Li Auto i6 Launch: The New Electric SUV Shaping China’s EV Future

Li Auto, already known for its successful range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), unveils the Li Auto i6 as its first pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV designed to directly compete in the fast-growing, family-focused mid-to-large electric SUV segment. The i6 aims to attract discerning buyers eyeing premium rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and Audi Q5, offering advanced technology, spacious interiors, and extensive range at a friendly price—which starts around RMB 249,800 (approximately 35,000 USD) for the base model.

Going fully electric breaks from Li Auto’s earlier success with extended-range tech, charting a new path to regain growth momentum amid increasing competition and evolving market demands.

Table of Contents

Exterior Design and Dimensions: A Blend of Style and Aerodynamics

The Li Auto i6 boasts a sleek, modern design consistent with Li Auto’s recognizable i-series styling language, characterised by:

A sloped front end with shark-like low-positioned headlights integrated into a softly contoured bumper.
A futuristic “star-ring” LED light signature on the grille-like front fascia.
A roofline that sweeps gracefully into the rear with retractable door handles enhancing aerodynamics.
A roof-mounted LiDAR sensor system reflecting the vehicle’s focus on advanced driver assistance and autonomous capability.
Five available colors, including black, gray, yellow, silver, and white, catering to diverse taste profiles.

The vehicle’s overall length of 4950 mm, width of 1935 mm, height near 1660 mm, and a generous wheelbase of 3000 mm create a spacious cabin environment without compromising road presence or maneuverability.

Interior Features: Comfort Meets Technology

Inside, the Li i6 aims to impress with a cabin that balances luxury and tech functionality:

Li Auto i6 - Interior — **Li Auto i6 – Interior**

Five seats arranged in a comfortable 2+3 layout, ensuring family-friendly spaciousness.
A spectacular 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted panoramic display serving as an infotainment and multimedia hub, a large screen feature previously unique to flagship Li Auto models.
Dual 15.7-inch instrument and infotainment screens seamlessly integrated with an advanced 16.8-inch head-up display replacing traditional dashboard instruments.
Premium touches such as heated seats (including 10-point massage function in front seats), rear sunshades, and a built-in 8.8-liter refrigerator for enhanced passenger comfort.
Surround sound system with 20 speakers for high-fidelity audio experiences.
Sophisticated ambient lighting and three interior color options to suit individual preferences—white, brown, and orange shades enhancing the feeling of warmth and modernity.

Powertrain and Performance: Versatility and Power

The Li Auto i6 is offered in multiple configurations to suit varied driving needs:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Variant: A single 250 kW (340 hp) electric motor powering the rear axle, delivering smooth acceleration and efficient power handling.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Variant: Dual motors—a 250 kW rear motor and a 150 kW front motor—combine for a substantial total output of 400 kW (536 hp), enabling blistering acceleration with a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 4.5 seconds.

Built on an impressive 800V high-voltage platform, the i6’s electric motors utilize in-house developed silicon carbide technology. This innovative powertrain design balances high performance with exceptional energy efficiency for real-world driving conditions.

Battery, Charging, and Range: Addressing Range Anxiety Head-On

One of the Li i6’s strongest selling points is its advanced battery technology focused on fast charging and long-range capabilities:

Equipped with an 87.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack manufactured by CATL, the vehicle supports cutting-edge 5C ultra-fast charging technology.
This enables rapid replenishment of up to 500 km of driving range in just 10 minutes of charging, a transformative step in minimizing downtime during travel.
Range varies by configuration, with models offering CLTC-rated ranges of approximately 660 km to 720 km, comfortably meeting daily commuting and long-distance requirements for most consumers.

Such capabilities aim to mitigate “range anxiety,” a common consumer concern, positioning the Li i6 as a practical and convenient choice for families and urban adventurers alike.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Leading-Edge Technologies

Equipped with Li Auto’s signature AD Max driver-assistance package, the i6 integrates:

A comprehensive suite of sensors, cameras, and LiDAR to provide point-to-point navigation on highways and city roads.
Advanced adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision avoidance, parking assistance, and more.
The Nvidia Thor chip powers a peak processing capacity of 700 TOPS (trillions of operations per second), enabling complex AI-driven decision-making and real-time environmental analysis.

Safety features also include nine airbags, robust structural design, and electronic stability controls, ensuring occupant protection aligns with premium SUVs in the market.

Market Positioning and Pricing

Li Auto positions the i6 as a compelling alternative in the mid-to-large electric SUV segment, targeting:

Mid-upper class families seeking tech-forward and sustainable mobility.
Urban professionals valuing luxury, comfort, and state-of-the-art infotainment.
Buyers comparing against traditional premium brands like Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, and BMW X3 but looking for competitive pricing and cutting-edge electric technology.

The base RWD i6 starts at approximately RMB 249,800 (~$35,000 USD), while the fully equipped AWD version with luxury options like air suspension, larger wheels, and premium sound system is priced around RMB 277,800 (~$39,000 USD)—significantly more affordable than many international EV competitors.

Strategic Significance for Li Auto

Introducing the Li i6 stands as a pivotal development in Li Auto’s evolution:

Marks the brand’s solid entry into the fully battery-electric SUV market, moving beyond its range-extended models.
Addresses the urgent need to boost sales amid sped-up industry electrification and intensifying competition from emerging Chinese EV brands.
Reinforces Li Auto’s commitment to blending high-tech innovation, user experience, and affordability to capture the rapidly expanding family consumer segment.

Global and Industry Context

China’s electric vehicle market remains the largest and fastest-growing globally. The Li i6 launch reflects broader trends:

Increasing consumer demand for SUVs with long range and fast charging.
Rising interest in premium yet affordable EVs.
OEMs developing in-house battery and motor tech to reduce costs and improve integration.

Li Auto’s success with the i6 will be a strong indicator of China’s ability to challenge Western and Japanese EV makers not only domestically but globally.

Conclusion

The Li Auto i6 is primed to make waves in the electric SUV segment with impressive range, fast charging, premium tech, and competitive pricing. Its delivery starting September 27, 2025, will be closely watched as a bellwether for the Chinese EV industry’s next phase—one focused on fully electric, family-friendly vehicles that do not compromise on performance or luxury. As Li Auto pushes forward, the i6 exemplifies the future of sustainable, connected, and practical electric mobility.