Li Auto opens reservations for its new i8 SUV in China

Li Auto has begun accepting reservations in the Chinese market for its first fully electric SUV, the i8. Chinese customers who wish to do so can now reserve this new model, which seats six occupants and features a modern design, upon payment of a refundable deposit of 5,000 yuan, which at the current exchange rate amounts to roughly 600 euros.

The i8 starts at 350,000 yuan, a little over 40,000 euros, and its official launch is scheduled for 29 July 2025, with deliveries planned for August. From 30 July, the vehicle will be on display at the brand’s dealerships, where test drives will also be available.

At 5 metres long, almost 2 metres wide and 1.7 metres high, the i8 is a large and spacious vehicle, yet it does not become clumsy or inefficient as a result. Its aerodynamic design achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.218 Cd, placing it ahead of many of its rivals in this respect. Equipped with all-wheel drive with dual electric motors, the i8 combines a 150 kW front motor and a 250 kW rear motor, which together deliver 400 kW of power and allow it to reach a top speed of 180 km/h.

The perfect vehicle for long journeys with the whole family

As for energy storage, it is available with two battery packs, one of 90.1 kWh capacity and another of 97.8 kWh, the latter featuring 5C fast-charging technology that allows range to increase by 500 km in just 10 minutes. With an energy consumption of between 14.6 and 14.8 kWh per 100 km, the i8’s range is around 720 km, according to the manufacturer. That said, we must bear in mind that these figures are under the rather optimistic Chinese CLTC homologation cycle, so in real-world conditions we should expect somewhat more modest results.

Inside, the i8 stands out for its comfort and the level of technology on offer. The seats in the first two rows feature foam cushions and soft headrest pillows. The right-hand seat in the second row reclines up to 145 degrees and has an extendable footrest with a maximum angle of 78 degrees, while the third row offers a generous legroom of 87.5 cm. It also includes a panoramic sunroof that blocks 99.9 percent of UV rays, a cooled wireless charger for mobile devices, ambient lighting and a dual-chamber air suspension system as standard.

The i8 was unveiled in February 2025, somewhat later than originally planned. The delay was attributed to the company’s intention to establish its own high-power charging network in China and to a lack of space at dealerships. Both setbacks have already been overcome.