It is a 5-seater luxury electric SUV that also comes with a range-extender petrol engine.
BHPian shivs2003 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
The Indian luxury car market in the Rs 60-80 lakh bracket has a variety of options. Electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, and high-end petrol cars are all competing for attention in the same price bracket. But what if a product came in that combined the strengths of all these formats—and did so at a price that matches nearly every luxury brand currently on offer?
In a recent trip to China, I experienced the Li Auto L7, a Chinese luxury SUV.
What is the Li Auto L7?
The L7 is a five-seater luxury electric SUV that also comes with a range-extender petrol engine. That means:
- You get a fully electric driving experience for most urban usage (170–240 km EV range)
- But also petrol backup that boosts total range to over 1,100 km.
So range anxiety? Gone.
Charging hassles on highways? Avoided.
At the same time, it comes loaded with flagship-level interiors, air suspension, massaging rear seats, large screens, AI-driven ADAS, and a road presence to match any German badge (as they claim).
How Much Would the Li Auto L7 Cost in India?
Here’s a quick and rough comparison:
Since the L7 and the Tesla Model Y LR are available in the US only, I needed to make a comparison. So I have put the US prices and expected or estimated Indian prices. But for a more fair comparison, I have put the equivalent price of a BMW i4, same spec which is available in the US as well as India.
The Indian Context?
Here are some vehicles that dominate the ₹60–80 lakh segment in India:
Petrol/Diesel Luxury Cars:
- BMW X3, 330Li, M340i
- Mercedes GLC, C-Class, GLE (entry trims)
- Audi Q5, A6
Electric Vehicles:
- BMW i4
- Mercedes EQB
- Volvo XC40 Recharge, C40
- Ev6
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hybrids:
- Toyota Vellfire
- Lexus RX500h
- Toyota Hycross ZX Hybrid
Could This Change the Market?
If the L7 or a similar concept of a vehicle made by a domestic manufacturer (Tata/Mahindra) or global manufacturer (BMW/MB) were launched in India at a price of ₹65–85 lakh, here’s what could happen:
- Premium EVs could be undercut—iX1, i4, EQB, C40, all offer less space and lower flexibility for the same or higher price.
- Luxury petrol cars could be challenged—Why buy an A4/C220/330i or X3/GLC/Q3 with only ICE when you could have EV + backup + more tech?
- Hybrids might feel outdated—The L7 offers better electric range than hybrids, plus a stronger luxury appeal.
The Unknowns
- Will Indian customers want an EV+ICE Combo at this price point?
- Could some domestic or international manufacturer possibly design or invest in this concept?
- Can we locally assemble or manufacture a product like this?
Final Thoughts
The Li Auto L7 isn’t just another new EV; it’s a new category —a car that fuses electric, hybrid, and luxury into one product. And if priced right, it could change the entire ₹60–80 lakh landscape in India, just as SUVs once replaced sedans.
Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
