Li Auto, a Chinese company, has launched its entry-level plug-in hybrid crossover, the Li L6, on the domestic market. The minimum price for this model is 249,800 yuan or 3.25 million rubles according to the current exchange rate.
Li Auto (also known as Li Xiang), founded by Chinese media mogul Li Xian in 2015, is well known in our country, although it does not have an official presence. Its spacious and comfortable plug-in hybrid crossovers have replaced many affluent Russians’ European, Japanese, and American premium models that have left our market. In its home country, Li Auto is the most successful independent young company not affiliated with major auto conglomerates, with sales growing at an enviable pace compared to its competitors. In the first quarter of this year, according to CAAM data, the Chinese market absorbed 80,402 Li vehicles, a 52.9% increase from the results of January-March 2023.
Li Auto’s model range consists of three similar crossovers — L7, L8, and L9, which differ in size, price, and equipment, but have almost identical designs. All three crossovers, now joined by the L6, are range extender hybrids, with the internal combustion engine serving as a generator to increase the electric range. In March, Li Auto introduced its first electric model — the luxurious and expensive Li Mega minivan, starting at 559,800 yuan (7.27 million rubles).
The newly launched Li L6 crossover becomes the entry-level model in the plug-in hybrid lineup, with no plans for more compact or cheaper models at the moment. The Li L6 has a length of 4925 mm, width of 1960 mm, height of 1735 mm, and a wheelbase of 2920 mm. For comparison, the larger L7 crossover in the model hierarchy has a length of 5050 mm, width of 1995 mm, height of 1750 mm, and a wheelbase of 3005 mm. The Li L6 is equipped with adaptive air suspension, with a double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The standard wheels are 20-inch.
The 1.5-liter gasoline engine-generator under the hood of the Li L6 produces 154 hp, with two electric motors powering the wheels — front (177 hp, 220 Nm) and rear (231 hp, 309 Nm), for a total output of 408 hp and 529 Nm. The crossover accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, with a top speed limited to 180 km/h. The vehicle is equipped with a 36.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery by CATL, providing a range of 212 km on a single charge without using the gasoline engine according to the CLTC cycle or 182 km according to the WLTP cycle. The hybrid mode range is 1390 km according to the CLTC cycle or 1160 km according to the WLTP cycle. The fuel tank has a capacity of 60 liters. The curb weight ranges from 2330-2345 kg depending on the equipment level.
The five-seater interior of the Li L6 is designed similarly to its older siblings, featuring a large screen on the front panel offset towards the passenger side, consisting of two 15.7-inch displays. The central console has two 50-watt wireless charging slots for smartphones. The standard audio system includes 19 speakers. The panoramic sunroof integrated into the roof covers an area of 1.26 square meters. The seats are upholstered in Nappa leather, with four out of five having heating and ventilation. The cargo space is 491 liters, expandable to 1923 liters with the rear seats folded.
The base version of the Li L6 Pro is priced at 249,800 yuan (3.25 million rubles) in China, not 300,000 yuan as forecasted by Chinese media. The advanced Li L6 Max version is priced at 279,800 yuan (3.63 million rubles) and offers additional features compared to the Li L6 Pro, including an 8.8-liter food and beverage refrigerator, a more powerful audio system, and extra driver assistance features. For comparison, prices for the Li L7 crossover in China start at 319,800 yuan (4.15 million rubles).
We expect that Russian grey dealers have already placed orders for the Li L6 and these crossovers will soon be seen on our roads.