"Auto manufacturer Li Auto reintroduces the i8 model following initial lackluster reception"
In an effort to boost sales and improve competitiveness, Li Auto has relaunched its flagship electric SUV, the Li i8, on August 4, 2025. The relaunch comes after the initial electric SUV faced poor market reception.
The relaunch includes significant changes to the Li i8. The available trims have been reduced from three to just one, with only the Max variant remaining. The price for the Max trim has been lowered to RMB 339,800 (approximately $47,572), a decrease of RMB 10,000 from the previous price. Consumers can now obtain a vehicle with the same configuration as the Ultra variant through paid options, with the total cost reduced to RMB 349,800.
The Li i8 features a 97.8-kWh ternary lithium battery pack that supports 5C supercharging and offers a CLTC electric range of 720 km. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, matching flagship electric SUVs in speed but at a higher price compared to competitors like Nio's Onvo L90, which starts at RMB 265,800 with an 85-kWh battery.
The Onvo L90 officially went on sale on August 1, putting pressure on the Li i8's market competitiveness. The more aggressive pricing of the Onvo L90 has raised concerns for Li Auto, with investors and consumers closely watching the Li i8's performance in the highly competitive Chinese BEV market.
Despite the relaunch and price reduction, Li Auto's shares have dropped, reflecting investor skepticism about the Li i8's prospects. The price cut and trim consolidation are seen as necessary responses but have not yet reassured shareholders.
Social media comparisons between the Li i8 and the Onvo L90 are frequent, highlighting the contest between new electric SUVs in China. The Li i8 was launched on July 29, but its initial poor market reception led to the relaunch just five days later.
The previous model versions of the Li i8 were complex, making it difficult for consumers to choose. The relaunch aims to address weak initial sales, with firm orders reportedly around 6,000 last week before relaunch and preorder claims exceeding 30,000, though exact firm order numbers remain undisclosed. Deliveries are scheduled to start August 20, 2025.
The relaunch of the Li i8 is a significant move for Li Auto as it seeks to regain market share in the competitive BEV market. The company's shareholders and consumers will be closely watching the Li i8's performance in the coming weeks.
[1] Li Auto relaunches Li i8 with price cuts and model simplifications. (2025, August 4). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/li-auto-relaunches-li-i8-with-price-cuts-model-simplifications-2025-08-04/
[2] Li Auto's share price drops after Li i8 relaunch. (2025, August 5). Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/05/li-auto-li-i8-relaunch-li-auto-share-price-drops.html
[3] Onvo L90 officially goes on sale. (2025, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.nio.com/en-us/news/onvo-l90-officially-goes-on-sale/
[4] Exchange rate: $1 = RMB 7.1821. (2025, August 4). Retrieved from https://www.xe.com/currencytables/
[5] Li Auto faces controversy after Li i8 crash test. (2025, July 30). Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-30/li-auto-faces-controversy-after-li-i8-crash-test-involves-truck-maker
- The relaunched Li i8 by Li Auto now comes with a simplified model and lower prices, aiming to enhance competitiveness in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
- The Li i8 features a ternary lithium battery pack that supports 5C supercharging, offering an impressive CLTC electric range of 720 km.
- Nio's Onvo L90, priced at RMB 265,800, poses a threat to Li Auto's market competitiveness, with its 85-kWh battery and similar speed specifications.
- Despite the Li i8's relaunch and price reduction, Li Auto's shares have dropped, raising concerns among investors and consumers about the Li i8's prospects.
- Social media platforms are flooded with comparisons between the Li i8 and the Onvo L90, showcasing the fierce competition in the Chinese BEV market.
- The relaunch of the Li i8 is a crucial move for Li Auto as they strive to regain market share and position themselves in the automotive technology sector.
