Li Auto has scrapped the original Pro, Max, and Ultra variants of the i8, retaining only one configuration priced uniformly at ¥339,800 ($47,572).
On August 5, Li Auto announced adjustments to the pricing and configuration of the i8, just one week after its initial launch. The previously available Pro, Max, and Ultra versions have now been unified into a single configuration, priced at ¥339,800 ($47,572).
Under the new scheme, the unified version is based on the former Max variant. Not only is the price lowered by ¥10,000 ($1,400), but buyers also receive a complimentary platinum audio system valued at ¥10,000 ($1,400). Customers who previously ordered the Ultra version, originally priced at ¥369,800 ($51,772), now only need to pay ¥349,800 ($48,972) to retain their chosen configuration. For those who selected the Pro version, they can either cancel or upgrade, depending on their needs.
Behind this product shift is Li Auto’s swift response to market feedback. Official data shows that since the i8’s release, over 98% of customers chose either the Max or Ultra versions. Reportedly, the Pro version fell far short of expectations in terms of orders, with consumers generally criticizing it for weak features, limited optional upgrades, and low cost-effectiveness.
This directly prompted Li Auto to abandon its usual multi-tiered strategy in favor of a return to its Li One-era philosophy: “one price, fully loaded.” CEO Li Xiang posted on social media, calling this update a “response to user advice,” emphasizing that the change was a fast-track optimization based on user suggestions.
In terms of specifications, the newly relaunched Li Auto i8 comes standard with a 97.8 kWh ternary lithium battery supporting 5C ultra-fast charging and delivering a CLTC range of 720 km. It features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Previously optional or exclusive features, such as the VLA large language model, in-car refrigerator, and platinum audio system, are now standard. Notably, the Horizon J6M intelligent driving chip used in the Pro version has been removed; the entire lineup now comes equipped with NVIDIA’s Thor-U chip. The second-row entertainment screen remains optional, priced at ¥10,000 ($1,400).
According to Li Auto, the configuration update will not impact the delivery timeline, with i8 deliveries set to begin as planned on August 20.
Li Auto’s strategy is clear: from the all-inclusive pricing of the Li One, to the initial multi-version exploration of the i8, and now back to a single fully loaded configuration. The company is demonstrating a clear pattern of listening closely to user feedback, rapid iteration, and steady course correction.
According to official figures, Li Auto delivered 30,731 vehicles in July 2025, with cumulative deliveries surpassing 1.36 million units. Feedback from the market further confirms the i8’s popularity—according to CarFans founder Sun Shaojun, the i8 received 6,000 orders during its launch week.
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