Update: The story has been revised with more observations, and the Li Mega Ultra variant.
The Li Mega is an electric luxury minivan designed to be extremely aerodynamic, with company founder and CEO Li Xiang writing, “Just guess the drag coefficient” as the caption of its first official images on Chinese social media back in 2023.
The vehicle was launched in China in March 2024, and has since then caught the imagination of the American public after it was featured on the Youtube channels of Forrest Jones and Marques Brownlee. While there are no plans to sell it in the U.S., at a mobility event in Abu Dhabi, I got an opportunity to explore the Li Mega’s design, interior, comfort, features and tech. Here’s how it went:
Design
Shape-wise, the Li Mega resembles a cross between the Hyundai Staria and the Toyota Previa. Its drag coefficient of 0.215Cd not only contributes to efficiency but also gives it a futuristic appeal. This MPV has a short hood, an expansive windshield, steeply raked A-pillars, a huge front quarter glass, large windows, and notably short overhangs. Flush door handles and aerodynamic wheel covers also aid airflow along the sides.
The egg-shaped MPV’s roofline and upright rear end are reminiscent of the Hyundai Seven concept. On the roof is an ultra-high-definition long-range LiDAR, supplied by Hesai, offering advanced assisted-driving capabilities, including Li Auto’s NOA autonomous driving system.
Interior
Stepping inside, the Li Mega’s interior lives up to its reputation as a flagship minivan for large families, offering a spacious and luxurious “mobile living space.” The 2+2+3 seating arrangement ensures ample room for passengers, while the high-quality materials and finishes provide a premium feel. The second-row captain’s chairs stand out with their extensive adjustability, heating, massage functions, and 50W wireless charging.
Enhancing the passenger experience further are features like a foldable ceiling screen, airline-style tray tables, and heated leg rests. The third-row seats are versatile, folding down to accommodate additional cargo when needed.
Front seats
I’m six feet tall, and ingress and egress were easy thanks to the tall doors and the minivan’s lower ground clearance.
When I sat in the driver’s seat, I first checked for all-around visibility, which was excellent thanks to the massive windows and quarter glass panels. The large windscreen offers a fantastic view of the road ahead, but there is no getting away from the size of the vehicle.
The steering wheel with an electrically adjustable column felt quite normal in grip and feel. It comes with a screen above the horn pad that provides vital info like charge remaining, temperature, and drive mode. A head-up display (HUD) puts vital info right in the driver’s line of sight.
My head was nowhere near the headliner, thanks to the Mega’s massive side structure. The lumbar support of the Nappa leather seat was excellent, while the under-thigh support felt generous. The soft cushions on the headrest also help in improving comfort, and the armrests are designed to provide good posture and support.
The overall quality of the materials was quite premium, but I wouldn’t classify this as a luxury car. After close inspection, I particularly liked the snappiness of the touchscreen, as well as the quality of the graphics and resolution.
Second row
In the second row, sitting right behind the driver’s seat that was adjusted for a six-foot-tall person, I had no complaints about the legroom and knee room. The individual seats are inspired by the seats in a private airline cabin, and come with ventilation, heating, massage, and a wireless charger.
Ambient lighting with customizable colors, automatic climate control with cabin air purification, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof undoubtedly lift the interior experience.
Third row
The third-row seats are perhaps the most comfortable ones I have ever been in for a minivan. The legroom and knee room are comparable to the second-row seats, while headroom is only slightly lower.
The seats, with excellent back and under-thigh support, are heated and offer recline. Unlike usual third-row seats, I didn’t find myself in a knee-up posture. However, the entry to the third row is through the passage between the individual captain chairs, which requires a little bending and twisting to get there, especially for a six-footer.
Two USB charging ports and cup holders in the third row add to the practicality of this space. Additionally, passengers benefit from a 21-speakers, 2160 W, Dolby Atmos-equipped audio system and active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin.
Specifications
The Li Mega is 5,350 mm (210.6 in) long, 1,965 mm (77.4 in) wide, and 1,850 mm (72.8 in) tall, with a wheelbase of 3,300 mm (129.9 in).
The minivan uses a dual-motor electric powertrain featuring a 155 kW (208 hp) front motor and a 245 kW (329 hp) rear motor, producing a combined 400 kW (536 hp) and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque. This setup enables brisk acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 seconds. It draws energy from a 102.7 kWh Qilin 5C battery pack from CATL, offering a CLTC-rated range of 710 km (441 miles).
Its 800V architecture allows ultra-fast charging at 552 kW, replenishing 500 km (311 miles) in 12 minutes at a 5C charging station terminal. This makes it one of the world’s fastest charging electric vehicles.
The Li Mega also offers multiple drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, besides modes like slippery road, hill descent control, and a tough roads mode in which the suspension is raised by 40 mm (1.57 inches).
Also See: First Look Review: The Li Auto L9 is a no-compromise family SUV
TopElectricSUV says
The Li Mega was launched in China in March 2024 at a starting price of RMB 559,800 (USD 78,725). It holds great importance for Li Auto, providing a unique opportunity to challenge established brands and develop a strong foothold in the high-end electric minivan market.
The company has announced a new version, the Li Mega Ultra, for 2025, featuring its upgraded autonomous driving architecture, MindVLA. It is priced at RMB 529,800 (USD 72,759), aiming to put the minivan on the path of sales growth.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
