- Li Auto will begin accepting pre-orders for the Li i8 on July 17, with the launch event scheduled for July 29.
- The Li i8 will be Li Auto's first all-electric SUV, featuring a design that deviates from the conventional boxy SUV shape.
Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI) has shared the interior of its first electric SUV (sport utility vehicle), the Li i8, as the official launch approaches.
The Chinese automaker posted 4 images on Weibo today, showcasing the interior details of the 6-seat Li i8, including the steering wheel and seats.
The Li i8's steering wheel design is similar to that of existing Li Auto models, including a small screen at the top displaying gear information.
Three of the 4 images feature seat designs, showing that the second-row seats will include comfort features such as leg rests.
Li Auto will begin accepting pre-orders for the Li i8 on July 17 and will begin showcasing the model in various cities starting July 18, according to the company.
The Li i8 launch event will take place on July 29, as previously mentioned by Li Auto.
Li Auto is one of China's leading extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) makers, with its current lineup primarily consisting of L-series EREVs, including the Li L6, Li L7, Li L8, and Li L9, all of which are SUVs.
On March 1, 2024, the Li Mega MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) was launched, marking Li Auto's first battery electric vehicle (BEV) model.
The Li i8 will be its first pure electric SUV and second BEV model. The company has already revealed the exterior design of the model, showcasing its distinctive shape that deviates from conventional box SUVs.
On July 9, Li Auto founder, chairman, and CEO Li Xiang said on Weibo that the model will redefine the pure electric SUV segment, offering even more efficient use of space than Tesla's Model X.
No pricing information for the Li i8 is currently available, but the pre-sales starting price of RMB 279,900 ($39,030) for Nio's (NYSE: NIO) sub-brand Onvo's flagship SUV L90 will put the Li Auto SUV in a challenging position.
The Onvo L90 is a traditional boxy-shaped SUV, which aligns with the current aesthetic preferences of mainstream Chinese consumers.
($1 = RMB 7.1713)
