Li Auto Mega! China’s Boldest Step Yet Into the Future of Electric MPVs
On a recent trip to Beijing, MotorTrend, in partnership with Li Auto, got to experience the company’s first all-electric model.0:00 / 0:00
It feels as though the electric vehicle landscape is moving faster than we can keep up, and that in recent years China has made a compelling case to head the pack. Of the main players—BYD, Geely, et al—one of the more compelling entrants is Li Auto and its new vehicle, the Mega, an all-electric MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that reimagines the traditionally utilitarian people-mover into something far more appealing.
With its striking design, tech-loaded cabin, and surprising performance, the Mega marks a major turning point not only for Li Auto but for the EV segment as a whole.
Note: MotorTrend has produced this article and the corresponding video in partnership with Li Auto.
A Design from the Future
Let’s get the aesthetics out of the way, because you only have to look at the Mega once to know there’s a lot going on with its ‘simple’ design.
It reminds us of a high-speed train, and with good reason—the Mega is all about aerodynamic efficiency. In fact, Li Auto claims to have spent more than 1,000 hours refining the Mega’s aerodynamic profile in wind tunnels. The result? A drag coefficient of just 0.215, which makes it one of the most aerodynamic MPVs in existence, even beating out many EV sedans and SUVs—most notably the 2025 Tesla Model 3 (0.219) and 2025 Porsche Taycan (0.22).
At the front, its large, clean surfaces, giant curved windshield, minimal panel gaps, and integrated lighting signature help to reduce drag and emphasize its futuristic vibe. The LED light bar at the front spans the entire width of the vehicle, as does the one at the rear (Li Auto’s signature front-and-back ‘Halo’ lighting design) while down the side the hidden door handles, concealed sliding door rails, and flush glass give the Mega’s entire surface a sleek, uninterrupted form. Check your local automotive comment section and you’ll see that its design is polarizing, certainly, but undeniably striking.
Performance with Purpose
The Mega is built on an all-new electric platform (this is Li Auto’s first full EV) featuring an 800-volt electric architecture—a segment-first for a Chinese MPV—which not only contributes to charging speed but also overall energy efficiency and performance. It uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that puts down 536 hp (400 kW) and 542 lb-ft of torque, launching the nearly three-ton vehicle from 0-62 mph in just 5.5 seconds. It’s cliche at this point to state but it bears repeating; that is sports car territory for a car that can seat seven adults in supreme comfort and luxury.
Despite its bulk, the Mega rides with poise thanks to an adaptive ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ air suspension system with continuous damping control and cameras monitoring the road ahead for bumps. This setup helps manage body roll in corners and keeps the ride mill-pond smooth over rougher surfaces. While we’re on the subject of serenity, the Mega also has double glazed windows all-around and more sound deadening materials than the newest Maybach sedan, because for Li Auto the devil is in the really quiet details.
With its efforts in power and handling, Li Auto has made it clear this is not just a minivan—it’s a statement—a rolling tech showcase.
