While the exterior was officially revealed in recent weeks, spy photos of the Li Auto i8’s interior have recently surfaced. This is the first all-electric SUV from the Beijing-based startup, one of the youngest and fastest-growing companies in the Chinese automotive industry.
The i8 will officially launch on the market in July 2025, and Li Auto appears to be planning a European debut between 2026 and 2027.
Li Auto i8: a very modern design
Like many Chinese cars, the Li Auto i8 features a minimalist and clean design, free of grilles and excessive lines. However, this vehicle stands out with some interesting solutions, such as LED headlights integrated into the windshield rather than the bumper. It also features a deliberately compact hood and a visually deceptive front end.
The rear is less original and, in fact, somewhat resembles a Nio, though the design is well-integrated. A contrasting black roof gives the vehicle a sleeker and more dynamic silhouette.
Its dimensions are significant: 5.08 meters long, 1.96 meters wide, and 1.74 meters high, with a wheelbase of 3.05 meters, which promises excellent interior space.
The interior of the Li i8 closely resembles other Li Auto models, featuring the brand’s familiar high-tech aesthetic. The central console houses two 15.7-inch screens, with no traditional instrument cluster. Driving information is instead projected onto a head-up display, keeping the dashboard clean and minimalist.
The D-shaped steering wheel, with a flat bottom, hides the gear selector behind it. The center console includes two wireless charging pads, two cup holders, and a large storage compartment underneath. One distinctive feature is the unusually wide A-pillars—a design choice that may affect visibility but also allows for driver monitoring cameras and even a speaker, likely used for voice assistants or alert systems.
Performance
According to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Li Auto i8 will feature a six-seat layout (2+2+2) designed to maximize comfort for all rows. The curb weight reaches 2,610 kg, reinforcing its identity as a solid and well-equipped vehicle.
In terms of size, the i8 qualifies as a large crossover. It is powered by two electric motors: a front motor with 201 hp and a rear motor with 335 hp, for a combined output of 536 hp. The top speed is stated as 180 km/h.
The battery pack is a Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt ternary unit with support for 5C fast charging, a feature that promises especially quick recharge times. Before its launch, the i8 completed over 8 million kilometers of testing across 300 cities in China, successfully enduring two winters and two summers of durability and performance trials.
