 km. It also features an 800V high-voltage platform and 5C fast charging, capable of replenishing 500 km of range in 10 minutes. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality will be supported for added utility.
Advanced driver assistance will be standard across all trims, including a roof-mounted Hesai ATL lidar unit and Li Auto’s NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) system powered by Nvidia’s Thor-X chip. Both city and highway driving scenarios will be supported, with additional features enabled via over-the-air updates through Li Auto’s VLA AI driver model, which launches in July.
Expected to start at around 250,000 yuan (approx. 34,500 USD), the i6 will compete with the Tesla Model Y, Zeekr 7x and the upcoming Xiaomi YU7. Emphasising high-tech comfort and space efficiency, it targets practical-minded family buyers. With a sales goal of 120,000–150,000 units annually, the i6 will be key to Li Auto’s strategy to reach 1.2–1.5 million vehicle sales and 300 billion yuan in revenue.
Backed by a 112.8 billion yuan (approx. 15.5 billion USD) cash reserve, Li Auto invests heavily in infrastructure and technology. By the end of 2025, it plans to complete 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations, covering 90% of China’s highways and 70% of prefecture-level cities. As the company begins its global expansion, the i6 is expected to be one of the first models launched in export markets.
