Li Auto i8 revealed in official images – the brand’s first electric SUV
The Li Auto i8 large electric crossover was revealed in official images for the first time. It is the brand’s first electric SUV. The Li i8’s design is a mix of successful L-series and futuristic Li Mega styling. The new model will become the flagship car in the Li Auto i-series.
Li Auto is one of the bestselling Chinese brands in the domestic market. Last year, it sold over half a million units in the Middle Kingdom. The Li’s main sales driver is the L-series. It comprises four EREV (extended range electric vehicle) crossovers that are similar in appearance. In early 2024, Li Auto made its first attempt to invade the electric vehicles segment with the Mega minivan. But it was unsuccessful. After working on the mistakes, Li Auto is ready to jump into the pure EV segment once again with the i8 SUV.
More about Li i8 crossover
Li Auto initially planned to launch the i8 crossover last year. Early spy shots from that time indicated that this model should have been similar to the Li Mega in terms of styling. However, this MPV fell short of expectations. So, Li Auto took more time to adjust the Li i8’s overall styling, bringing it closer to the popular L-series.
At first glance, the Li i8’s front end looks similar to the Li Mega minivan. It has a slanted bonnet line, an LED strip under the bonnet, headlights in the front bumper, and long A-pillars. However, the i8 has sculpted front fenders, a bumper, and a bonnet. As a result, there is a clear succession between the Li Auto L9 and the brand’s first electric crossover.
The Li i8’s rear end is distanced from the fully electric Mega. As a result, it copies the look of the Li L9 with wide wheel arches and a distinguishing taillight LED strip. The Li i8’s license plate sits in the tailgate. The rear spoiler and the curved roofline of the brand’s first electric crossover are the only two elements that kept the resemblances with the Mega.
The Li i8 has blackened pillars and roof, real side-view mirrors, hidden door handles, and a LiDAR sensor. The front bumper of this crossover integrates a large rectangular air intake with a mm-wave radar and a front surround view camera. From the back, the Li i8 has a bi-camera system in the roof spoiler.
The Li i8 interior aligns with other Li-branded models. It has a large block made of two 15.3-inch monitors and a steering wheel with a narrow touch screen. The car doesn’t have a conventional instrument cluster. Instead, the Li i8 adopts a head-up display. The front seats of the new model adopt wide shoulders support. There is no information about the Li i8 seat layout.
The length of the Li Auto i8 is around five meters. This vehicle will adopt the Li Auto self-developed SiC power module, which volume production started on February 13. According to the automaker, the new self-developed SiC power module will bring a quieter driving experience while being more energy-effective. The Li Auto i8 also supports 5C charging. Later, i6 and i7 crossovers will join the Li Auto i-series. More information about the Li i8 will be disclosed closer to the sales start.
