Li Auto has released the first official images of the interior of its upcoming electric SUV, the Li i8, offering a glimpse into the design of the company’s second battery electric vehicle (BEV) and its first fully electric SUV.
The Chinese automaker shared four images on social media platform Weibo, highlighting the interior layout of the six-seat Li i8. The images reveal a steering wheel design consistent with Li Auto’s existing models and a small display at the top of the wheel that shows gear information. The photos also showcase the second-row seats, which appear equipped with comfort-focused features such as leg rests.
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Li Auto plans to begin accepting pre-orders for the Li i8 on July 17 and will start displaying the vehicle in showrooms across various cities beginning July 18. The official launch event is scheduled for July 29.
The Li i8 marks a strategic milestone for Li Auto as the brand expands its product lineup beyond its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) portfolio, which currently includes the L6, L7, L8, and L9 SUV models. The company’s first BEV, the Li Mega multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), was introduced in March this year.
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Positioned as a competitor in the high-end electric SUV segment, the Li i8 features a streamlined exterior that distinguishes it from more traditionally shaped SUVs. Li Auto has yet to disclose pricing details, but competition is intensifying in the segment.
Onvo, a sub-brand of Nio, recently introduced its flagship SUV L90 at a pre-sale starting price of RMB 279,900 ($39,030), a model that follows the boxier SUV aesthetic currently popular with Chinese buyers.
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Li Auto CEO Li Xiang previously said that the Li i8 aims to set a new benchmark in the electric SUV category, emphasizing its efficient use of space compared to models like Tesla’s Model X.
