EXPLORINEER
en

CN — TechNode

Can the upgraded Li Auto i6 hold its ground in China’s crowded electric SUV market?

Mobility1 min read

Li Auto has launched the 2026 Li Auto i6, a yearly update to its electric SUV. It adds range, smart-car and comfort upgrades while keeping the starting price the same.

What happened

Li Auto launched the 2026 i6 on Wednesday. It is the first yearly update since the car debuted a year ago. Instead of cutting prices, Li Auto improved the battery, the in-car tech, the driver-assist system and comfort features. The car starts at RMB 249,800 (about $37,500).

Key numbers

  • Starting price: RMB 249,800 (about $37,500)
  • Battery: 96 kWh, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), with ultra-fast charging
  • Rear-wheel-drive range: up from 720 km to 780 km (CLTC rating)
  • All-wheel-drive range: 710 km (CLTC rating)
  • Pre-launch test: 811.4 km with four adults, about 50 kg of gear, and air conditioning on

Why carmakers are changing products

China's electric car market is very crowded. Companies can no longer win just by cutting prices. So they add features such as longer range, better driver-assist tools and more comfort. CLTC is a standard lab test for driving range. Real driving can give different results.

What the tech includes

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 cockpit chip, which runs the screens and in-car systems
  • Li Auto's own Mach M100 driver-assist chip
  • 29-inch 6K panoramic display
  • Dual zero-gravity front seats, a powered front trunk and ADB matrix headlights
  • 3,000 mm wheelbase and five seats

Why it matters

The i6 is trying to offer more value without a lower price. This could help buyers, especially families, compare cars more easily. But the test was done on city and nearby roads, not on highways or in cold weather. Also, the dual-chip setup is an optional extra, so buyers should check which version they are getting.

Glossary

Li Auto
A Chinese carmaker that makes electric SUVs, including the i6.
CLTC
A standard lab test in China that estimates how far an electric car can drive on one charge.
kWh
Kilowatt-hour, a unit of energy. Battery size and energy use are measured in it.
Snapdragon 8797
A Qualcomm computer chip used to run a car's screens and in-car apps.

Same story, different eyes

Ad

Add 150 words. Learn 10 a day.

Dicter word books send only the words you learn to your review notes.

More in this topic

MobilityTechCrunch

Ford Fathom will be the cheapest American EV capable of powering a house

Ford announced two new EV chargers that will let its forthcoming Fathom pickup serve as a battery that can deliver power to a home or the grid, with the chargers priced about half the cost of Ford's existing equivalents. The Fathom will start at $28,350 and can deliver "over 10 kW" to a home, enough to run a refrigerator and air conditioner for about half a day, though installation costs are not included in the announced prices.

MobilityThe Verge

Sterling Anderson doesn’t think humanoid robots should be building cars

General Motors unveiled a tech roadmap in New York centered on AI-driven vehicle development, advanced batteries, centralized car computers, and autonomous driving, aiming to cut development timelines from four to five years to just over two. In an interview, GM chief product officer Sterling Anderson said the approach speeds up design by running thousands of virtual tests, which he argues also improves safety. The article notes the plan comes amid pressure from Chinese EV makers and softening US EV demand.

MobilityVnExpress

Modified Motorcycle Sets Record for Distance Traveled on Water

Chinese entrepreneur Truong Tuyet, founder of ZXMOTO, rode a modified motorcycle more than 40 km on the Shen River in Hunan province, breaking the previous world record of 31.8 km and earning a Guinness World Records title. The MX450 uses a single-cylinder engine developed by his company and relies on a rear tire that pushes water to generate thrust, with a larger fuel tank and enhanced waterproofing added for the long journey. Truong says he deliberately avoided high speeds during the official run, prioritizing a safe completion.