Li Auto S8 vs BMW i5
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Li Auto S8 | BMW i5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 612 | 601 | +1.8% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 750 | 820 | -8.5% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 15.8 | 18.2 | -13.2% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $48,972 | $107,460 | -54.4% |
- Li Auto S8 makes about 2% more power (612 vs 601 hp).
- Li Auto S8 is the more efficient EV, using 15.8 kWh/100km against 18.2.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (China and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: S8 or i5?
Li Auto S8 advantages
- Energy efficiency (+13%)
- Affordability (+54%)
BMW i5 advantages
- Pulling torque (+9%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Li Auto S8 if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
- Choose the BMW i5 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
- Choose the Li Auto S8 if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
Li Auto S8 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Li Auto S8 vs BMW i5: which should you choose?
Li Auto S8 (2025 Pure Electric SUV Max) — electric suv with 612 hp and 750 Nm, rated at 15.8 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $48,972 in the China market.
BMW i5 (2024 M60 xDrive) — electric sedan with 601 hp and 820 Nm, rated at 18.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $107,460 in the Germany market.
Li Auto S8 vs BMW i5: Li Auto S8 is more powerful. Li Auto S8 makes about 2% more power (612 vs 601 hp). Li Auto S8 is the more efficient EV, using 15.8 kWh/100km against 18.2.
Performance
The Li Auto S8 is the more powerful, at 612 hp against 601 hp, with 750 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a single-speed transmission.
Running costs
The Li Auto S8 is the more efficient EV, drawing 15.8 kWh/100km against 18.2 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Li Auto S8 is rated 5 stars by C-NCAP and BMW i5 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Li Auto S8 lists lower at about $48,972 (USD-converted from the China market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Li Auto S8 better than the BMW i5?
Li Auto S8 takes the overall edge, though BMW i5 wins in specific areas worth weighing. Li Auto S8 makes about 2% more power (612 vs 601 hp).
What is the main difference between the Li Auto S8 and the BMW i5?
Li Auto S8 makes about 2% more power (612 vs 601 hp). Li Auto S8 is the more efficient EV, using 15.8 kWh/100km against 18.2.
Which is better value?
Li Auto S8 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Li Auto S8 if you want the lowest charging costs per km. Choose the BMW i5 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.