Li Auto is bringing its electric SUV to Europe
Li Auto is another major Chinese car brand preparing to enter the European market. Its first model is set to be the fully electric Li 6, which is sold as the Li i6 in China and is expected to make its European debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.
The market launch is still planned for 2026. However, it has not yet been decided which countries will be served first. In addition to the United Kingdom, Li Auto is reportedly also considering sales in Germany, the Netherlands and other EU markets.
Germany remains attractive despite EU tariffs
The United Kingdom could be an attractive first European market for Li Auto because the EU’s additional countervailing tariffs on Chinese electric cars do not apply there. For the German-speaking DACH region—Germany, Austria and Switzerland—the key question will be whether Li Auto can quickly establish a robust dealer network, reliable servicing and an adequate spare-parts supply.
Sales in Germany are under consideration but have not yet been officially confirmed. European prices and specific details about standard equipment are also still unavailable. Other models could follow later, including the larger Li 8, the Li Mega electric van and several SUVs with range extenders.
Almost five meters long and clearly focused on comfort
The Li 6 measures 4.95 meters long, 1.94 meters wide and, depending on the version, up to 1.67 meters tall. Its wheelbase is exactly 3.00 meters. This puts the five-seater in a similar size class to the BMW iX.
In terms of design, Li Auto has opted for smooth surfaces, flush door handles and a comparatively elongated body. In China, the SUV comes with 21- or 22-inch wheels. A roof-mounted lidar sensor is also part of the technology package there, although it remains unclear whether it will be offered as standard in Europe.
Large displays instead of a conventional cockpit
The interior is dominated by two 15.7-inch touchscreens in the center and in front of the passenger. The driver gets a small information display and a head-up display. A 21.4-inch screen can also fold down from the headliner for the second row.
Equipment offered in China also includes 20 speakers, a refrigerator, heated seats in all five positions and a massage function for the front seats. Dual-chamber air suspension with adaptive dampers underlines the emphasis on comfort. It remains to be seen which of these features will make it into the European base version.
800 volts and 5C charging as technical highlights
The Li 6’s technical platform is certainly ambitious for a large SUV. An 87.3 kWh LFP battery from CATL is paired with an 800-volt architecture and a stated charging rate of 5C.
In theory, 5C means that the battery can be charged at five times its capacity. For the Li 6, that results in theoretical peak charging power of around 430 kW. In everyday use, however, the actual charging curve, battery preconditioning and the length of time the vehicle can sustain high power will be crucial.
| Specification | Li 6 RWD | Li 6 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Power | 250 kW | 400 kW |
| 0–100 km/h acceleration | Not yet announced | 4.5 seconds |
| Battery | 87.3 kWh LFP | 87.3 kWh LFP |
| WLTP range | Up to 583 km | Around 530 km, estimated |
| Fast charging | 5C, theoretically around 430 kW | 5C, theoretically around 430 kW |
Li Auto quotes a range of up to 583 km under WLTP for the rear-wheel-drive model. So far, only a Chinese test-cycle figure is available for the all-wheel-drive model. Based on the known difference for the rear-wheel-drive version, around 530 km appears realistic, although this WLTP figure has not yet been officially confirmed.
A strong competitor for Xpeng, Kia and BMW
With its dimensions, extensive comfort features and high charging power, the Li 6 targets the upper end of the SUV market. Its direct competitors include the Xpeng G9, the Kia EV9 and larger premium SUVs from European manufacturers.
The Xpeng G9 provides an important pricing benchmark because it also combines fast charging, long range and upscale equipment. A European price above €60,000 therefore appears plausible for the Li 6. However, a reliable estimate will not be possible until the imported version and its equipment have been officially announced.
On paper, the Li 6 offers exactly the technology a new electric SUV needs in Europe: high charging power, a practical WLTP range and plenty of comfort.
Price, servicing and the charging curve will be decisive
Li Auto is not a small start-up. The company delivered around 500,000 vehicles in 2024 and approximately 406,000 in 2025. Even so, technical strengths alone will not be enough for the demanding European market.
Whether the Li 6 succeeds here will depend primarily on its price, homologated range and real-world charging performance. Warranty terms, software adaptations for Europe and a reliable service network will be equally important. If Li Auto delivers in these areas, the large 800-volt SUV could become a serious challenger.
