October 2025 data reveal a shifting landscape in China’s passenger-car market: while traditional fuel vehicles lean on price cuts to sustain consumer interest, new-energy brands are accelerating a divergent trend by offering both higher-end products and more affordable mainstream EVs. The Li Auto i6 has arrived at a critical moment for the brand. Our test car is the all-wheel-drive variant, priced at 269,800 yuan (≈ 37,960 USD), offering the full suite of features and range capabilities, while the rear-wheel-drive version starts at 249,800 yuan (≈ 35,140 USD). The i6 aims to be the volume driver in the company’s shift toward pure-electric vehicles.
Following the launch of the larger six-seater i8, the i6 invites scrutiny: can this more affordable, five-seat, two-row SUV deliver the utility, range, and driving feel that justify its ambitions? Our test drive provides a first in-depth look at a model designed to combine practical everyday usability with the advanced technology expected from Li Auto’s EV lineup, arriving at a moment when China’s EV market is drawing increasing consumer attention toward modern, technically sophisticated vehicles.
Exterior
From the outside, the i6 clearly belongs to the family: the front fascia carries the same “star-ring” daytime-running light signature seen on earlier i-series models, with headlights recessed low on the bumper and a clean, grille-less front. This look immediately sets it apart from conventional SUVs. Its proportions reflect its design brief: with dimensions of 4,950 mm in length, 1,935 mm in width and roughly 1,655–1,670 mm in height, and a 3,000 mm wheelbase, the i6 is a mid-to-large SUV but retains a distinctly two-row, five-seat layout.
The side profile emphasises a sleek fastback roofline that slopes sharply from the B-pillar to the rear, producing a sporty, aerodynamic silhouette. Flush door handles, hidden from view until needed, and low-drag wheels (available in 20- and 21-inch sizes) underscore the aerodynamic intent. At the rear, a full-width light bar and a subtle roof spoiler complete the clean styling, distinguishing the i6 from boxier, more traditional SUVs. On the test vehicle, the 21-inch wheels gave a more aggressive “sporty-crossover” presence. The overall effect is more evocative of a modern fastback EV than a conventional SUV.
Interior
Stepping into the cabin reveals a familiar layout consistent with the broader i-series aesthetic: dual screens dominate the dashboard, accompanied by a head-up display and traditional physical controls for essential functions such as side-mirror adjustment and steering calibration. The materials and finishing appear well executed for the i6’s price point. During low-light driving, the cabin achieved an inviting, “living-room” atmosphere: soft ambient lighting and carefully chosen upholstery impart a sense of calm rather than overt tech-showroom coldness.
Space remains a strong point. The second row, configured as a conventional three-seat bench, offers generous legroom; in “queen-seat mode”, the rear seat can be reclined with extended leg support, allowing a passenger under roughly 1.70 meters to stretch out with nearly full leg extension. This could work for relaxed commuting or short rest periods, though the front seats must be unoccupied when the mode is engaged. The rear bench is wide enough that even in the middle position, it remains tolerable for a third occupant, and seat backs and cushions provide adequate support.
Utility-wise, Li Auto has integrated familiar conveniences: standard front wireless charging pads, generous door-pocket and door-panel storage, and a refrigerator in the rear cabin. The 21.4-inch ceiling-mounted rear entertainment screen was present on our test car; mounted closely yet at a suitable viewing distance for rear-seat occupants, it did not interfere with front-seat adjustments. Window sunshades, soft seat surfaces, and a generally flat floor contribute to a practical daily environment. The panoramic windows, including a large rear side window and an optional large fixed glass area overhead, enhance the sense of space and openness.
Driving Experience
Under the skin, the Li Auto i6 AWD is built on an 800-volt architecture and uses an 87.3-kWh 5C lithium-iron-phosphate battery supplied by CATL. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces a combined 400 kW (≈ 536 hp), delivering strong and consistent performance for a mid-to-large SUV. The AWD i6 we tested weighs approximately 2,610 kg, slightly lighter than the larger i8, which contributes to a composed and agile driving experience.
Acceleration feels prompt and controlled. Mid-range thrust, such as merging onto highways at 60 km/h, is firm without being jarring. The official 0–100 km/h time of roughly 5.8 seconds aligns well with real-world usability: overtaking and highway on-ramps are handled with confidence, thanks to responsive torque delivery from both motors.
The suspension, a dual-chamber air setup with continuous damping control, remains a highlight. On the same roads used to test the i8, the i6 AWD responds with precision. Lane-change manoeuvres at 50–70 km/h produce minimal body roll or yaw, demonstrating composure that surpasses many mid-size electric SUVs.
Ride quality depends on the selected suspension mode. In “comfort” mode, the cabin exhibits a softly floating, “magic-carpet” feel that isolates occupants from road irregularities. Switching to “sport” mode firms the damping, reducing body movement and tightening turn-in without creating stiffness. Even over pronounced bumps or speed-table transitions, the i6 AWD maintains stability and poise.
Energy consumption in our mixed city and highway driving averaged around 16–17 kWh per 100 km under normal conditions. The CLTC-rated range of roughly 660 km appears credible for conservative drivers. The Li Auto i6 AWD uses an 800‑volt architecture with an 87.3‑kWh 5C CATL battery and a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive system producing 400 kW (≈ 536 hp). Li Auto claims its 5C fast charging can add roughly 500 km of range in 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
Driver-assistance technology mirrors that of Li Auto’s premium models. The AWD i6 includes the full “AD Max” suite, including a roof-mounted LiDAR (likely Hesai), a high-performance Nvidia-Thor compute unit, and a comprehensive sensor array. In urban driving, this system handles multi-lane merges, complex junctions, and lane changes with steadiness, occasionally executing manoeuvres more decisively than a cautious human driver. In ambiguous or tight conditions, the system may hesitate, requiring human input, emphasising that it is a functional, advanced driver-assist solution rather than full autonomy.
Verdict
The Li Auto i6 demonstrates careful engineering and practical packaging rather than relying on flashy extras. Starting around 35,000 USD, significantly lower than the larger i8, it preserves much of the ride quality, range, and technology expected from its more expensive sibling. Its dual-chamber air suspension, adequate insulation, thoughtfully designed cabin, and practical features create a daily driving experience that feels neither compromised nor underwhelming. Combined with a long-range 87.3-kWh 5C battery, fast charging, and competitive performance from the 250 kW rear motor, the i6 is a capable all-electric SUV in its segment.
In a crowded mid-to-large EV SUV category that includes compact crossovers, standard SUVs, and some premium players, the i6 positions itself as a value-oriented yet technically competent option. Its two-row 5-seater layout, balanced design, and performance suggest that buyers seeking an everyday electric SUV with long range, good ride quality, and modern hardware will find the i6 appealing. Compared with the i8, the i6 represents a strategic shift: it is more affordable, broadening Li Auto’s market reach and indicating the brand’s intent to attract mainstream buyers while maintaining its focus on EV technology.
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