Chinese premium electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto is preparing to expand into the UK, with the company expected to introduce its new i6 electric SUV to European markets later this year.
Chinese carmaker is planning to enter right-hand-drive markets before the end of 2026, potentially putting the UK firmly in its sights as it looks to establish itself outside its home market, as Chinese car manufacturers continue to increase their presence in Britain.
Li Auto founder and chief executive Xiang Li confirmed during the company’s latest earnings call that right-hand-drive versions of its vehicles are being prepared, with European sales of the new i6 expected to begin during the fourth quarter.
While the UK was not specifically named, Britain could prove an attractive destination for the manufacturer. Unlike the European Union, the UK has not introduced additional tariffs specifically targeting Chinese-built electric cars, making Britain an increasingly important market for Chinese car manufacturers looking to expand overseas.
Li Auto i6 Set To Take On Premium Electric SUVs
The i6 could give Li Auto a strong entry into one of the most competitive parts of the UK electric car market.
At around 4.95 metres long, the electric SUV sits in the mid-size premium SUV sector and would go up against established models such as the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric and forthcoming Volvo EX60.
The model has already made a significant impact in China.
Since going on sale, the i6 has quickly become one of Li Auto’s strongest sellers, ranking among China’s best-selling passenger cars during the first half of 2026.
Its styling follows the company’s distinctive, streamlined design language, first introduced on the much larger Li Mega electric MPV.
The Mega could also eventually make its way into the UK. Li Auto is already preparing the model for right-hand-drive markets, with sales planned in Singapore and Hong Kong before the end of the year.
Up To 447 Miles Of Claimed Range
Under the skin, the i6 is equipped with an 87kWh battery and offers a claimed range of up to 720km, or around 447 miles.
However, that figure is based on China’s CLTC testing procedure, which generally produces higher range figures than the WLTP system used in the UK and Europe.
The European specification and official WLTP range have yet to be confirmed.
Li Auto is also promising extremely rapid EV charging, with the i6 reportedly capable of charging at rates of up to 500kW. That would put it ahead of a number of established premium electric SUVs, although the real-world charging performance of the UK and European version remains to be seen.
Two powertrain options are available in China.
The rear-wheel-drive model produces around 335bhp, while the all-wheel-drive version increases output to approximately 536bhp.
That should give the i6 plenty of performance to compete with established premium electric SUVs, while its focus on interior practicality could provide another major selling point.
Technology And Flexible Interior
Li Auto is positioning the i6 as more than simply another premium electric SUV.
The Chinese-market model features a highly technology-focused interior, including a pair of large 16-inch screens and a 21-inch display for rear passengers.
The company has also designed the cabin around flexible, leisure-focused use.
Li Auto markets the i6 in China as a kind of “leisure base camp”, with features including a rear table, built-in refrigerator and flexible seating.
The front passenger seat can also be folded flat, creating additional space that can effectively be used as a bed.
There is plenty of attention paid to storage too.
The front luggage compartment, or frunk, is designed to accommodate items such as muddy sports equipment and can reportedly be used as a makeshift washing area, with water able to drain away after use.
Behind the rear seats, the boot offers a claimed 728 litres of luggage space, with additional storage beneath the boot floor.
Whether all of these features make it into a UK specification remains to be confirmed.
From Range-Extenders To Fully Electric Cars
Li Auto is a relatively young manufacturer, having only started producing vehicles in 2019.
The company initially built its reputation around extended-range electric SUVs. These vehicles combined a large battery with a petrol engine that acted as a generator, providing additional range when required.
That strategy helped Li Auto establish itself as one of China’s successful new automotive manufacturers.
The company subsequently moved into fully electric vehicles, launching the large Mega MPV in 2024 before introducing further battery-electric models such as the i6.
According to Li Auto, it has now delivered around 1.8 million vehicles since the company began production.
However, almost all of those sales have been achieved in China.
Can Li Auto Succeed In The UK?
Breaking into established European markets will be a considerably bigger challenge.
Chinese car brands have made significant progress in the UK in recent years, with manufacturers such as BYD, MG and Chery increasing their presence and offering increasingly competitive electric vehicles.
However, the premium end of the market is proving more difficult.
Several Chinese premium brands have struggled to replicate the success they have achieved domestically when competing against established European manufacturers with decades of brand recognition.
Li Auto appears to be aware of the challenge.
The company has said it intends to maintain its premium positioning rather than simply compete on price, while adapting its approach to the individual requirements of each overseas market.
For British buyers, that could make the i6 an interesting proposition if Li Auto manages to combine its high levels of technology and practicality with competitive pricing.
Li Auto Could Be Another Chinese EV Brand To Watch
The potential arrival of Li Auto would add another significant Chinese manufacturer to an increasingly competitive UK electric vehicle market.
The i6 certainly has plenty going for it on paper, including impressive claimed range, rapid charging, strong performance and a technology-packed interior.
However, its success in Britain will ultimately depend on factors such as pricing, specification, charging capability under European testing standards and the company’s ability to establish a reliable dealer and after-sales network.
With the UK becoming an increasingly important market for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, Li Auto’s planned expansion could be one to watch over the coming months, particularly as more drivers consider electric vehicle leasing.
If the i6 arrives with the right price and specification, it could give established premium electric SUVs some serious competition.
Call our expert team on 
Drop us a message
