The Li Auto i8 electric crossover’s test mileage reached 8 million km in two years. It is the brand’s first electric SUV that will rival the Tesla Model X and other BEV competitors. Starting on March 10, lightly camouflaged Li i8 will start field testing across the country.
Li Auto initially planned to launch the i8 crossover last year. However, Li Mega’s slow sales made the company move the sales start to mid-2025. On February 25, Li Auto shared official images of the i8 SUV. Now, the company has shared more information about this crossover’s testing background.
Li Auto i8 testing
Li Auto officials shared that the i8 electric crossover has completed two winters and two summers of durability and performance verification in 300 cities across China. The total test mileage of this model is over 8 million km. Brand’s representatives highlighted that it is more than 200 laps around the Earth.
Usually, the test period of the new car in China is seemingly shorter than two years. Most automakers aim to launch the new product as soon as possible in the fierce competition environment. This issue was highlighted by J.D. Power China last year. Lack of testing time resulted in quality problems and a worse user experience. It is a good sign Li Auto took more time to finish the testing phase.
Company officials reported that the i8 was tested in various scenarios, including cities, deserts, mountains, swamps, ice, and snow. Engineers have verified over 4,000 user scenarios and more than 1,200 NVH special indicators. So, the Li i8 is one of the best-tested NEVs in China. However, its testing period isn’t over. Now, the company removed heavy camouflage to complete the final adjustments for driving, wind noise, electric range, and exterior design.
More about Li i8
The Li Auto i8 is a large electric SUV with dimensions similar to the Tesla Model X. It boasts a dual-motor 4WD, an air suspension, and a sleek styling. This electric crossover has a LiDAR sensor on the roof. The main feature of its exterior design is a thin LED strip that sits right under the windshield.
The Li Auto i8 will adopt the company’s new elf-developed SiC power module. It will bring a quieter driving experience while being more energy-effective. The Li Auto i8 also supports 5C charging. This vehicle will start sales in China in July 2025. Later, Li Auto’s i-series will be broadened by the i6 and i7 SUVs.
