Li Auto streamlines i8 electric SUV line-up, a week after launch

BEIJING: Chinese carmaker Li Auto said on Tuesday it has replaced three variants of its i8 electric SUV with a single version priced at 339,800 yuan (US$47,300 or RM200,055), a week after the line-up's launch on July 29.

The unusual move came as the EV maker's deliveries fell for the second straight month amid a bruising price war in the world's largest auto market.

The updated version will be based on the previous i8 Max's configuration, which include a 720-km range, and be 10,000 yuan (RM5,892) cheaper than the Max's 349,800 yuan (RM206,091) price tag, Li Auto said in a post on social media WeChat.

The company cited consumer complaints over "slightly complicated car variants" for its decision to streamline its offerings.

In China, though, it has been common for automakers to offer new car models with three different versions, such as Xiaomi's SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV.

Li Auto's new six-seater is its second pure electric model.

The pioneer in extended-range EVs introduced its Mega multi-purpose vehicle in March 2024.

Li Auto's car sales fell 39.7% in July from a year earlier, deepening a 24.1% drop in June.

Li Auto and BYD are the only two Chinese EV makers with full-year profitability.

BYD said on Monday that its vehicle production fell 0.9% in July from a year earlier, ending a 16-month growth streak, while sales rose just 0.6%.