Li Auto launches the RWD i8 crossover to fight sluggish sales

Li Auto launched the RWD variant of the i8 electric crossover to fight sluggish sales in China. This large six-seater starts at 309,800 yuan (45,900 USD), offering 335 hp and 780 km of range on a single battery charge.

The Li Auto initially launched the i8 crossover in July 2025 in China. The car was offered in three trim levels: Pro, Max, and Ultra. However, Li Auto switched to a single trim level just a week after the launch, facing low demand. The standard version of the i8 offered AWD at 339,800 yuan (50,340 USD).

Despite this bold move, the i8’s market performance remained underwhelming due to firm pressure from its rivals, including Nio’s Onvo L90. According to China EV DataTracker, the i8 delivered 8,733 units in H1 2026. In June, Li Auto handed over just 779 vehicles to clients. The company urgently needed a new plan.

As a result, Li Auto came up with the RWD variant of the Li Auto i8. This car remained largely the same in terms of functional equipment. However, this variant offers a single electric motor in the rear axle for 250 kW (335 hp). Thanks to a 97.8 kWh battery from Sunwoda, the i8 RWD can run up to 780 km under CLTC conditions. An 800V system allows charging 500 km of range in 10 minutes. The car boasts energy consumption of 13.6 kWh per 100 km. It speeds up to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.

For clarity, the i8 AWD has two electric motors with a peak power of 400 kW (536 hp). They are powered by a 97.8 kWh CATL battery pack. The energy consumption of this model is 14.8 kWh per 100 km. The CLTC range is 720 km. As for the zero-to-hundred acceleration, it takes 4.5 seconds.

The dimensions of the Li Auto i8 are 5085/1960/1740 mm with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm. This family driver boasts a drag coefficient of 0.218 Cd, outperforming the smaller Tesla Model Y. The Li i8 comes standard with six seats, offering a 2+2+2 layout. Its second-row captain chairs can recline to 145 degrees. There are two 15.7-inch screens in the dashboard. A ceiling-mounted 21.4-inch screen is a paid option.

Other fine features of the Li Auto i8 include semi-hidden door handles and a roomy electrically powered front trunk. The interior offers a 16-point massage function for the driver’s seat, large vanity mirrors, 20 speakers, heated third-row seats, and ventilated & massaged first- and second-row seats.