Li Auto ventures into the BEV world with the Mega MPV

There's a new player shaking things up in the electric vehicle arena, and it’s none other than Li Auto. Known primarily for its EREV SUVs, the Beijing-based automotive start-up just unveiled the official images of its first all-electric model – the Mega MPV. Scheduled to have its grand debut in December 2023, this minivan is Li Auto’s maiden voyage into the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) waters.

Now, if you've been tracking Li Auto, you know it isn’t exactly a newcomer to the automotive scene. It has firmly established its presence in China, averaging about 30,000 sales a month. Its line-up is dominated by three SUVs: the L7, L8, and L9, all targeted towards specific segments of the domestic market. September 2023 saw Li Auto selling 36,000 units, and it’s on track to possibly push that to 40,000 this October. Plans are also already underway to introduce five more BEVs by 2025.

Back to the Mega MPV then. Its design is apparently inspired by a raindrop. With its slanted A-pillars melting into a sloped bonnet, and the sleek roofline, it's certainly a looker.

The retractable door handles and aerodynamic wheel covers slowly are becoming compulsory across the industry. The front end boasts an LED running light strip that seamlessly integrates with the high beams. And for the tech-geeks, yes, there's a Hesai AT128 LiDAR sensor perched on the roof.

Move to the back you see smoked taillights and the cleverly disguised roof spoiler give it an air of sophistication. Plus, for those moments when you're juggling grocery bags, the Mega's opening tailgate window will be a lifesaver.

Li Auto's CEO playfully teased the aerodynamics of the Mega, hinting at a superb drag coefficient. While the official numbers are yet to be revealed, Chinese bloggers chimed in, suggesting it might stand at the impressive 0.21 Cd. For reference, a lower drag coefficient translates to better efficiency, so we're all ears for that official confirmation.

But what's under the hood? Or, more aptly for EVs, what's in the floor? The Mega is built upon the Whale architecture and houses a Qilin ternary (NMC) battery pack, a product of CATL. One of its standout features is the 800V DC fast charging support. Forget that coffee break; you can juice up the Mega for 373 miles in just 22 minutes. While most of the specs are under wraps, here's a number you might want to know – the starting price. It's pegged at RMB 500,000, which translates to approximately $68,400.

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