In the automotive world, China really is the wild, wild east. Some of the most interesting and technologically advanced vehicles available anywhere in the world, particularly EVs, are developed and manufactured in the populous Asian nation. Underscoring this, Li Auto recently unveiled a new minivan-like six-seat utility vehicle that is all-electric and wears some impressively aerodynamic styling.
Sleek And Spacious
The Li i8 (say that five times fast) may sound like a BMW, but this vehicle looks like nothing manufactured by the German luxury brand. Instead of a massive, nostril-like grille, this family hauler has a smooth front end, sleek flanks, and a tidy rear end. When viewed in profile, the Li i8’s front resembles a Tesla Model Y’s that flows up to a windshield seemingly borrowed from one of those old GM “Dustbuster” vans. As for the roofline, it’s at least somewhat reminiscent of the lid on the Lincoln Aviator. Overall, this vehicle looks clean and understated, the manufacturer describing the Li i8 as having “yacht-inspired design.”
This utility vehicle is built on Li Auto’s Fortress Body Structure, which should exceed all of China’s latest safety regulations. Dimensionally, this SUV is 200.2 inches long, 77.2 inches wide, and 68.5 inches high. Helping provide plenty of interior space, the wheelbase measures 120.1 inches.
Technical Tidbits
Setting it apart from other family-haulers, the “Li i8 combines the all-terrain capabilities of off-road vehicles, the handling dynamics of sedans, and the comfort of MPVs, redefining family mobility with an all-new driving and riding experience.”
Making good on those promises, this vehicle features a standard dual-chamber Li Magic Carpet air suspension with four height settings and 7.7 inches of maximum ground clearance. There’s also a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that delivers 536 horsepower (400 kW) and 487 pound-feet (660 Nm) of torque. That’s enough pork and beans to accelerate the Li i8 from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in as little as 4.5 seconds, a legitimately impressive performance for a vehicle of this size.
As for energy storage, the Li i8 comes with one of two different batteries. The smaller pack clocks in at an impressive 90.1 kilowatt-hours, and the larger one 97.8. The former is good for up to 416 miles (670 km) of range on the generous CLTC testing cycle, while the latter provides up to 447 miles (720 km) on a full charge.
When it comes to charging and durability, this vehicle can absorb up to 311 miles (500 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes of fast charging. Both battery packs are also designed to retain at least 80 percent of their advertised capacity “after 1,500 full charge-discharge cycles in supercharging mode,” the manufacturer notes.
Room For The Whole Family
Inside, the Li i8 looks supremely comfortable, with loads of space and cushy seats, some of which can actually fold totally flat to create a pair of beds. The automaker also boasts about this vehicle’s versatile third row, which looks roomy enough to accommodate adults.
Helping keep passengers entertained, there’s a 21.4-inch, 3K screen that folds down from the headliner. The dashboard is also home to a massive display that incorporates the usual centrally mounted touchscreen along with a passenger-side display panel all in one massive housing.
Priced To Sell
The Li i8 is offered in three trim levels. The entry-level Pro model should be priced at around $44,700, a totally reasonable sum for a vehicle of this class. The mid-range Max variant should kick off at roughly $48,600. Expect the range-topping Ultra grade to check out for about $51,400. Deliveries of this luxurious-looking family vehicle are expected to commence on August 20.
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