2024 Li Auto L8: Pricing and Review

The Li Auto L8 is probably one of the best range extenders (EREV) in China that delivers an incredible range of 1,315 km!

Overview

What is It?

The Li L8 is a luxury midsize SUV produced by Li Auto from 2022. This is a crossover SUV that is very popular in China. Especially to those who want to get a range extender instead of a proper EV.

But, what is a range extender? This means that the Li L8 uses an internal combustion engine. This engine does not power the wheels but only acts as a generator of electricity. Which then powers up the battery and from the battery, the electric motors get electricity.

Pretty smart approach to one of the greatest problems with EVs, which is range anxiety. With the Li L8 you don’t have such a problem since you can top off the gas at a gas station and enjoy driving your EREV for up to 1,315 km!

Li Auto? Say What?

Li Auto is one of the most revolutionary Chinese carmakers that made the headlines recently with their incredible models.

They were founded in 2015 by Li Xiang. Li Xiang is one of China’s top entrepreneurs. Li Auto has headquarters in Beijing, and manufacturing capacities in Changzhou, China.

What we really love about Li Auto is their approach to problems that EVs have. Specifically, range anxiety.

This is a big problem that makes a lot of people doubt EVs. That’s why Li Auto is using a different approach and started to implement range extenders.

A range extender is a car that runs on electricity just like a normal electric vehicle. But there is an internal combustion engine that charges up the battery all of the time.

This results in low fuel consumption and the ability of these vehicles to reach up to 1,315 km on a single gas tank. Which is really something.

That’s why Li is probably one of the rare companies that does not focus only on EVs and tries to offer something different to the customers.

What About the Looks?

The Li L8 can be described in a single word, beautiful. This model captivates with the beautiful lines and its presence.

We just love Li’s design approach to their models. All of their designs are somewhat close to each other and we can see that they want to build a brand around this design.

At the front, you have a big LED bar that goes from one side to the other, the same story goes at the rear as well. And when these light bars turn on, they look amazingly good.

The side profile of the Li L8 is also really nicely streamlined looking. The door handles are flush to the body and the overall approach has a goal of maximizing aero and delivering the best range out there.

Overall, the Li L8 is not a model that tries too hard like other Chinese models and still looks rather good. And that’s what we like the most about this vehicle. 

And to Drive?

An area that many buyers do not pay too much attention to is when it comes to how the car drives. We can tell you that you should definitely make this a priority because drivability is really important.

And what is good for you is that the Li L8 drives really well. With this model you get the thrill from the instant acceleration. Although this is a very large vehicle.

The chassis is extremely well balanced and handles like it’s on rails. No matter how hard you push it, the Li L8 will deliver a good driving experience.

But the area where this model exceeds is when it comes to cruising. The L8 is probably one of the best cruisers that you can get for the money!

Do You Think You Will Take It to Heart?

More and more Chinese automakers are trying to diversify and enter some new markets such as Europe and the Middle East.

But there is some stigma among the buyers who still heavily doubt that Chinese vehicles can deliver.

This is because in the past, Chinese cars were not particularly good compared to European or Japanese vehicles.

But in recent times, Chinese automakers have invested heavily into building electric cars and plug-in hybrids.

They’ve employed some of the best engineers that are out there. People who know how to build cars.

And they did a really good job. Modern Chinese EVs are safe, reliable, and they also deliver the best tech in the industry. That’s why we strongly recommend that you do research and make your own conclusions about a certain model.

What’s in a Name?

The name L8 does not have any particular meaning to it. Li Auto names their models by using numbers.

So, the smallest starts with 7 and the largest ends with a 9. The Li L8 is somewhere in between the L7 and L9.

We love this naming scheme because it is very simple and intuitive for the customer. Instead of using some strange names, numbers are doing the work just fine.

You Mention High-Tech?

Li Auto is probably one of the forerunners when it comes to implementing the latest tech in their cars.

Li Auto is aware about the downsides of EVs and they are trying to give the customer who doubts the best result for their money.

That’s why they went for the EREV approach where the internal combustion engine serves as a generator of electricity.

This way, the internal combustion engine spends very little fuel and with a single tank of gas and a full charge of battery you can get up to 1,315 km of range. Which is something mind blowing.

The suspension is also equipped with the latest technology and uses air shocks. This air suspension is extremely soft and you barely feel the bumps on the road.

On top of that the Li L8 comes with an autonomous driving system. Which makes driving this model even easier. It is not a fully autonomous car but it is very close to becoming one in the near future. Only a software update separates the Li L8 from full autonomy.

And last but not least is the interior, which is flooded with quality materials and also with technology. There are massive screens that are extremely crisp and responsive and using them is a true pleasure.

What’s the Verdict?

The Li L8 impressed us in a ton of different areas. This model is simply incredible both in and out. And it is not even trying hard to do so. Which is a big bonus.

But the main highlight of the Li L8 is its range. The range of this model is incredible. With a full battery and a full tank of gas you can get up to 1,315 km of range. And only with a full tank of gas you get up to 1,100 km.

You just can’t beat that performance with a normal EV. There is no EV that will deliver a range like this EREV model by Li.

Price and Specs

How Much Does Li Auto L8 Cost?

The Li Auto L8 starts as low as $48,000 in China, which makes it a really good deal considering the fact that this is a premium midsize SUV.

But this price can increase if you decide to import the vehicle to your location. This is why we advise that you research the import fees and see how much will be the end cost to own an L8.

Specs:

Price: $48,000	Release Year: 2022
Engine: ICE + Electric Motor	Top Speed: 180 km/h
0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds	Power: 440 hp
Torque: 620 Nm	Range: 1,315 km

Driving

What is It Like to Drive?

Driving the L8 is not very different compared to driving any other SUV out there.

This is mainly due to the fact that this SUV uses an internal combustion engine and a battery. So, it basically handles like a normal car.

The center of gravity is very low and this plays a big role when it comes to handling. Still, while cornering at high speeds, you will experience some body roll. But considering the fact that this is a huge SUV, this is completely normal.

Overall, the L8 is just a comfortable cruiser. If you drive it normally and not push it too hard, it should drive perfectly well.

What About the Steering?

Steering the Li Auto L8 is a real pleasure. This model has an extremely light steering that is very well calibrated and almost effortless.

While cornering the steering is very easy to turn and it self centers quite intuitively at the end of the turn.

In wet and slippery conditions, you can experience some torque steer and the inside tires can lose a bit of grip under hard driving. But if you drive normally, this will not happen.

Talk To Me About The Ride?

Driving the L8 is a real experience. This model is one of the perfect cruising machines that you can find out there.

The L8 uses an air suspension at all four corners. So, you will not experience bumps or any discomfort while driving.

The whole suspension is very soft and the L8 is designed to be a really comfortable cruising machine.

And the EV Efficiency?

The efficiency of this model is excellent. Probably the most efficient vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine in the world!

With a full tank of gas you can squeeze up to 1,315 km. Which is a crazy number. With this model, you will forget when it was the last time you charged it up.

Only on electric you can get up to 200 km on a single charge. Which for a 49 kWh battery is pretty good.

What About Steering the Li Auto L8 Yourself?

Driving the L8 is an extremely easy thing to do and overall driving this model is very effortless. Just put the car into drive and apply the throttle. The L8 will move forward.

And with this model, you don’t even have to use brakes to stop. Just remove the foot from the throttle and the vehicle will come to a complete stop.

Is the Range Good?

This model is all about the range. The L8 is designed to deliver up to 1,315 km on a full battery and a full gas tank.

And up to 1,100 only on a full tank of gas. Or if you want to use it only as a pure electric car, you will be able to get up to 200 km on a single battery charge.

Interior

What is It Like on the Inside?

The Li Auto L8 is a premium SUV. This means that everything inside is made with premium materials and a solid craftsmanship.

The cabin is extremely well insulated and road noise is minimal. The materials, as well as the craftsmanship that went into building this vehicle are incredible.

Everything is nice and solid, there are no squeaks and rattles like the case with cheaper SUVs.

But the main highlight of the Li L8 is the technology. This model features a bunch of it, the infotainment screens are huge and take the best part of the dash.

And they are primarily oriented for the passengers. They are very crisp and usability is really good with the help of the best chips that Qualcomm offers right now.

Is the Li L8  Easy to Use?

Yes, the Li L8 is very easy to use. The interior of this model is very well laid out and you will never struggle reaching your favorite function.

Even if you are new to these high-tech cars, you will get used to it immediately. So, technology shouldn’t scare you at all.

But Where’s the Instrument Panel?

The L8 is not using the typical instrument panel with dials like the ones you can find in older vehicles.

In this model, you get a small screen on the steering wheel. This screen is mounted right above the airbag.

On this screen you have all the essential data. Such as speed, range, charge, warning lights, and a lot more.

Is It Spacious?

The interior of the Li L8 is very spacious. Not as spacious as the larger L9. But still enough for you to seat up to 5 people comfortably.

In the rear the seats are extremely comfortable and you will never have to struggle for legroom or headroom.

How’s the Build Quality?

One of the strongest points of the Li Auto L8 is the build quality. This model is a premium SUV.

This means that this SUV implements the best quality materials and the craftsmanship of this model is really incredible.

So, if you are looking for a really high-end model, the Li L8 is the model you need!

Buying

What Should I Be Paying?

The Li L8 is one of the most affordable premium SUVs on the market right now. This model starts around $48,000 in China.

But the cost to import a vehicle outside China depends on your country of residence. So, importing this model can cost a lot in some countries.

What Does Charging Cost?

The costs to charge your Li L8 depend on your country of living. This is the case because every country charges a different amount per kWh of electricity.

For example, in the UK to charge an EV with a 100 kWh battery pack, you will have to spend about 19 pounds.

So, to charge the Li L8, you will have to pay around 10 pounds.

How Long Will Charging Take?

The L8 does not have to be charged at all. This EREV will charge the battery on its own with the help of the internal combustion engine.

But if you decide to use a fast charger, you can charge the battery from 20 to 80% in only 20 minutes.

What About Rivals?

The Li L8 does not have many competitors. Its nearest competitor is the Voyah Free. Another model that is a competitor to the L8 is the AITO M9.