Li Auto i8 Unveiled in China as Brand’s First All-Electric SUV

Official images of the Li Auto i8 have surfaced in China, arriving as the brand’s first all-electric SUV model.

The first official images of the new Li Auto i8 have surfaced in China, giving us a glimpse into the brand’s first all-electric SUV model. Positioned as the flagship model for Li Auto’s new i-series EV lineup, the i8 is slated to make its full debut sometime later this year, thus becoming the second-ever fully electric model after the Li Auto Mega EV MPV.

As its new flagship EV model, the Li i8 marks the brand’s official entry into the pure EV segment. At one glance, one can be forgiven for mistaking the Li i8 for the Li Mega EV MPV, as both models share the same distinctive front face, featuring a full-width LED DRL that is located on top of the front hood. Keen eyes will notice that the Li i8 adopts the same front bumper design as its semi-electrified twin, the Li Auto L8, which is the flagship model for the automaker’s range-extender EV (REEV) lineup.

The second official photo reveals that the Li i8 also shares similar design elements with the Mega MPV at the rear, as it gets the same full-width LED taillights. Naturally, with the Li i8 being an SUV crossover, it gets a more conventional SUV bodystyle with flared-out fenders and a relatively tall ground clearance, while the roof-mounted LiDAR sensor indicates that it will harness some autonomous driving capabilities.

Interior photos of the Li Auto L9 flagship REEV SUV

As of now, no interior photos of the Li i8 were published by the automaker, but CarNewsChina reports that the EV SUV will get the same hi-tech and minimalist cabin setup as its semi-combustion twin. Some key amenities primed here include a dual 15.3-inch screen setup on the front dash, a head-up display that acts as the main instrument cluster, and a sleek steering wheel.

Also not mentioned were the seating layout for the Li i8, but given its large dimension that spans over five metres long and its close resemblance to the Li L8, perhaps we can expect this flagship EV SUV to boast a three-row seating layout, possibly with six seats for maximum luxury and passenger comfort.

CarNewsChina also reported that the Li i8 will use the automaker’s proprietary SiC power module, which promises to deliver a quieter and more comfortable driving experience while at the same time being more efficient than most EV SUVs out there. Again, no detailed figures were given, but we’ve been told this flagship EV SUV will support fast charging capabilities at up to 5C.

As we mentioned earlier, the all-new Li Auto i8 EV SUV will be making its full debut sometime later this year, where it will be the first model under the automaker’s new i-series EV lineup. In years to come, the i8 flagship SUV will be followed by a slew of smaller EV SUVs, including both the i6 and i7.