Li Auto launched the i8 rear-wheel-drive Long Range edition on August 6, 2026, priced at 309,800 yuan nationwide. The model features a 97.8 kWh 5C battery with a CLTC range of 780 km and the ability to add 500 km of range in just 10 minutes.
Product Positioning: A New Pure-Electric Family SUV
The Li Auto i8 marks the brand's entry into the pure-electric six-seater family SUV segment. Measuring 5,085mm × 1,960mm × 1,740mm, it offers generous interior space for six occupants. The newly introduced RWD Long Range edition is priced at 309,800 yuan, while the AWD High Performance model retains its 339,800 yuan tag. Both trims now come with an electric front trunk and dual zero-gravity seats for the front row.
The RWD Long Range edition lowers the entry barrier to the i8 lineup while maintaining a substantial 97.8 kWh battery, creating a compelling "big battery + RWD" proposition in the competitive family EV SUV market.
Powertrain and Performance: Is RWD Enough?
The RWD Long Range edition's standout feature is its 5C ultra-fast charging capability. With a 97.8 kWh 5C battery, it delivers a CLTC range of 780 km and can add 500 km of range in just 10 minutes—dramatically reducing range anxiety for users with access to Li Auto's charging network.
The performance gap between the two variants is notable, though the RWD version remains competitive:
- RWD Long Range: Rear-mounted single motor rated at 250 kW, 0–100 km/h in 6.6 seconds
- AWD High Performance: Dual motors producing 400 kW combined, 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds
A 6.6-second sprint is sufficient to outperform roughly 80% of vehicles on the road, making the RWD variant more than adequate for family use.
Chassis and Safety: Flagship Hardware as Standard
The i8 lineup comes with impressive standard equipment across both trims:
- All-aluminum suspension architecture
- Dual-chamber air springs with four height-adjustable levels
- Continuously variable damping
- Body torsional stiffness of 49,500 Nm/deg
On the safety front, the vehicle has earned top ratings from C-IASI and a five-star "healthy car" certification. As of July 31, 2026, Li Auto had operationalized 4,141 ultra-fast charging stations with 22,841 piles nationwide, covering 18 national highways and 12 long-distance routes.
| Specification | RWD Long Range | AWD High Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 309,800 yuan | 339,800 yuan |
| Battery | 97.8 kWh | 97.8 kWh |
| CLTC Range | 780 km | ~710 km |
| Peak Charging | 5C (500km/10min) | 5C |
| Motor Output | 250 kW (RWD) | 400 kW (AWD) |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.6 sec | 4.5 sec |
| Torsional Stiffness | 49,500 Nm/deg | 49,500 Nm/deg |
Market Outlook
At 309,800 yuan, the i8 RWD Long Range enters a fiercely contested segment. Its core strengths—class-leading battery capacity, 5C ultra-fast charging, six-seat versatility, and Li Auto's established reputation for smart cabins and comfort—create a well-rounded package. For international buyers tracking China's EV market, the i8 represents the current state of the art in pure-electric family SUVs. For more details, visit EX1000.COM.
