Li Auto debuts the Li i8 six-seater SUV in the scorching battery electric vehicle (BEV) market
In the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), two new additions to the mid-size SUV segment have caught the attention of consumers: Tesla's six-seat Model Y Long Range and Li Auto's Li i8.
Tesla Model Y Long Range (6-seat version)
Tesla reintroduced a three-row, seven-seater Model Y in June 2025; the six-seat layout is a variant typically configured with captain's chairs in the second row. The vehicle uses a Lithium iron phosphate battery around 78-83 kWh capacity, delivering an EPA-estimated range of about 447 miles (719 km) for the long-range model or roughly 533 km (331 miles) by some regional estimates. Dual-motor all-wheel drive powers the Model Y, with a power output around 235 bhp (varies by market and update).
The Model Y's dimensions are approximately 4751 mm (187 inches) in length, 1978 mm (about 75.6 inches) in width, and 1624 mm (64 inches) in height. In the U.S. market, the Long Range AWD variant starts from approximately $50,600, though Indian pricing is higher due to taxes (~₹60 lakh), and Malaysian pricing starts from RM 242,450 for a 5-seat version. The six-seat version price is generally higher but exact figures vary by market. Key features include full-width LED light bars, a new touchscreen for rear passengers, improved suspension, and traditional turn signal stalk reinstated. The Model Y can charge fully in about 10 hours on a home charge.
Li Auto Li i8
Li Auto's Li i8, a newer entry targeting the growing EV market, offers six or seven seats configured for family use. The vehicle is a pure battery electric vehicle with competitive range and efficiency, though exact battery size and range vary based on model versions and updates.
The Li i8 is generally positioned competitively within the Chinese EV market, potentially undercutting Tesla on price for a similarly equipped mid-size electric SUV. Key features of Li Auto models often include advanced driver assistance systems, hybrid-like energy management (in extended-range models), and an emphasis on in-car technology and comfort.
Comparison Summary
| Specification | Tesla Model Y Long Range (6-seat) | Li Auto Li i8 | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Battery & Range | ~78-83 kWh LFP, 533-719 km (EPA varies) | Battery size & range varies; competitive but generally lower than Tesla’s top range | | Seating Capacity | 6 or 7 seats (reintroduced in 2025) | 6 or 7 seats | | Dimensions | Length ~4751 mm, Width ~1978 mm, Height ~1624 mm | Similar mid-size SUV segment | | Price (approximate) | $50,000 - $60,000 in US; varies by market | Generally lower-priced in China, competitive with Tesla but exact figures unclear | | Key Features | Advanced infotainment, full LED lighting, Full Self-Driving (optional), improved suspension | Advanced driver assist, focus on family comfort and tech, competitive tech features |
Overall, Tesla’s Model Y offers a longer range and a strong charging network but at a higher price point, while Li Auto’s Li i8 aims to provide family-oriented electric SUVs with competitive tech at potentially lower prices, primarily focused on the Chinese market. Due to the lack of detailed, up-to-date Li i8 data in the provided search results, exact specifications and pricing comparisons are limited. For the most precise comparison, checking current official specifications from Li Auto and local dealerships is recommended.
The Li i8 is priced at RMB 321,800 ($44,830) and deliveries begin on August 20. The Li i8 faces competition from the Onvo L90 and Tesla's Model Y L.
- The Model Y's Lithium iron phosphate battery offers an EPA-estimated range of about 447 miles for the long-range model.
- Tesla's reintroduction of a three-row, seven-seater Model Y in June 2025 included a six-seat variant often configured with captain's chairs.
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive powers the Model Y, providing a power output around 235 bhp, though this fluctuates by market and update.
- In the United States, the Long Range AWD variant of the Model Y starts from approximately $50,600, while in India, pricing is considerably higher due to taxes.
- The Li i8, a new entry from Li Auto, offers six or seven seats configured for family use and competes in the growing EV market.
- Advanced driver assistance systems, hybrid-like energy management, and an emphasis on in-car technology and comfort are common features of Li Auto models.
- While the exact battery size and range of the Li i8 vary based on model versions and updates, it offers competitive range and efficiency.
- Li Auto's Li i8 is generally positioned competitively within the Chinese EV market, potentially undercutting Tesla on price for a similarly equipped mid-size electric SUV.
- Tesla's Model Y offers a longer range and a strong charging network but comes with a higher price point, while Li Auto's Li i8 focuses on offering competitive tech at potentially lower prices, primarily in the Chinese market.
- The Li i8 faces competition from the Onvo L90 and Tesla's Model Y L, presenting a challenge for its market presence.
- The Li i8 is priced at RMB 321,800 ($44,830) and deliveries are scheduled to begin on August 20.
- The innovation and technology in electric vehicles continue to advance, reshaping the automotive industry, the finance sector, transportation, and even everyday lifestyles, with companies like Tesla, Li Auto, NIO, and LI Auto playing significant roles in this transformation.
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