Li Auto has unveiled its i6 battery-electric SUV in Europe, confirming plans to begin sales and deliveries in Norway and the Netherlands in the first quarter of 2027. The model will be marketed as the Li 6 in Europe, with the company planning to expand into additional European countries over time.
The announcement was made at the 2026 Paris Motor Show on Monday, establishing the company’s initial European markets and delivery timeline. The schedule is later than the fourth-quarter 2026 sales target Li Auto outlined during its August earnings call.
European Market Strategy
Li Auto said it also plans to introduce extended-range electric vehicles in Europe. These models will receive hardware and software adaptations for local markets, although the company has not identified which vehicles will be offered or provided a launch timeline.
The strategy reflects the company’s intention to tailor its international lineup to regional requirements. Li Auto has previously said it would prioritize battery-electric vehicles in Europe while focusing on extended-range models in the Middle East and Central Asia.
In a Weibo post on Monday, Li Auto founder, chairman and CEO Li Xiang addressed the pace of the company’s international expansion, saying it would “adapt to local conditions and enter when ready.”
Li Xiang also pointed to the characteristics of European driving environments, including narrow streets in historic cities, limited parking and frequent cross-border travel. He said the i6’s dimensions, interior space and smart features were suited to the travel needs of local families.
Overseas Expansion and Model Development
Li Auto established its first overseas research and development center in Munich in January 2025. In July 2026, it launched the Li L9 extended-range SUV in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, marking another step in its expansion beyond China.
The i6 is the company’s first battery-electric model developed for global markets. According to Li Auto, cumulative deliveries in China exceeded 190,000 units during the first year after the model’s launch.
In China, the 2026 i6 is scheduled to launch on October 28, with test drives beginning the same day and deliveries expected to start in early November. The updated model is set to feature an in-house-developed 5C battery and the Mach M100 assisted-driving chip.
European Safety Preparation
Li Auto said the 2026 i6 was developed to meet the standards associated with a five-star rating under the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). The vehicle will undergo formal testing after its European launch.
The company has not yet announced a Euro NCAP rating for the i6. Its stated development target should therefore not be interpreted as confirmation that the vehicle has already achieved a five-star result.
