The Li Auto i6 electric crossover just hit the Chinese market, a five-seat BEV promising a substantial 720 km of range and all-wheel drive. Priced aggressively at 249,800 yuan, or about 35,010 USD, this launch marks Li Auto’s most significant step yet into the pure electric vehicle segment, a move that could shake up the competitive landscape.
Li Auto has made a name for itself by mastering range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs), achieving profitability through strong sales in that niche. However, their initial foray into pure BEVs with the Mega minivan didn’t quite hit the mark. The brand then rolled out the i8, a six-seat SUV, in July 2025, which saw 2,212 deliveries last month. Now, the i6 crossover emerges with a simpler, five-seat layout and a price point that suggests it’s aiming for a much broader appeal.
Sleek Aesthetics and Thoughtful Design
The i6 carries over the modern design language seen in the i8, featuring a sleek, sloped front end. Its headlights are neatly integrated into the bumper, complemented by an LED strip running just below the windshield. Practical touches include retractable door handles and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor which hints at advanced driver-assistance capabilities. Buyers can pick from five exterior colors: classic black and white, along with gray, yellow, and silver for those looking to stand out.
This isn’t just a pretty face, though. The i6 measures in at 4950 mm long, 1935 mm wide, and 1655 mm tall, with a generous 3,000 mm wheelbase. Despite its substantial size, it sticks to a practical 2+3, five-seat configuration. Inside, the cabin features a dual 15.7-inch screen setup dominating the center console, alongside a small touchscreen on the steering wheel and a 16.8-inch head-up display that replaces traditional gauges. It creates a cabin that feels both expansive and driver-focused.
Innovation and Comfort in Every Detail
One of the standout features is its colossal 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted screen, a premium touch also found in the Li Mega, Li L9 2025, and i8. For passengers, this means an entertainment experience usually reserved for luxury sedans. The i6 also spoils its occupants with an 8.8-liter built-in refrigerator, rear sunshades, a 20-speaker sound system, and nine airbags for top-tier safety. Interior options include white, brown, or orange color schemes, all paired with heated seats. The front seats even offer a 10-point massage function, transforming daily commutes into relaxing journeys.
Driving the i6 feels effortless thanks to its AD Max driver assistance system, powered by an Nvidia Thor chip with a 700 TOPS peak power output. This robust system enables advanced point-to-point navigation on both urban streets and highways, giving drivers confidence and reducing fatigue on longer trips.
Performance That Delivers
Underneath its stylish exterior, the Li Auto i6 offers solid electric performance. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant features a single 250 kW (325 hp) e-motor on the rear axle. Opt for the all-wheel drive (4WD) model, and you’ll get an additional 150 kW (201 hp) e-motor up front, bringing the total system output to a robust 400 kW (536 hp). This potent setup propels the 4WD i6 from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 4.5 seconds. The ride is smoothed out by a dual-chamber air suspension system combined with continuous damping control, ensuring comfort and composure across varying road conditions.
Powering this impressive setup is an 87.3 kWh LFP battery supplied by CATL. The RWD model boasts a 720 km range, meaning fewer stops on long journeys. The battery also supports 5C charging technology, which is incredibly efficient, allowing the car to gain an impressive 500 km of range in just 10 minutes. This kind of rapid charging significantly enhances the daily usability of the i6.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 4.5 | s | 4WD variant |
| Peak power | 400 | kW | Combined motor output for AWD trims (536 hp) |
| Range (CLTC) | 720 | km | RWD variant |
| Battery capacity (usable) | 87.3 | kWh | LFP chemistry; supplier: CATL |
| Battery chemistry | LFP | — | Long lifespan, good stability |
| Fast-charge speed (range added in 10 min) | 500 | km | Using 5C charging technology |
| Length | 4950 | mm | — |
| Width | 1935 | mm | — |
| Height | 1655 | mm | — |
| Wheelbase | 3000 | mm | — |
| Starting price (China) | ¥249,800 | CNY | Approximately 35,010 USD |
Pricing and Market Positioning
The Li Auto i6 is currently offered in a single trim, priced at 249,800 yuan (35,010 USD). A special limited-time discount drops the price to 239,800 yuan (33,610 USD), making it an even more compelling option. This introductory offer includes electric suction doors, the dual-chamber air suspension, and a refrigerator as standard. For those wanting more, optional extras like a front-mounted electric motor, 21-inch wheels, that expansive ceiling-mounted screen, a tow hook, and a premium platinum sound system are available.
Fully loaded, a 4WD Li i6 with all the bells and whistles will set you back 277,800 yuan (38,935 USD). This puts it in direct competition with rivals like the five-seat Onvo L60 fastback SUV, which ranges from 206,900 to 255,900 yuan (29,000 to 35,870 USD). The China-made Tesla Model Y also falls into this segment, priced between 263,500 and 313,500 yuan (36,930 to 43,940 USD). With its blend of range, features, and aggressive pricing, the Li Auto i6 looks set to carve out a significant slice of the rapidly expanding Chinese BEV market.
