Lixiang drops two i8 trim levels, slashes price a week after launch

Just seven days after launching its electric SUV named the i8 and reporting some 6,000 preorders, Lixiang a.k.a. Li Auto suddenly decided to revise the pricing. The manufacturer’s website currently only lists one trim version out of the original three, offering it at a 10,000-Yuan discount for 339,800 Yuan.

When the Li i8 debuted last week, it was offered in three trim variants called Pro, Max and Ultra. They cost 321,800, 349,800 and 369,800 Yuan, respectively. Only the Max version is listed right now, and is discounted at that. Those who wanted the EV will now have to grab the middle spec because Pro is no longer available, but at least it is less expensive now.

No reasons have been provided for the sudden change. Latepost.com reports citing its own sourced that most buyers went for the Max and Ultra variants, so the company decided to optimize its offerings by leaving just one main trim and listing the rest under options.

The Li i8 is Lixiang’s first-ever fully electric vehicle. It’s pretty large at 5,085 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,740 mm tall with a wheelbase spanning 3,050 mm. Despite the size, the interior only seats six people.

The equipment list mentions power adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, massage and Nappa perforated leather for the upholstery. A fridge, a panoramic roof and ambient lighting are available as well. The dash houses two 15.7-inch OLED displays, but the rear seat occupants don’t get any.