If you look to buy a premium electric SUV and consider the Li Auto L8 and the Tesla Model Y, you are in the right place.
In this article, we will create the perfect comparison between these two models and see which one of them is the better option. We will compare them in terms of specs, price, design, features, practicality, and so much more. You definitely don’t want to miss that!
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Specs
First, let’s take a look at the specs of these two models. For this purpose, we created a table where we compare these models side by side so you get a clear perspective of the numbers that these cars produce.
| Model | Li Auto L8 | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Variant | Max | Base |
| Price | $50,000 | $36,389 |
| Battery (kWh) | 40 kWh | 60 kWh |
| Drive | AWD | RWD |
| WLTP Range (km) | 1,315 km | 400 km |
| Power Output (kW) | 330 kW | 220 kW |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 5.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Plug Types (AC/DC) | Type 2 & CCS2 | Type 2 & CCS2 |
| Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | 7/75 | 11/170 |
| Cargo Space (liters) | 800 liters | 753 liters |
| Frunk Cargo Space | No | Yes |
| Length (mm) | 5,080 mm | 4,750 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1,995 mm | 1,921 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1,800 mm | 1,624 mm |
| Running Clearance | 175 mm | 167 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,005 mm | 2,890 mm |
| Tow Rating | 0 kg | 750 kg |
| V2L | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 5 years/100,000km | 4 years/80,000 km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/160,000km | 8 years/160,000 km |
| Loyalty Program | Yes | Yes |
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Price
Pricing is probably the deciding factor when it comes to shopping for an EV. You need to find a good deal for your price range and everyone has a different budget. So, let’s compare the price of the Li L8 and the Model Y.
In general, both of these vehicles are rather expensive and cost a lot of money. These models are not intended for people who want an entry level EV.
The Li Auto L8 starts at $50,000 and if you want to get a more equipped trim, you will have to pay up to $55,570. And with options, this price will shoot up in value even more.
The Tesla Model Y on the other hand is cheaper. The base model is available for about $36,389. And for the long range, you will have to pay about $42,000.
What is worth noting is that these prices are in China. If you want to purchase a model from China you will also have to pay the import fees.
Every country is different in terms of the fees you have to pay. So, this is why you should do really good research before you decide to buy.
But overall, between these two models, the Tesla Model Y is the model that is more affordable and budget-friendly. That’s why if you want to get an SUV for a good deal from a reputable company, this is a good option.
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Design and Interior
Exterior and interior design plays a very vital role when it comes to shopping for a new car. If the looks are not good, you will probably stay away from that deal. So, how do these two models perform in this area?
Well, visually, these two models are not comparable. Although they are similar in size, from a design standpoint, they go in two different directions.
The Li Auto L8 is your typical SUV style with an EV flavor to it, while the Tesla Model Y is a car that is neither a proper SUV as we know it, nor a hatchback.
If you see the Model Y from a distance, you cannot determine what class this model is. And it is rather difficult for us as well.
The Model Y can be described as a sedan with a taller cabin. Some people love this approach, while some do not.
While the Li L8 is really straightforward in its design, this model looks like an SUV and is built as such.
So, that’s why the L8 might be your best option if you want to get an SUV that follows this trend of styling and is not overly futuristic as the Model Y.
When it comes to the interior, the Li L8 is a beautiful SUV inside as well. This model is all about premium experience and premium materials.
Inside the cabin you have seats that are covered in high-quality leather that is extremely soft. There are two massive 3k screens with the most advanced Qualcomm automotive chips.
While in the Tesla Model Y, you have only a screen and a steering wheel. Which makes the Model Y a bit poor, when it comes to the experience. Since not everyone is after that minimalist look.
So, overall, the Li L8 might be the better option for those who want to get something more premium.
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Power and Performance
Power and performance should be one of your top priorities when it comes to spending this amount of money on a car. An expensive car should perform as such, a good EV needs to provide some quick acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h.
And in this area, both of the models are pretty good. They deliver the thrill when you apply the foot on the throttle.
Specifically the Li L8 is a really quick car. This model is able to produce up to 440 hp and 620 N-m of torque. And these are massive numbers that are able to propel this huge SUV like a rocket ship from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.5 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y is a bit more conservative when it comes to the power delivery. The base model is not a real performance machine.
With the Tesla Model Y you get a single motor that produces up to 220 kW or 295 hp. Which is good for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds.
Overall, the Li L8 is a much quicker model that is able to accelerate way faster than the Tesla. Only if you go higher in the trims, you can get a Model Y that can perform.
The powerful Performance AWD model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds. But this model will set you back about $70,000. Which is way more than the Li L8.
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Battery and Range
Battery and range are really important whenever you want to buy an EV. This aspect should be your top priority. We are telling this because many people suffer from something known as range anxiety.
This is a condition that you have when you have uncertainty of whether or not you will reach your destination with the range in your car. So, in order to avoid it, make sure that you get a car with a great range.
Luckily for you, the Li L8 is a vehicle that has one of the best ranges in the industry. On a full tank of gas and a full battery, you can squeeze up to 1,315 km. This is more than enough for you to travel half a continent.
And as you can see, the L8 is not your typical EV. This model is known as EREV or range extender.
What it does is that it uses the ICE as a power generator. The combustion engine is charging the battery, that is then powering the electric motors.
This means that you will never have to charge the Li L8. You only have to fill it up at a gas station. 65 liters of gas will be good for 1,315 km.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y is pure BEV. Which comes with the annoying charging.
This model is good for 400 km on the base version which is a far cry from the range topping range of the 1,315 km of the L8.
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Autopilot and Other Tech
One of the main things that people connect EVs with is the autopilot. EVs are futuristic vehicles and everybody expects that they have autopilot. Tesla popularized this term quite a lot. But unfortunately, we are still light years behind proper self-driving vehicles.
Both of these models implement something that is known as Level 2 autonomy. Level 2 autonomy is an autopilot for the highway.
This is made possible with the feature known as adaptive cruise control. Where the car can cruise on the highway and adjust the speed and distance by itself.
The brain behind this feature is the powerful ADAS system that these models have. This is the Advanced Driving Assistance System.
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This ADAS system packs many sensors, cameras, and lidars that monitor the environment of the vehicle. Then with the help of algorithms, the car makes instant decisions that improve the safety.
Some other features of this system include the automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane departure assist, crash collision warning, automated emergency braking, and many other features.
The amount of features that you can have depend greatly on the budget that you have. Both of these models can offer pretty much the same features.
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Size and Body
Practicality is a key area when it comes to buying a new vehicle. You need to get a vehicle that will meet your expectations when it comes to accommodating passengers and cargo.
What is worth noting about these vehicles is that both of them have a modest cargo area in the rear because they have 3 rows of seats.
Only when you fold down the 3rd row you will be able to unlock up to 800 liters of cargo space in the rear and 750 liters in the Tesla Model Y.
When it comes to the cabin, the Li L8 is far roomier, you even have captain’s chairs in the rear, so passengers can get to the rear bench seat without any problem.
While with the Tesla Model Y, seating in the rear is very problematic. This model has a sloping roofline and headroom in the third row is a very big problem.
With the Li L8 you can sit up to 6 people with great comfort and with the Model Y you can seat up to 7 with poor comfort for the back row.
This is why you should take these things into consideration if passenger comfort is really important to you.
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Safety
Safety should be one of your top priorities when it comes to buying a family SUV like the Li L8 and the Tesla Model Y.
As we noted previously, both of these models are packing a powerful ADAS system that has a whole palette of safety features like blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
All of these features will make you feel a lot safer while you drive. On top of that, these models were also crash tested rigorously.
The Tesla Model Y is a global model, which means that this model complies with every safety regulator around the world and every test was an absolute success, with the Model Y scoring 5/5 stars.
The Li L8 on the other hand was only tested in China and on these tests this model got a great score overall.
If the model is sold in Europe in the near future, it will be tested by the Euro NCAP as well. But overall, both of these models are pretty good performers in terms of safety.
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Warranties
Warranty is another very important thing that you need to have when it comes to buying a new EV. Having a good warranty coverage will save you from many potential headaches.
When it comes to the battery warranty, the Li L8 and the Tesla Model Y have good coverage. Which is 8 years or 160,000 km. Having this in mind, you will never have to worry during the first 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.
When it comes to the vehicle warranty, with the Tesla Model Y, you get up to 4 years or 80,000 km. And with the Li L8, you get up to 5 years or 100,000 km.
And as you can see, Li offers a longer coverage than Tesla. That’s why if warranty is really important for you, Li is the better option.
Li Auto L8 vs Tesla Model Y: Additional Considerations
When it comes to the Li L8 and the Tesla Model Y, there are no major considerations that you need to take.
Maybe besides the fact that Li L8 is an EREV model, while the Tesla Model Y is a pure electric car.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing one of these two models, the decision might be difficult. On one side you have the Tesla Model Y sold by Tesla, a reputable company in the EV world and on the other hand you have Li Auto, a pretty new company.
So, making the decision can be difficult but overall, when you see the spec sheet, the L8 outperforms the Tesla in almost every aspect.
This is why we strongly recommend the L8 instead of the Tesla Model Y. This model is more premium, more practical, and more powerful than the Tesla Model Y.
