Li Auto Reportedly Set to Launch Updated i8, All-New MEGA in August

A source close to Li Auto said the automaker plans to launch two new pure electric models in August: an updated i8 expected to open for test drives in early August, followed by a refreshed next-generation MEGA in late August.

According to the source, the updated i8 will add a front trunk and introduce a rear-wheel-drive version. The model’s CLTC pure electric range is expected to rise to 780 km, while its intelligent driving system will continue using NVIDIA’s Thor-U chip.

Pricing is expected to follow the product strategy of the i6, with the rear-wheel-drive version becoming the core pricing model and the all-wheel-drive system offered as an optional package.

Since its launch in July 2025, Li Auto’s first pure electric SUV, the i8, has delivered around 32K units.

For a family-focused electric SUV, the i8 was expected to maximize cabin space. However, the current model lacks a front trunk, putting it at a disadvantage in storage comparisons with rival EVs. The design choice also sparked discussion over possible engineering compromises.

The addition of a front trunk on the updated i8 suggests Li Auto may have optimized thermal management and internal wiring layouts, creating additional space under the hood.

Exterior changes are expected to remain limited. Spy shots show the updated i8 retains the current design language, including its signature Star Ring light strip. Updates are likely limited to details such as semi-hidden door handles and wheel designs, matching the positioning of a mid-cycle refresh.

Beyond the i8, Li Auto is also reportedly preparing an updated MEGA for late August. The model has already appeared in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s 408th vehicle catalog, marking the largest product revision since the MEGA debuted.

Based on previously leaked interior images and regulatory filings, the refreshed MEGA will focus on three areas: cabin luxury, intelligent driving hardware and chassis upgrades. The interior is expected to feature new diamond-pattern seats, a larger rear folding table, extended seat rails and hidden rear air-conditioning vents.

For intelligent driving, the new MEGA will add optional side and rear solid-state LiDAR sensors alongside the front-facing LiDAR. The model is expected to adopt Li Auto’s self-developed M100 intelligent driving chip.

The chassis will gain rear-wheel steering for the first time, addressing the current model’s weaker low-speed maneuverability. Power output and battery capacity will also see minor upgrades, with Huawei and CATL remaining the core suppliers for motors and batteries.

ChinaEV Home’s data shows Li Auto is undergoing a clear product mix shift. In the first half of the year, Li Auto delivered 193,472 vehicles. Its pure electric i6 alone accounted for 120,443 units, contributing more than 62% of total deliveries and becoming the brand’s main sales driver.

The i8 delivered 8,733 units, while the MEGA recorded 2,843 units. Together, Li Auto’s pure electric lineup contributed nearly 70% of total sales. By comparison, Li Auto’s range-extender lineup, once the key driver behind its rapid growth, delivered about 61K units combined across the L6, L7, L8 and L9 models. The scale has fallen behind its pure electric business.

As competitors including AITO, Leapmotor and Xiaomi’s Pengcheng continue expanding their range-extender SUV offerings, competition in the segment is set to intensify.

Against this backdrop, Li Auto’s strategy is becoming clearer: accelerate EV upgrades and quickly address product weaknesses. The strong market response to the i6 has validated consumer acceptance of Li Auto’s pure electric products.

Moving forward, the updated i8 will target existing product gaps, the i9 will challenge the premium market, while the refreshed MEGA aims to revive Li Auto’s position in the high-end MPV segment.

These launches are expected to become key drivers of Li Auto’s second-half growth.