On August 6, Li Auto officially launched the i8 RWD Long-Range edition, priced at 309,800 yuan. Featuring a 97.8kWh 5C ultra-fast-charging battery with 780km CLTC range, it adds an electric frunk and front zero-gravity seats, with limited-time benefits worth up to 35,750 yuan.
Li Auto i8 RWD Long-Range "Silently" Launched
On August 6, Li Auto launched the i8 RWD Long-Range edition on its official app without holding a launch event, with a unified national retail price of 309,800 yuan. This "silent launch" strategy follows a new trend among automakers of skipping traditional launch events.
The AWD high-performance edition maintains its price at 339,800 yuan, with the rear entertainment screen package upgraded to standard. The new RWD version lowers the entry threshold by 30,000 yuan compared to the previous unified AWD edition, precisely targeting price-sensitive family buyers.
Core Specs: Balancing Range and Efficiency
| Parameter | RWD Long-Range | AWD High-Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 309,800 yuan | 339,800 yuan |
| Drive Type | Single-motor RWD | Dual-motor AWD |
| Battery | 97.8kWh 5C ultra-fast | 97.8kWh 5C ultra-fast |
| CLTC Range | 780km | 720km |
| Energy Consumption | 13.6kWh/100km | Slightly higher than RWD |
| 0-100km/h | 6.6 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.218 | 0.218 |
Thanks to the single-motor RWD configuration and an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.218, the RWD Long-Range edition delivers 60km more range than the AWD version. Official data shows highway range achievement of 78% and urban range achievement of 95%.
The 5C ultra-fast charging capability supports 500km of range from 10 minutes of charging, complemented by Li Auto's 4,141 supercharging stations nationwide.
Three Major Upgrades Addressing Pain Points
1. Electric Frunk Fills Storage Gap
The new electric frunk opens with a double-tap near the logo, fitting a 20-inch suitcase, with a drain hole at the bottom for water and dust protection.
2. Front Zero-Gravity Seats Upgrade Comfort
Both front seats are upgraded to full-size zero-gravity seats with 16-point full-body massage and a wide leg rest (207mm extendable by 95mm). The second-row right side continues with a standard zero-gravity seat (78° leg rest angle, 145° recline). The vehicle features three zero-gravity seats in total.
3. Detail Optimizations for Daily Convenience
- Semi-hidden mechanical door handles for aesthetics and emergency practicality
- Welcome light carpet on exterior mirrors
- Front sun visors upgraded to oversized vanity mirrors with brightness and color temperature adjustment
- Rear window sunshades for improved UV protection and privacy
Chassis and Space: Luxury Config Standard Across Lineup
The i8 lineup maintains luxury chassis specifications:
- Dual-chamber air suspension standard across all variants, with four-height adjustment
- Ground clearance: 196mm max, 131mm min
- Body torsional rigidity: 49,500 Nm/deg
- Dimensions: 5085×1960×1750mm, wheelbase 3050mm
Limited-Time Purchase Benefits
From August 6 to August 31, 2026, orders enjoy benefits worth up to 35,750 yuan:
- Down payment from 99,800 yuan
- 3-year 0-interest or 5-year ultra-low-interest financing
- Complimentary front zero-gravity seats with 16-point massage
Market Context: "Listening to Customers" Under Sales Pressure
The i8's market performance has fallen short of expectations. Since its initial launch on July 29, 2025, sales peaked at 6,719 units in November 2025, but H1 2026 cumulative retail sales reached only 8,733 units, dropping to just 779 units in June 2026. Meanwhile, the lower-positioned Li Auto i6 achieved 21,453 units in June alone.
The new 309,800 yuan RWD Long-Range edition represents another "listening to customers" adjustment under sales pressure. The 30,000 yuan price difference mainly comes from removing the AWD system, making the rear entertainment screen a 10,000 yuan option (down from standard), and reducing speakers from 22 to 20. Core high-value features — 97.8kWh 5C battery, dual-chamber air suspension, LiDAR ADAS hardware, 6-seat layout, and in-car refrigerator — remain intact.
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