The Li Auto i6 2026 will debut on October 28. The 5C battery is now available without CATL.
Li Auto will unveil the refreshed i6 on October 28, 2026, with deliveries in China starting in early November. The electric SUV will feature a 96 kWh 5C battery, new computing systems, and an upgraded interior. Earlier, on October 12, the European version named Li 6 will make its debut at the Paris auto show.
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Concept cars will arrive at 485 Li Auto dealerships in China as early as October 11. Following the launch, the manufacturer will immediately open orders and provide test drives. Prices remain undisclosed, though the previous i6 started at 249,800 yuan in 2025, which is approximately $37,100.
The 5C battery is being developed without CATL’s involvement
The biggest change is hidden under the floor. The Li Auto i6 2026 will feature a battery with a capacity of 96 kWh, for which the manufacturer claims a CLTC range of 780 km. China’s CLTC cycle is significantly milder than Europe’s WLTP, so this figure should not be directly compared to the ranges of vehicles sold in the European Union. One source mentions a WLTP range of 632 km, but it’s unclear whether this is the result of official European homologation.
The cells support 5C charging. This rating means they can theoretically handle a power level five times the battery’s capacity, though it doesn’t guarantee maintaining this level throughout the charging session. Li Auto has not yet provided a charging curve or the time required to charge from 10% to 80% capacity.
The manufacturer describes the battery as its own design, but this needs clarification. Li Auto is responsible for the cell design, pack design, and BMS management system. The cells themselves will be produced according to the company’s specifications by Sunwoda and CALB, while the assembly of complete packs will remain the responsibility of Li Auto.
This will mark CALB’s entry into the manufacturer’s supply chain. Meanwhile, the i6 2026 is set to be the first version of this model to completely abandon CATL cells. This is an interesting change for a vehicle that accounts for a large portion of the brand’s sales.
Li Auto i6 2026
Specifications
Battery
96 kWh, 5C cells
Range
780 km CLTC
Drive Type
RWD
Power Output
250 kW
AWD Power Output
150 kW front, 250 kW rear
Length
4950 mm
Width
1935 mm
Height
1655 mm
Wheelbase
3000 mm
Wheels
20 or 21 inches
Seating capacity
5
The base i6 will retain a rear-wheel drive configuration with an engine producing 250 kW, or 335 horsepower. The all-wheel drive version will add a front engine delivering 150 kW. Sources do not provide information on acceleration, maximum charging power, or the battery’s usable capacity.
Two zero-gravity seats and a 29-inch screen
Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto, outlined six key areas of change. Externally, the i6 will feature ADB matrix headlights similar to those on Li Auto’s large van, the Li Mega. This system can cut out areas occupied by other vehicles from the light beam, allowing the high beams to be used for longer periods without blinding drivers.
The modified front bumper is intended to make the SUV resemble the new L9 and i9 models. Partially hidden handles will also be introduced to comply with new Chinese regulations. This represents a compromise between aerodynamics and style on one hand, and requirements for easy access to the vehicle in case of an accident on the other.
Beneath the front hood will be an electrically opening trunk. Access can be achieved via voice command or by tapping a specific spot. The cabin is equipped with two zero-gravity front seats that can be reclined up to about 150 degrees.
The dashboard will feature a panoramic screen measuring 29 inches with a 6K resolution. Passengers in the back will have their own 21-inch 4K display. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 is set to handle onboard functions, while the proprietary Mach M100 chip will power the driver assistance systems. However, Li Auto has not revealed the full range of ADAS features planned for Europe.
Li 6 to Open the Brand’s Doors to Europe
The launch was originally scheduled for late September. Li Auto moved it to October 28 but kept November as the date for first deliveries. The company claims that a shorter gap between order placement and vehicle delivery will help reduce waiting times. Online sales for the 2025 version ended on September 11, affecting the brand’s performance during that transition period.
In September, Li Auto delivered 31,817 vehicles, 6.29% fewer than the previous year and 15.56% fewer than in August. The Li Auto i6 accounted for 16,979 deliveries in August, representing 45.06% of the manufacturer’s total monthly output. From January to August 2026, 152,842 units were delivered to customers, bringing the cumulative total since launch to 181,813 units. Li Auto has already announced that it has surpassed 190,000 deliveries, but detailed September figures for this model have not yet been released.
In Europe, the vehicle will be marketed under the name Li 6. Its public debut is scheduled for October 12 at the Paris Motor Show, with sales expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. However, we do not yet know the first countries it will be available in, its price, sales network, or when it might enter Poland. This information will be more important than the 780 km range achieved in China’s CLTC cycle.
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