The Li L8 1.5T 52.3 kWh (449 Hp) Extended Range 4WD is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) SUV produced by the Chinese automaker Li Auto, beginning in March 2024. Positioned as a premium offering within the Li Auto lineup, the L8 represents a significant step in the company’s commitment to extended-range electric vehicles, catering to the growing demand for environmentally conscious yet practical family transportation. It’s designed to appeal to buyers seeking a spacious, technologically advanced SUV with substantial all-electric range and the reassurance of a gasoline-powered range extender. The L8 is a six-seater, five-door SUV built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Li |
| Model | L8 |
| Generation | L8 |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5T 52.3 kWh (449 Hp) Extended Range 4WD |
| Start of production | March, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 6 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined WLTC) | 0.71-7.5 l/100 km (331.3 – 31.4 US mpg / 397.9 – 37.7 UK mpg / 140.8 – 13.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) – Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | China VI B |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.6 kg/Hp, 177.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 245.1 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 52.3 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (Li-NMC) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTC) | 235 km (146.02 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTC) | 23.2 kWh/100 km (37.34 kWh/100 mi / 90 MPGe / 4.3 km/kWh / 2.7 mi/kWh) |
| Electric motor 1 Power | 272 Hp |
| Electric motor 1 Torque | 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor 1 Model/Code | TZ220XS066 |
| Electric motor 1 Location | Rear axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor 1 Type | Synchronous |
| Electric motor 2 Power | 177 Hp |
| Electric motor 2 Torque | 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor 2 Model/Code | TZ180XS008 |
| Electric motor 2 Location | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor 2 Type | Synchronous |
| System power | 449 Hp |
| System torque | 620 Nm (457.29 lb.-ft.) |
| Internal combustion engine Power | 154 Hp |
| Power per litre | 102.9 Hp/l |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | L2E15M |
| Engine displacement | 1496 cm3 (91.29 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 2530 kg (5577.7 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3130 kg (6900.47 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 313 l (11.05 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1098 l (38.78 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 5080 mm (200 in.) |
| Width | 1995 mm (78.54 in.) |
| Height | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3005 mm (118.31 in.) |
| Front track | 1725 mm (67.91 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1741 mm (68.54 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.297 |
| Approach angle | 19° |
| Departure angle | 21° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the generator only, with no mechanical connection to the drive. Two electric motors drive the front and rear wheels. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 265/45 R21 |
| Wheel rims size | 21 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Li L8 utilizes a sophisticated plug-in hybrid architecture. The core of the system is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine (code L2E15M) producing 154 horsepower and 102.9 hp per liter. This engine doesn’t directly drive the wheels; instead, it functions solely as a generator to charge the 52.3 kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li-NMC) battery pack. Power is then delivered to the wheels via two electric motors – a 272 hp motor driving the rear wheels and a 177 hp motor powering the front wheels, resulting in a combined system output of 449 horsepower and 620 Nm (457.29 lb.-ft.) of torque. The engine features direct fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The single-speed automatic transmission is dedicated to the generator, simplifying the powertrain layout.
Driving Characteristics
The L8’s driving experience is heavily influenced by its electric powertrain. In all-electric mode, acceleration is brisk and smooth, with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system providing excellent traction. The 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in approximately 5 seconds. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine seamlessly kicks in to act as a generator, maintaining drive power. While the engine’s operation is noticeable, the transition is relatively smooth. The single-speed transmission provides linear power delivery, but lacks the gear changes found in traditional automatic transmissions. Compared to potential variants with larger batteries or more powerful engines, the L8 prioritizes a balance between efficiency and performance, making it well-suited for daily commuting and longer journeys.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Li L8 comes standard with a high level of equipment, reflecting its premium positioning. Interior features typically include leather upholstery, a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The six-seat configuration offers ample space for passengers. Optional extras may include a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded interior trim materials. The L8’s interior is designed with a minimalist aesthetic, emphasizing technology and comfort.
Chassis & Braking
The L8 features a robust chassis designed to handle the vehicle’s weight and provide a comfortable ride. The suspension system consists of a double wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear, both incorporating air suspension and transverse stabilizers. This configuration allows for adjustable ride height and improved handling. Braking is handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, coupled with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety. The air suspension contributes to a smooth and controlled ride, even on uneven surfaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Li L8 has been well-received in the Chinese market, where it competes with other premium PHEV SUVs. Critics have praised its spacious interior, advanced technology, and long all-electric range. Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined WLTC figures ranging from 0.71 to 7.5 l/100 km. Compared to other trims within the Li Auto lineup, the L8 1.5T offers a compelling balance between performance, efficiency, and price. It provides a more accessible entry point into the Li Auto brand compared to models with larger batteries or more powerful engines.
Legacy
As a relatively new vehicle, the long-term reliability of the Li L8 powertrain remains to be fully established. However, Li Auto has demonstrated a commitment to quality and innovation, and the use of proven technologies such as Li-NMC batteries and synchronous electric motors suggests a reasonable expectation of durability. In the used car market, the L8 is expected to hold its value well, particularly among buyers seeking a technologically advanced and environmentally friendly SUV. The L8 represents a significant step forward in the development of extended-range electric vehicles in China, and its success could pave the way for similar models in other markets.
