Li Auto files paperwork for a 5-seater electric SUV named i6, slated for release in September
Li Auto Launches Second Electric SUV, the Li i6
Li Auto, one of China's leading extended-range electric vehicle manufacturers, is expanding its electric lineup with the launch of its second all-electric SUV model, the Li i6. The Li i6 is set to hit the market in September, following the successful launch of the Li Mega MPV, Li Auto's first battery electric vehicle model.
The Li i6 is a spacious two-row, five-seat family pure-electric SUV, offering three range variants with a maximum range of up to 720 kilometers under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). Although detailed powertrain specs for the Li i6 are not explicitly provided, it shares some high-level range and positioning similarities with the Li i8, Li Auto's larger and more powerful electric SUV model.
Key Specifications and Features of Li Auto Li i6:
- Range: Three options available, with a maximum range of up to 720 km (CLTC cycle).
- Powertrain: Likely all-electric, but specific motor configuration and output for the Li i6 are not detailed in available sources.
- Positioning: The Li i6 is positioned as a second all-electric SUV after the Li i8, aiming to compete in the premium mid-size electric SUV segment.
When compared to its competitors, the Li Auto Li i6 stands out with its high electric range of up to 720 km, significantly higher than many luxury European competitors under typical test cycles, reflecting a competitive advantage in range. The Li i6 targets the price-sensitive segment with a focus on electric mobility, making it more appealing in terms of range and cost compared to combustion or hybrid SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X, and Audi Q5.
| Feature | Li Auto Li i6 | Mercedes-Benz GLC | BMW X Series | Audi Q5 | |-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Segment | Mid-size all-electric SUV | Luxury mid-size SUV | Luxury mid-size SUV | Luxury mid-size SUV | | Range | Up to 720 km (CLTC) | Approx. 400-450 km (WLTP, varies by model) | Approx. 370-520 km (WLTP, varies by model) | Approx. 400-520 km (WLTP, varies by model) | | Powertrain | Fully electric, multiple range options (details sparse) | Combustion, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid options | Combustion, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid options | Combustion, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid options | | Power | Not specified for the Li i6 | E.g., 3.0L turbo I6 with 395 hp (Jaguar F-PACE reference)[2] | Varies widely (I6 turbo, electric, hybrids) | Varies widely | | Drive Configuration | Expected AWD (from Li Auto’s model approach) | RWD/AWD options | RWD/AWD options | AWD standard or optional | | Price positioning | Starting around 350,000 yuan (~49,000 USD) for the Li i8; Li i6 likely lower | Premium luxury pricing, usually above 50,000 USD | Premium luxury pricing, usually above 50,000 USD | Premium luxury pricing, usually above 50,000 USD |
*Note: Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X, and Audi Q5 mainly offer combustion and hybrid variants; all-electric versions or equivalents exist but vary by market.
In addition to the Li i6, Li Auto has hinted at possible plans for a sedan in the future. The Li i8, Li Auto's first pure electric SUV model, will support a maximum speed of 180 kilometers per hour and uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, with suppliers including CATL and Sunwoda.
Li Auto's factory in Beijing and its factory in Changzhou, Jiangsu province will produce both the Li i6 and the Li i8. The company is planning to launch two all-electric SUVs in Q3, with the Li i8 expected to be launched in late July. Feedback can be submitted for the Li i6 from June 21 to 27, as it is undergoing the final major regulatory procedure for a vehicle model to be permitted for sale in China.
With Li Auto's focus on electric mobility and its competitive advantage in range, the Li i6 is poised to make a significant impact in the mid-size electric SUV segment. Stay tuned for more updates on Li Auto's electric lineup and future plans.
- Li Auto, known for its extended-range electric vehicles, is introducing a second all-electric SUV, the Li i6, in September.
- The new Li i6 model will compete in the premium mid-size electric SUV segment, similar in positioning to the Li i8.
- Offering a maximum range of up to 720 kilometers under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), the Li i6 outperforms many luxury European competitors in range.
- While specific powertrain details for the Li i6 have not been provided, its range suggests high-level similarities with the Li i8, particularly in terms of powertrain configuration.
- Compared to combustion or hybrid SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X, and Audi Q5, the Li Auto Li i6 offers a significant advantage in range and may attract buyers looking for more affordable electric options.
- Li Auto's production facilities in Beijing and Changzhou, Jiangsu province, will produce both the Li i6 and the Li i8.
- Li Auto plans to launch two all-electric SUVs in Q3, with the Li i8 scheduled for launch in late July and the Li i6 going through final regulatory procedures from June 21 to 27.
- With its focus on electric mobility and its competitive advantages in both range and cost, the Li i6 is expected to make a significant impact in the mid-size electric SUV segment and contribute to the ongoing trend of electric vehicle adoption in the automotive industry, technology, lifestyle, finance, transportation, and China's renewable energy sector.
