Li Auto has introduced the 2026 i6 electric SUV in China, bringing a larger battery, an upgraded driver assistance system and several cabin changes. However, the company has kept its original guide price unchanged at RMB 249,800 (approximately RM146,400).
The updated five-seat SUV retains its position against models such as the Tesla Model Y, Zeekr 7X and XPeng G7. Customers ordering before 30 November can get it at a promotional price of RMB 239,800 (approximately RM140,500). Three special paint options, Magnetic Blue, Hyacinth Purple and Cloud Yellow, are also available at no extra cost for a limited time.
The biggest mechanical change is its battery upgrade. Capacity has increased from 87.3kWh to 96kWh, using Li Auto’s Lianshan 5C lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The cells are designed by Li Auto and manufactured by Sunwoda and CALB.
The rear-wheel-drive version now offers a claimed CLTC range of 780km. The all-wheel-drive version achieves up to 710km. These figures represent increases of 60km and 50km respectively over the previous model. Li Auto also claims that 10 minutes of charging at a compatible 5C charger can add 500km of range.
Li Auto has not released the updated motor output figures. The previous model used a 250kW rear motor, while its all-wheel-drive version added a 150kW front motor for a combined output of 400kW.
The 2026 i6 also receives the company’s Mach M100 driver assistance chip. The standard configuration uses one chip with 1,280 TOPS of computing power, replacing the previous Nvidia Thor-U system rated at 700 TOPS. A forward-facing solid-state lidar is also standard, alongside Li Auto’s Mach VLA software.
Customers can opt for a second M100 chip, increasing computing power to 2,560 TOPS. This package adds two side-facing and one rear-facing solid-state lidar units. It also includes sensor-activated powered front doors.
Inside, Li Auto has replaced the previous pair of 15.7-inch displays with a single 29-inch panoramic 6K screen. The new system runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 processor. A separate 21-inch 4K rear entertainment screen is available as an option.
Other cabin upgrades include zero-gravity front seats with 16-way adjustment and 18-point massage. The second-row seats can recline up to 140 degrees. A powered refrigerator can cool to -6°C or heat to 50°C.
The front trunk also gains powered operation and dual sealing. Existing 2025 i6 owners can purchase a powered front trunk retrofit from December.
The updated SUV retains standard dual-chamber air suspension. Exterior changes include ADB matrix headlights, semi-hidden door handles and two new paint colours. Li Auto has also revised the steering and brake feel.
Li Auto delivered 160,221 i6 units between January and September 2026. However, September deliveries fell to 7,379 units, representing a 56.5% decline from August. The company’s total deliveries reached 293,436 units during the first nine months, down 1.25% year-on-year.
The i6 is also planned for European markets under the Li 6 name. It made its debut at the Paris Motor Show on 12 October, with launches and deliveries in Norway and the Netherlands scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Separately, Li Auto is reportedly preparing to establish an office in Malaysia. This could indicate the company’s interest in entering the local market, although an official launch or sales plan has not been confirmed.
