Li Auto will launch its most affordable electric SUV yet - the Li i6 - in September, which will have a range of 660 to 720 km.
Li Auto has prepared a new mid-range electric hero, the Li i6, which will be offered in three different versions with a range of 660 kilometers (AWD), 710 kilometers (RWD) and 720 kilometers (RWD). All versions will be equipped with modern lithium-iron-phosphate batteries with a capacity of a precisely measured 87.3075 kWh (apparently, Li Auto measured to the fourth decimal place in production - who knows, maybe that 0.0005 kWh is the key to happiness).
The official launch of the Li i6 is planned for September this year, and the starting price will be around 200,000 yuan (approximately $27,900 or around 25 thousand euros), making it one of the most affordable electric SUVs on the Chinese market.
When electrical architecture becomes sexy
The Li i6 is based on a powerful 800V architecture that enables extremely fast charging: in just 10 minutes you will get 500 kilometers of range. That means just enough time to have a coffee or a quick trip to the toilet (unless you are one of those people who always forgets their credit card PIN - in which case the charging time can even be delayed).
The rear-wheel drive (RWD) version is powered by a 250 kW (335 hp) electric motor, and there will be two weight options: 2,395 kg and 2,380 kg. The all-wheel drive (AWD) version brings an additional 150 kW (201 hp) electric motor, and the total power is enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds - meaning you can always show your neighbor at the traffic lights who's boss on the street in style.
Dimensions? Enough for a family and a dog – and an inflatable flamingo.
As a mid-sized to large SUV/MPV crossover, the Li i6 will be 4,950 mm long, 1,935 mm wide, 1,655 mm high, and have a spacious and comfortable 3,000 mm wheelbase. The wheels will be mounted on attractive 20- or 21-inch rims at Li Auto, depending on the driver's preferences and ego size.
The Li i6 is heavily inspired by its bigger brother, the Li i8, with which it shares a recognizable two-tone body and a closed front with a trendy integrated light bar. On the roof will (most likely) be a Hesai ATL lidar sensor, which will ensure safe driving and advanced autonomous assistance - so the perfect solution for everyone who likes to take a nap while driving, but loves their car and life.
Who will be the sales superstar at Li Auto?
In March, Li Auto slightly revised its sales ambitions for 2025, reducing the original target of 700,000 vehicles to 640,000 vehicles. In the first half of the year, 203,938 vehicles were already sold (a solid 7.9% more than last year), but the new target is still quite a few cars short.
By the way, the most successful model in the current range was the Li L6, which was the only one to exceed the 10,000 unit sales mark per month, with 96,354 vehicles sold in the first half of the year. On the opposite side of the scale is their mighty Li Mega, which turned out to be much less 'mega' than its name suggests - with only 5,805 units sold in the same period. Maybe they'll rename it the Li Mini next year?
Will the Li i6 prove to be a new electric weapon on the market?
In September, the Chinese car brand will try to captivate the masses with its new Li i6. Given the exceptional technical characteristics, attractive price and attractive design, it can quickly happen that competitors will look over their shoulders a little nervously. And Elon Musk may have to write an additional provocative joke on social media to stay in the spotlight.
What do you think, will the Li i6 become the new Chinese hit or just one of the many electric SUVs that will be forgotten by the next generation of smartphones? The comments are yours!