The Li i8 high-end electric SUV reached the final preparation stage in China, the Li Auto CEO Li Xiang shared. The brand’s first BEV crossover will be launched in late July to strengthen the company’s position in the all-electric segment. The Li i8 has a 6-seat interior, 536 hp, and up to 720 km range.

The Li i8 electric SUV was first revealed in February 2025 in China. It is a three-row crossover with sleek styling. On April 16, this model applied for a sales license in the Middle Kingdom, revealing core specs. At the same time, Li Auto officials disclosed that the launch ceremony of this model was scheduled for July 2025. On June 19, the company CEO Li Xiang shared more details on this car’s status.

More on Li i8

Li Auto CEO Li Xiang posted on his official Weibo account that the i8 SUV will be launched in late July. He underlined that internal preparation for the production, training, and delivery of the i8 has reached the final preparation stage. It means that the Li i8 will start volume production soon, ready for the sales start.

Li Auto launched its first battery electric car – Li Mega MPV – in March 2024. This car caused some problems after the sales had started. Some directly operated showrooms were too tight to fit every Li Auto model. As a result, the Mega replaced the Li L8 EREV crossover in display areas. It led to a reduction of L8’s sales. Moreover, the Mega minivan appeared to be too expensive. As a result, its sales didn’t meet the initial goal. It seems that Li Auto analyzed these mistakes and did a better job with the i8.

It is worth mentioning that Li Auto installed 2,500 5C charging stations across China. They can charge a 500 km range in 10 minutes. Li Auto officials underlined that it surpassed Tesla with its Supercharger network in China. Interestingly, Li Xiang mentioned that the smaller Li i6 SUV will enter the local market in September this year, following the launch of the larger i8.

More about Li i8

The Li i8 is a large SUV with dimensions of 5085/1960/1740 mm with a wheelbase of 3050 mm. It offers a dual-motor 4WD with a combined peak power of 400 kW (536 hp). The front e-motor generates 150 kW (201 hp) of power, and the rear one boasts 250 kW (335 hp). Thanks to this powertrain, the i8’s top speed reaches 180 km/h.

The entry-level Li Auto i8 offers a 90.1 kWh ternary NMC battery with cells manufactured by CATL (Jiangsu branch) or Sunwoda. The range is 670 km under CLTC conditions. The top-trim Li Auto i8 has a 97.8 kWh ternary NMC battery from CATL on board. This pack is suitable for a 720 km range (CLTC).

The i8’s interior has two 15.7-inch screens in the center console, a D-shaped steering wheel, and a head-up display. It also offers six seats with a 2+2+2 layout. The Li Auto i8 will enter China in July 2025 with a price tag of 400,000 yuan (54,400 USD).