Li L8 Extended-Range SUV Debuts With Five-Seat Layout and Advanced AI Features

Li L8 Enters a New Product Phase

The Li L8 is set for an official launch on June 23 as a new-generation extended-range SUV positioned as a premium five-seat flagship. Li Auto has redesigned the model to better differentiate it from larger offerings while targeting buyers seeking luxury, technology, and long-distance capability. Display vehicles are scheduled to arrive in stores on June 13, allowing customers to experience the vehicle before its market debut. The latest positioning reflects the company’s strategy to strengthen its premium lineup in China amid rising competition in the intelligent electric vehicle segment.

Five-Seat Design Replaces Previous Layout

A major change in the new Li L8 is the shift from the previous six-seat configuration to a five-seat layout. This adjustment reduces overlap with the larger Li L9 flagship SUV, which continues to retain six seats. The updated vehicle measures 5,135 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, while using 285-mm wide tires. Compared with the current Li L8 dimensions of 5,080 mm by 1,995 mm by 1,800 mm, the redesign offers additional space and a more premium stance for buyers seeking comfort and practicality.

Battery and Extended-Range Performance

The new model will be offered in Ultra and Livis variants, both utilizing the third-generation 5C extended-range system and an in-house developed third-generation range extender. Equipped with a 72.7-kWh fast-charging battery pack, the SUV delivers a CLTC battery-only range of 430 km and a combined driving range of 1,670 km. These figures position the vehicle among leading extended-range offerings in the premium segment and reinforce the manufacturer’s focus on long-distance usability without compromising electrification benefits.

Advanced Chassis and Driving Technologies

The Ultra variant includes dual-chamber air springs, steer-by-wire capability, and rear-wheel steering that enables a turning radius of 5.1 meters. The Livis variant introduces an 800-volt active suspension system alongside electro-mechanical braking technology with a response time below 100 milliseconds. These upgrades are designed to improve ride comfort, agility, and responsiveness while delivering a premium driving experience expected from flagship sport utility vehicles in the evolving market.

AI Computing and Assisted Driving Upgrades

For intelligent driving functions, the Ultra variant uses one in-house developed Mach M100 chip delivering 1,280 TOPS of computing power. The Livis version carries dual Mach M100 chips with a combined 2,560 TOPS, significantly expanding processing capability for advanced functions. The vehicle also integrates three solid-state variable-focus LiDAR units in addition to the Hesai ATL-P LiDAR system and includes an embodied intelligence package. Assisted driving software remains free for life across both variants, following the company’s broader software strategy.

Sales Pressure and Financial Challenges

The transition to the new model has temporarily affected demand for the current Li L8, with deliveries falling to 421 units in May, representing a 92.07 percent year-on-year decline. Consumers have largely postponed purchases while awaiting the updated vehicle. Overall company deliveries reached 33,350 vehicles in May, down 18.37 percent from a year earlier. During the first quarter, the manufacturer reported a net loss of RMB 2.3 billion yuan, while gross margin dropped sharply from 20.5 percent to 7.9 percent, highlighting profitability challenges.

Software and AI Strategy Ahead

Despite financial pressure, recent market feedback has been encouraging. The newly launched Li L9 reportedly secured more than 10,000 firm orders for its premium Livis variant within two weeks. Ahead of the Li L8 launch, the company will host Livis Day on June 15 to showcase developments in in-vehicle interaction, foundation models, assisted driving, and proprietary chips. With refreshed Li L8 and Li L9 models entering the market, the company aims to revive sales momentum and improve profitability through higher-margin extended-range vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is new in the latest Li L8 compared with the previous model?
The latest Li L8 introduces a major redesign focused on premium five-seat positioning and advanced intelligent technologies. It replaces the earlier six-seat layout, receives larger dimensions, adopts a third-generation extended-range system, and offers up to 430 km of battery-only range under CLTC standards. New chassis technologies, steer-by-wire capability, active suspension, and upgraded AI hardware with Mach M100 chips significantly enhance driving performance and assisted driving functions across its Ultra and Livis variants.

How powerful is the Li L8 Livis variant in terms of AI computing?
The Li L8 Livis variant delivers one of the highest computing capabilities in its class through dual Mach M100 chips. Together, they provide a combined computing power of 2,560 TOPS, enabling advanced assisted driving and intelligent vehicle functions. The model further integrates multiple solid-state LiDAR sensors and embodied intelligence features to support future software enhancements. Combined with free lifetime assisted driving software, the system reflects the company’s long-term strategy for intelligent mobility development.