Li Auto Launches Li i6 SUV to Spearhead Electric Push
The new five-seat BEV is priced aggressively to compete with Tesla's Model Y in a crowded Chinese market.
Li Auto has officially launched its new Li i6, a five-seat battery electric SUV, in a strategic move to accelerate its transition into the competitive pure-electric vehicle market. The company, known for its extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), has priced the Li i6 at an aggressive RMB 249,800 (approximately $34,500), positioning it as a direct competitor to Tesla's popular Model Y in the fiercely contested Chinese market.
The launch marks a critical juncture for Li Auto, which is navigating a challenging pivot from its EREV roots to a fully electric lineup. The company's first BEV model, the Li i8, received a lukewarm reception, and Li Auto has faced recent headwinds, including a year-over-year decline in vehicle deliveries. The success of the Li i6 is therefore seen as crucial for regaining growth momentum and validating the company's ambitious .
Li Auto is banking on the Li i6's technology and features to win over consumers. The vehicle is built on an 800V high-voltage architecture and features a 5C lithium iron phosphate battery, which enables a 500km range with just 10 minutes of charging. This rapid charging capability, supported by Li Auto's expanding network of over 3,190 supercharging stations, is a key part of the company's value proposition.
Market reaction to the launch has been cautiously optimistic. While the consensus analyst rating for Li Auto remains a 'Hold,' some financial institutions are projecting a near-term boost in sales. estimates that the Li i6 could generate 12,000 to 17,000 non-cancellable orders in the month, a significant number that would help offset recent sales declines. The company is targeting stable monthly deliveries of 9,000-10,000 units for the new model by the end of the year.
The competitive landscape, however, remains a significant hurdle. The Chinese EV market is characterized by intense price competition and a crowded field of players, including market leader BYD and a host of other domestic and international brands. Li Auto's CEO, Li Xiang, has expressed confidence that the Li i6 will become the "" in the Chinese market, a bold claim that the company will need to back up with strong sales figures in the coming months.
Investors will be closely watching the initial delivery numbers for the Li i6, which are set to begin on September 27, 2025. The vehicle's performance will not only impact Li Auto's stock but also serve as a key indicator of its ability to navigate the complexities of the pure-electric market and achieve its long-term growth ambitions. The has set the stage for a critical new chapter in the company's story, and the coming months will reveal whether the Li i6 can deliver on its promise.