Manufacturer · China

Li Auto (LiXiang): the brand that made range-extender SUVs popular

THE AUTO OUTLET TEAM · UPDATED SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 · ~7 MIN

In short

Li Auto, sold in China as Lixiang (理想), is a Chinese carmaker from Beijing, founded in 2015 by Li Xiang, the founder of the Autohome car website. It is known for large family SUVs with a range extender (EREV): the wheels are driven only by the electric motors, while a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine charges the battery on the move. In 2025 it delivered 406,343 cars, 18.8% fewer than in 2024, and in 2026 it renewed its lineup. In Moldova, the most sought-after Li Auto models are the L6, L7, L8 and L9 EREV SUVs.

Li Auto, official photo
Contents
2015founded in Beijing by Li Xiang
2019first deliveries, with the Li ONE SUV
406,343cars delivered in 2025
1.8Mcars delivered in total, through August 2026

Li Auto models in Moldova

Prices are the lowest in our catalog on October 5, 2026, excluding cars already sold. They are final prices in Moldova, including transport, customs and registration. They change as the stock changes.

Auto Outlet catalog · October 5, 2026

Lowest final price in Moldova, by Li Auto model

L6€32,990
L7€41,500
L8€39,290
L9€43,700

Yellow: models we have in stock; gray: models we bring to order.

We can also bring any other Li Auto model sold in China. See the full lineup below.

What to know before buying a Li Auto

  • Sales down over the past year. Li Auto delivered 18.8% fewer cars in 2025 than in 2024 and posted a net loss in the first quarter of 2026. It does, however, have large cash reserves, over 100 billion yuan at the end of 2025.
  • The lineup changed a lot in 2026. The L6, L8 and L9 got refreshed versions with bigger batteries; the L9 and L6 also got the in-house M100 chip. A previous-generation car may lose value faster. Ask us exactly which generation and model year the car you choose is.
  • No official representation in Europe or Moldova. The manufacturer's warranty is designed for China, and the software, voice assistant and app come in the Chinese version. Check with us which language and which functions the car you choose has.
  • The first electric model had problems. 11,411 units of the 2024 MEGA were recalled for a coolant defect that could lead to a battery fire. The L-series EREV models, the ones sold here, were not included in this recall.

Li Auto · annual sales

Li Auto annual deliveries

202020212022202320242025

In four years, deliveries grew more than 15-fold, to a peak of 500,508 cars in 2024. In 2025 they fell 18.8%, amid competition and a slower-than-planned shift to electric models.

Source: Li Auto, monthly delivery updates and annual results (investor relations, SEC)

  • Li L6 in 2025166,516 cars, 41% of Li Auto deliveries
  • Li L6, cumulative totalover 400,000 cars in less than 27 months (August 2026)
  • Li Auto, cumulative total1,801,834 cars delivered by the end of August 2026
  • January–August 2026261,619 cars, 0.6% fewer than in the same period of 2025

Brand facts

Full nameLi Auto Inc. In China: 理想汽车 (Lixiang Qiche). The company's original name was Beijing Chehejia (CHJ), then Leading Ideal (2019)
HeadquartersBeijing, China. The main plant is in Changzhou, Jiangsu province
OwnerPublicly listed company. Founder Li Xiang holds about 22% of the shares but roughly two-thirds of the votes (66.6–68.7% in March 2026), through multiple-voting shares. The second major shareholder is Wang Xing, founder of Meituan, with about 17% of the shares
Company typePrivate, listed on Nasdaq (LI, since July 2020) and on the Hong Kong stock exchange (2015, since August 2021)
What it makesExtended-range SUVs (EREV, L series), electric SUVs (BEV, i series) and the MEGA electric MPV. It does not make classic plug-in hybrids or gasoline-only cars
Related brandsNo sub-brands. All models are sold under the Li Auto (Lixiang) name
Presence in EuropeNot yet officially sold in Europe. It has had an R&D center in Munich since January 2025. The first model for Europe, the i6 (sold as the “Li 6”), debuts at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026, with sales from Q4 2026, starting with the UK. It has dealers in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia
In-house technology1.5-liter turbo range extender (third generation), the Mach M100 driver-assistance chip, in-house 5C batteries, its own fast-charging network in China

A short history

Li Xiang first founded the websites PCPop and Autohome, China's largest car portal. In 2015 he started the car company in Beijing that would become Li Auto. The core idea was a large family SUV that drives on electricity, but without charging worries: a small gasoline engine serves only as a generator.

The first model, the six-seat Li ONE SUV, entered series production in November 2019 in Changzhou, and deliveries began on December 4, 2019. In July 2020 the company listed on Nasdaq, raising $1.1 billion, and in August 2021 on the Hong Kong stock exchange as well, with about $1.5 billion more.

The L series replaced the Li ONE: the L9 in 2022, the L8 in September 2022, the L7 in February 2023 and the L6, the most affordable model, in April 2024. In 2023 Li Auto delivered 376,030 cars and became the first of China's big car startups to turn a full-year profit: 11.8 billion yuan. In 2024 it passed 500,000 cars delivered in a year.

The first pure electric model, the MEGA MPV, launched on March 1, 2024, was a commercial failure. Its design was mocked on Chinese social media, where it was compared to a coffin. Li Xiang blamed an organized smear campaign. Sales were far below plan, and the company cut its 2024 target from 800,000 to just over 500,000 cars. In October 2025, after a MEGA caught fire in Shanghai, Li Auto recalled 11,411 units from 2024 over a coolant problem that could lead to the battery overheating.

In 2025 deliveries fell 18.8%, to 406,343 cars. The L series lost ground to rivals that launched similar SUVs, especially Aito (Huawei), Xiaomi and Leapmotor. Customers delayed purchases while waiting for new versions, and the i8 (July 2025) and i6 (September 2025) electric SUVs were held back by battery shortages. Net profit fell 85.8%. In 2026 the company renewed its lineup: a new L9 in May, a new L8 in June, a new L6 in July, a new MEGA and the i9 electric SUV in September. In August 2026 deliveries grew again, up 32% from August 2025.

What sets it apart

EREV: electric drive, gasoline only for the generator

All L-series models are EREVs, meaning electric cars with a range extender. The wheels are driven only by the two electric motors. The 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine is not connected to the wheels: it starts only as a generator when the battery runs low. That is the difference from a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), where the gasoline engine can drive the wheels directly. The full explanation is in PHEV, EREV or BEV.

Bigger batteries in the 2026 generation

The first-generation L6 has a 36.8 kWh battery, while the new L6 from July 2026 has 51 kWh and 300 km of electric range on the Chinese CLTC cycle. The new L9 from May 2026 has 72.7 kWh, 420 km CLTC on the battery alone and over 1,500 km with a full tank. CLTC figures are optimistic: in real conditions, especially in winter, expect less. The new versions support 5C charging: the L9 goes from 10% to 80% in about 10 minutes at a suitable station.

Its own chip and its own charging

Li Auto has developed its own driver-assistance chips since 2022 and battery cells since 2020. The 5-nanometer Mach M100 chip debuted on the new L9 in 2026 and is also fitted to the new L6. The 2025 models used Nvidia Thor-U or Horizon Robotics chips. In China, Li Auto has its own fast-charging network: 4,162 stations at the end of August 2026. The stations are only in China.

The L series means extended-range SUVs (EREV), and the number shows the size: the L6 is the smallest, the L9 the largest. The i series covers the pure electric SUVs (i6, i8, i9). MEGA is the electric MPV. “Li” comes from Li Auto, and the Chinese name 理想 (Lixiang) means “ideal.” That is why listings in the region often call the brand LiXiang. Livis is the name of the top trim, for example the L9 Livis. In Europe, the i6 will be sold as the “Li 6.”

The full Li Auto lineup and positioning

Li Auto is a premium brand for families: large SUVs with lounge-style interiors and lots of equipment, which in China compete with Aito (Huawei) and in size and class compare with the BMW X5, X7 and Mercedes GLE, GLS.

The Price level column shows, on a scale of 1 to 4, how expensive the model is: from budget to premium. The European rival column is a reference for size and class; it doesn't mean the cars are the same. The yellow tag marks models in our catalog.

ModelExport nameTypePowertrainPrice levelEuropean rival, for reference
L6 in catalog
on sale; refreshed version since July 2026
L6Midsize-to-large SUV, 5 seatsEREVBMW X3, Audi Q5
L7 in catalog
on sale; no new version announced in 2026
L7Large SUV, 5 seatsEREVBMW X5
L8 in catalog
on sale; refreshed version since June 2026
—Large SUV, 5 seats (6 seats until 2026)EREVMercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5
L9 in catalog
on sale; refreshed version since May 2026
L9Large SUV, 6 seatsEREVBMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS
i6
on sale since September 2025; 2026 version announced for November
Li 6 (Europe, from Q4 2026)Midsize SUV, 5 seatsEVTesla Model Y, BMW iX3
i8
on sale since July 2025
—Large SUV, 6 seatsEVBMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
i9
launched on September 16, 2026
—Large SUV, 6 seatsEVMercedes-Benz EQS SUV
MEGA
on sale; new version since September 2026
MEGA (Hong Kong, Singapore, announced for late 2026)Large MPVEVMercedes-Benz V-Class
ONE
discontinued in 2022, replaced by the L8
—Large SUV, 6 seatsEREVBMW X5

The lineup changes several times a year. This list was checked in September 2026. Ask us about a specific model.

Li Auto in stock now

We have 10 Li Auto cars in stock and 1 on the way to Chișinău. Below is a selection with the final price in Moldova: shipping, customs and registration included.

Stock changes daily. As of October 5, 2026.

FAQ

Is Li Auto a reliable brand?
Li Auto has been making cars since 2019 and had delivered over 1.8 million units by August 2026, almost all in China. It is listed on the New York and Hong Kong stock exchanges and was the first big Chinese car startup to turn a full-year profit (2023). Its track record outside China is very short, though, and sales fell in 2025.
Where can a Li Auto (LiXiang) be serviced in Moldova?
Auto Outlet works with partner service centers in Chișinău that specialize in electric and hybrid cars, and provides support with spare parts. A Li Auto EREV has a gasoline engine that needs oil and filter changes, like any gasoline car.
What does EREV mean at Li Auto?
EREV means an electric car with a range extender. At Li Auto, the wheels are driven only by the electric motors. The 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine works only as a generator and charges the battery when it runs low. With a charged battery, over short distances, the car runs purely on electricity.
How much does a Li Auto cost in Moldova?
In Auto Outlet's stock, as of September 2026, from about €32,990. The price shown is final, with shipping, customs and registration included.

Sources

See the sources (34)
  1. Li Auto, Q4 and full-year 2025 results (SEC, 6-K, March 12, 2026): deliveries 2024 (500,508) and 2025 (406,343), 2025 net profit, cash of 101.2 billion yuan, entry into Egypt, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan (December 2025).
  2. Li Auto, December 2020 deliveries (SEC, 6-K): deliveries 2020 (32,624), start of deliveries on December 4, 2019, series production since November 2019.
  3. Li Auto, December 2022 deliveries (SEC, 6-K): deliveries 2022 (133,246, +47.2%), hence 2021: 90,491.
  4. Li Auto, December 2023 deliveries: deliveries 2023 (376,030).
  5. Li Auto, December 2024 deliveries: deliveries 2024 and cumulative total of 1,133,872.
  6. CnEVPost: Li Auto deliveries in December 2025: 406,343 cars in 2025, −18.81%, reasons for the decline.
  7. CnEVPost: deliveries by model, January–November 2025: L6 153,840 and L7 74,557 (top two models), L9 42,482, L8 40,244, MEGA 17,602; launch of the i6 and i8.
  8. CnEVPost: L6 passes 400,000 units: L6: 166,516 in 2025 (41%), specs of the new L6, launch dates of the new L9, L8 and L6.
  9. CnEVPost: new L6 launch: 51 kWh battery, 300 km CLTC, 1.5T range extender, Mach M100 chip; no new version of the L7.
  10. CnEVPost: L9 Livis with an in-house chip: in-house 5 nm M100 chip, third-generation 1.5T range extender, 72.7 kWh battery, 420 km CLTC.
  11. CarNewsChina: new L9 launch: 5C charging, 10–80% in 10 minutes, combined CLTC range of 1,650 km.
  12. CnEVPost: new five-seat L8: L8 goes from 6 to 5 seats, 72.7 kWh battery.
  13. CnEVPost: in-house batteries across the lineup: battery development since 2020, chips since 2022, refreshed i6 with deliveries from November 2026.
  14. CnEVPost: August 2026 deliveries: 37,679 cars (+32.07%), 261,619 in January–August, cumulative total 1,801,834, 4,162 charging stations, new MEGA and i9.
  15. CnEVPost: i9 launch: launch of the i9 electric SUV on September 16, 2026.
  16. CnEVPost: i6 in Europe, MEGA in Hong Kong and Singapore: plans for Europe, the Munich center, dealers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the Q1 2026 loss.
  17. CarNewsChina: Li Auto enters Europe: i6 sold as the “Li 6,” debut in Paris in October 2026, sales from Q4, starting with the UK.
  18. CnEVPost: the Munich R&D center: opened on January 17, 2025.
  19. CnEVPost: first showroom outside China, Uzbekistan: Tashkent, October 2025; sells the L6, L7 and L9 through a dealer.
  20. CnEVPost: Li Xiang on the online attacks against the MEGA: the coffin comparison, Li Xiang's reaction.
  21. KrASIA: the MEGA's failure: the 800,000 target for 2024 cut to just over 500,000, MEGA sales below plan.
  22. CnEVPost: recall of 11,411 MEGAs: the Shanghai fire and the 2024 MEGA recall.
  23. CnEVPost: battery shortage for the i6: i6 deliveries delayed by batteries.
  24. Automotive News: 2023 profit: net profit of 11.8 billion yuan, the first big Chinese startup with an annual profit.
  25. CNBC: the Hong Kong listing: listing on August 12, 2021, about $1.5 billion.
  26. Li Auto, IPO prospectus (SEC, 424B4, 2020): voting structure: Li Xiang's Class B shares, with multiple votes.
  27. CnEVPost: Meituan, a major shareholder: Meituan and Wang Xing, shareholders.
  28. Wikipedia: Li Auto: Li Xiang, founder of PCPop and Autohome; the company's original names; launch of the Li ONE.
  29. CnEVPost: L7 launch on February 8, 2023: L7 launch date.
  30. CnEVPost: L8 launch, September 2022: L8 launch date.
  31. CnEVPost: 2025 L series, Nvidia Thor-U and Horizon chips: chips used on the 2025 L series.
  32. Wikipedia: Li L6: L6 launch on April 18, 2024, 36.8 kWh battery in the first generation.
  33. Li Auto, 2025 annual report, Form 20-F (SEC / HKEX, April 2026): Li Xiang: 21.7% of shares, 66.6–68.7% of votes (Mar 18, 2026); Wang Xing: 17.2% of shares.
  34. Wikipedia: Li One: Li ONE discontinued in October 2022, replaced by the L8.

Stock and prices are from the Auto Outlet catalog, October 5, 2026.

Model photos are official manufacturer images (Li Auto).

Update history
  • 23.09.2026: first version, with data checked against public sources and prices from the catalog.

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