Li Auto launches 6-seat electric SUV in pre-emptive strike against Tesla

Chinese carmaker Li Auto launched a pre-emptive strike against US rival Tesla by offering a new six-seat, fully electric SUV to affluent families on the mainland, as competition in the world’s largest automotive market continues to escalate.

Beijing-based Li Auto, one of the only three profitable electric vehicle (EV) makers in mainland China, on Tuesday unveiled the Li i8 – built with autonomous driving technology and a digital cockpit – that would be priced from 321,800 yuan (US$44,889) to 369,800 yuan, with its basic edition able to travel as far as 720km on a single charge.

“Li Auto wants to make itself distinct from other carmakers,” founder and CEO Li Xiang told the online audience at the Li 18’s virtual launch. “We envision building a mobile home for our clients, creating a comfortable space for them when driving.”

The launch puts the Chinese carmaker ahead in this market segment against Tesla, which said earlier this month that its first Shanghai-made six-seat Model Y variant would be available this autumn to local clients.