EVwire brief: Li Auto has officially entered Europe, with the Chinese automaker premiering the European version of the Li 6 at the Paris Motor Show. The all-electric SUV is Li Auto's first model for the region, with its launch and first deliveries in the Netherlands and Norway scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Li Auto will set up its own sales, delivery, aftersales and service systems in Europe and gradually expand into more EU countries. Its aftersales network will include a regional spare parts distribution center in the Netherlands, roadside assistance, and a customer call center, all of which are set to go live in December 2026.
Li Auto CFO Tie Li described Europe as a major step in the company's global expansion:
"Europe is a remarkable milestone in Li Auto's globalization journey. As we expand internationally, we remain committed to delivering products and services tailored to local users. From Paris, our European business officially sets sail."
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The Li 6 was developed for global markets, with the SUV built on a dedicated BEV architecture featuring an 800V platform and 5C supercharging technology. Li Auto also tuned the European Li 6's chassis for the region's road conditions and driving preferences.
On the software side, Li Auto built a separate overseas software platform that supports eight European languages, with localized maps and navigation, Amap, Spotify and Apple CarPlay. The company also plans to push major over-the-air (OTA) updates every quarter.
Alongside the Li 6, the company is showcasing the Megahome, Li L9 and Li L6 at the Paris Motor Show, which runs from October 12 to 18. EVwire's Jaan was at the premiere and shared his take on X:
Li Auto arrives in Europe with plenty of momentum at home. After eleven years in business, it has become one of the best-selling Chinese brands in China's premium car market, with more than 1.8 million families as customers.
The Li 6 is only the start. Li Auto plans to release at least one new model to Europe every year from 2027 to 2029, with a lineup that will include both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).
Li Auto announced its EU launch on LinkedIn:
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Context:
Li Auto joins a growing list of Chinese automakers expanding in Europe. Leapmotor opened European order books for its B03X compact EV in July, with prices starting at €24,900 (about $28,460). Meanwhile, BYD is set to start production at its first European factory in Szeged, Hungary, in Q4 2026.
Xpeng has also been looking to expand its European footprint. Back in May, the company confirmed it was in talks with Volkswagen about a potential production site in Europe. Xpeng’s current base at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria, faces capacity constraints.
Source: Li Auto press release, Li Auto on LinkedIn, Jaan Juurikas on X
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