The Li Auto L8 is an E-segment extended-range electric SUV (EREV) from Li Auto. Positioned as a "flagship five-seater SUV", it serves as a core pillar of the brand's premium model portfolio. First introduced in 2022 as the successor to the Li ONE, the original model featured a six-seater layout. In June 2026, the all-new generation Li Auto L8 was officially launched, pivoting entirely from a six-seater to a "flagship full-sized five-seater", with dimensions and specifications directly benchmarking the flagship L9, priced from RM321,800 to RM379,800.
The all-new generation Li Auto L8 competes in the E-segment range-extended electric SUV segment, transitioning from the first-generation six-seater setup to a purpose-built large five-seater layout focused on the "flagship five-seater family SUV" concept. Dimensions have grown across the board to 5,135 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, riding on a 3,045 mm wheelbase—representing an extra 40 mm in wheelbase and 55 mm in overall length over its predecessor. Boot capacity stands at 820 litres with a dual underfloor storage well design, complemented by 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. Key highlights include an 800V fully active suspension, steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering, four solid-state LiDAR sensors, dual Mach 100 processors (delivering 2,560 TOPS of computing power), four dual zero-gravity seats, and an all-electric range of 430 km. Key rivals in the market include the AITO M7 Intelligent Driving Edition (from RM309,800), NIO ES7 (from RM428,000), and XPeng G9 (from RM309,900).
In terms of sales track record, the first-generation Li Auto L8 recorded cumulative deliveries exceeding 200,000 units, formerly acting as the brand's primary volume driver among six-seater SUVs. However, entering the second half of 2025, L8 sales suffered a steep downturn—registering just 2,183 units in November 2025, a year-on-year drop of around 65%. Deliveries slipped further to 1,457 units in April 2026, ranking 22nd in the mid-to-large SUV sales charts. Industry analysts view this generation's switch from six to five seats as a "forced repositioning" strategy designed to eliminate internal cannibalisation with the L7 and L9 while tapping into the less crowded flagship large five-seater SUV space.
Visually, the all-new Li Auto L8 carries forward the brand's signature family design, closely aligned with the all-new L9. Up front, it retains the iconic full-width LED light bar, though the horizontal character lines sit lower to create a lower visual centre of gravity and distinguish it from the L9. The lower air intake has also been reprofiled to differentiate it from the original model. Sensor pods on the front fenders have been revised, with the entire range supporting optional side and rear solid-state LiDAR units, accommodating up to four LiDAR sensors.
Along the flanks, the SUV sports semi-flush door handles, freshly styled alloy wheels, and redesigned wing mirrors. Buyers can specify powered deployable side steps, an electrically retractable tow bar (rated for a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 kg), and two-tone paint options. Tyre sizes have also been upgraded, offering 285/45 R21 and 285/40 R22 options, replacing the previous 20-inch and 21-inch setups. At the rear, the minimalist treatment continues with a signature full-width LED tail light bar and cleaner overall surfacing.
Inside, the all-new Li Auto L8 adopts the flagship-grade cabin architecture shared with the L9. The dashboard is dominated by a 29-inch 6K ultrawide display paired with a 21-inch ceiling-mounted rear entertainment screen. The Livis variant comes standard with four dual zero-gravity seats, whereas the Ultra variant features two dual zero-gravity seats. Standard comfort features include a six-zone automatic climate control system, an onboard refrigerator (standard on Ultra), and an active cabin air purification system. All seats are trimmed in genuine leather and feature seat heating, while the front and second-row seats add ventilation and massage functions.
Under the skin, the all-new Li Auto L8 is driven by Li Auto's in-house third-generation range-extender system, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol generator with front and rear electric motors. The updated L3E15CA engine generates a maximum output of 115 kW (around 156 PS), offering a modest bump over the previous L2E15M unit. While the total system output of the dual-motor setup has not been disclosed, the 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 5.3 seconds—matching the previous generation—with top speed capped at 180 km/h.
Powering the electric drive is a 72.7 kWh 5C ternary lithium-ion battery pack built by Li Auto's dedicated battery subsidiary. This delivers a pure electric range of 430 km under CLTC testing (343 km WLTC) and a total combined range of 1,670 km (CLTC). Fuel consumption in charge-depleting mode is rated at 6.2 L/100 km (WLTC). Charging capabilities have been notably upgraded with support for 800V high-voltage fast charging and 5C ultra-fast charging tech, although precise DC charging times have yet to be published. The battery pack is backed by an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty.
The chassis setup represents one of the biggest upgrades on the all-new Li Auto L8. The Livis variant features an 800V fully active suspension setup with dual-chamber, dual-valve air suspension offering damping and ride height adjustment, while the Ultra variant comes with dual-chamber dual-valve air suspension. Both variants feature an Electro-Mechanical Braking (EMB) brake-by-wire system and rear-wheel steering, with the latter significantly trimming the turning circle for easier manoeuvring in tight urban environments.
Suspension hardware comprises a front double-wishbone and rear five-link independent setup across the board, coupled with a dual-motor electric all-wheel drive (AWD) layout. It utilises electric power steering (EPS) and a monocoque chassis construction. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs front and rear, integrated with an electronic parking brake (EPB). Multiple drive modes are selectable, covering Standard/Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Off-road settings.
The smart cockpit of the all-new Li Auto L8 runs on either dual Mach 100 processors (Livis variant) or a single Mach 100 processor (Ultra variant), delivering 2,560 TOPS and 1,280 TOPS of AI compute, respectively. The dashboard setup pairs a 29-inch 6K ultrawide screen with a 21-inch roof-mounted rear display for an immersive digital environment. Audio is piped through a high-end 27-speaker sound system boasting an output of up to 4,720W and Dolby Atmos compatibility.
In terms of creature comforts, the all-new Li Auto L8 is exceptionally well appointed. The Livis variant features four dual zero-gravity seats as standard, while the Ultra variant gets two. A six-zone automatic climate control system provides independent temperature zones for front and rear occupants. Genuine leather upholstery, all-seat heating, and front and second-row seat ventilation and massage are standard across the range. An onboard fridge is standard on the Ultra and optional on the Livis. Keyless entry on all doors, soft-close powered doors, a powered tailgate, and a head-up display (HUD) are standard fitment. The cabin also includes 256-colour ambient lighting with audio rhythm syncing modes.
Smartphone telematics via a dedicated mobile app provide comprehensive remote control over door locks, power windows, vehicle starting, charging schedules, pre-conditioning climate control, seat/steering wheel heating, vehicle health monitoring, and GPS vehicle tracking.
The all-new Li Auto L8 is offered with two distinct Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) hardware suites:
Livis Variant: Powered by dual Mach 100 chips (2,560 TOPS) and equipped with 4 solid-state LiDAR sensors (1 front, 2 side-facing, 1 rear), offering one of the most comprehensive perception suites on a production vehicle today.
Ultra Variant: Powered by a single Mach 100 chip (1,280 TOPS) and fitted with a single forward-facing LiDAR sensor.
On the software side, both variants are equipped as standard with Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving features, including Highway Navigate on Autopilot (NOA), active lane change assist, automated park assist, memory parking, remote vehicle summon, and lane centring assist. Urban Navigation Pilot capabilities are scheduled to be rolled out progressively via over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Active safety kit is extensive, with standard Forward Collision Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Door Opening Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Fatigue Alert, Rollover Mitigation, and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) across all variants.
On the passive safety front, the all-new Li Auto L8 features a high-strength cage body shell and comes standard with 9 airbags, including dual front, front side, full-length curtain airbags, and a segment-rare front centre airbag. Active vehicle dynamics systems such as ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual pressure readouts are fitted as standard.
Replacing the pioneering Li ONE, the first-generation Li Auto L8 initially enjoyed strong sales momentum thanks to its six-seater packaging and range-extender practicality, consistently surpassing 10,000 units monthly and achieving cumulative deliveries of over 200,000 units. However, the model saw a sharp sales slide in the second half of 2025, dropping to just 2,183 units in November 2025—a year-on-year drop of around 65%. By April 2026, monthly volume fell further to 1,457 units, placing it 22nd in the mid-to-large SUV sales rankings.
Automotive market analysts attribute the original L8's decline to three main factors:
Internal positioning overlap. In Li Auto's six-seater portfolio, the L8 found itself uncomfortably squeezed between the L9 and L7. Buyers with larger budgets gravitated towards the flagship L9, while price-conscious buyers seeking six seats turned to the L7, leaving the L8 trapped in a classic "middle-child syndrome" with sales falling faster than its stablemates.
Widening technology gap against newer rivals. Having debuted in 2022, the L-series saw little hardware advancement in its core EV powertrain and ADAS architecture over time. In contrast, newer direct rivals were launched with 800V high-voltage platforms and Urban NOA navigation aids, highlighting a generational technology gap.
Shifting market preferences away from EREVs. With public EV charging infrastructure expanding rapidly past 8 million charge points nationwide and pure EV ranges comfortably exceeding 600 km, consumer priority has shifted from outright long-distance range to charging speeds and cutting-edge digital experiences, eroding the unique selling point of EREV powertrains.
Strategic repositioning with the all-new L8. The 2026 redesign from six to five seats marks a strategic realignment for Li Auto. The brand has restructured its L-series lineup into clear tiers: the L9 and L8 occupy the "Flagship" bracket as six- and five-seaters respectively, while the L7 and L6 form the "Premium" tier as six- and five-seaters. This move allows the L8 to target the less crowded full-sized five-seater segment and fill the gap left by the discontinued L7 five-seater. Motoring media have noted that "while the all-new L8 boasts impressive spec-sheet numbers, whether it can carve out a distinct space without cannibalising its siblings remains to be proven in the market".
Owner feedback on the first-generation L8 remains largely positive regarding interior packaging and equipment levels, though complaints have centred on the lack of powertrain hardware updates over its lifecycle, occasional infotainment lag, and depreciation hits caused by frequent retail price adjustments.
The Li Auto L8 marks a crucial transition point in Li Auto's product strategy as the brand shifts from chasing volume growth to competing in a mature, saturated market. While the original L8 proved successful with over 200,000 units sold, its subsequent sales drop exposed shortcomings in tech progression and model differentiation. For 2026, the all-new L8 makes a decisive pivot to a "flagship five-seater", incorporating top-tier kit derived from the L9—including 800V active suspension, quad LiDAR sensors, and dual Mach processors—priced aggressively from RM321,800.
This overhaul serves to rectify earlier positioning conflicts with the L9 and L7, while securing Li Auto's core customer base during its transition toward pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Whether the all-new L8 can mount a sales comeback following customer deliveries in the second half of 2026 will hinge on market acceptance of its large five-seater flagship premise, alongside Li Auto's broader rollout of 800V architecture and dedicated BEV models.
For buyers prioritising generous interior space, luxury equipment, and refined long-distance cruising, the all-new Li Auto L8 presents a compelling proposition in the RM350,000 SUV bracket. However, for those leaning towards an all-electric driving experience, Urban NOA autonomous capabilities, and cutting-edge tech, pure EV competitors in the same price band continue to offer increasingly formidable alternatives.
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