L8 Livis In-Depth Test Drive: First Experience with Full-Drive Chassis

Design: Evolution of Family Design Language, Upgraded Interaction Details

The all-new L8 Livis is not merely a simple 'seat reduction' from the previous six-seater model — it redefines the segment from the ground up as a flagship large five-seater. Externally, it retains the family design language, yet features clear advancements in perception hardware and lighting interaction: an Hesai ATL LiDAR sits atop the front end, working in tandem with dual external stereo cameras; the full-width daytime running lights (DRLs) have been upgraded from single-color to a tri-color light strip — white indicates normal driving, yellow responds to external voice commands, and blue signals parking assistance mode, visually communicating the vehicle's intent.

The parking perception system has also been overhauled: ultra-wideband (UWB) near-field sensing replaces traditional ultrasonic sensors, eliminating bumper cutouts for cleaner aesthetics and offering theoretically superior detection range and response speed. However, real-world testing revealed room for improvement in alert logic — warnings trigger prematurely (e.g., alerts sound while obstacles are still distant), and disengagement occasionally lags, with alarms persisting for several seconds after pedestrians or vehicles move away.

Headlights now feature Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) high-beam control, delivering noticeably improved brightness versus the prior generation. Yet compared to pixel-level headlight systems already adopted by competitors at this price point, Li remains comparatively conservative in lighting technology — ADB functionality only rolls out comprehensively starting with the L8/L9 flagship generations.

Powertrain & Chassis: First Foray into Full-Drive Chassis, Tuning Prioritizes Comfort

The Livis variant is equipped with a full-drive chassis, including an 800V fully active suspension system. While specific motor parameters remain undisclosed, the automaker emphasizes that the chassis logic has been deeply optimized for the large five-seater use case. In practice, the suspension effectively absorbs small road imperfections, and body roll during high-speed cornering is well controlled. Steering feel is notably light, with muted road feedback — sportiness yields deliberately to ride comfort. Regenerative braking is smoothly calibrated, free of abrupt drag, aligning well with family-user preferences.

Intelligence: Standout Interactions, ADAS Still Maturing

The tri-color DRLs and UWB parking system represent the most immediately noticeable intelligent interaction upgrades. Inside, the rear cabin features a starry-sky headliner (see image below), paired with ambient lighting for immersive ambiance; the center console armrest integrates HVAC and seat controls (see image below), offering greater convenience than conventional physical buttons. However, the real-world response logic of the automated parking system remains immature — there's a noticeable gap between its current capability and higher-tier intelligent driving performance.

Pricing & Positioning: Livis-Exclusive Features Elevate Entry Threshold

As of now,  L8 Livis has not officially announced pricing — but it is confirmed as a new high-spec trim within the lineup. Standard equipment includes 22-inch crystalline-gray wheels and 285/40 R22 Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires. Crucially, these wheels are exclusive to the Livis trim and unavailable even on the Ultra variant. Combined with its full-drive chassis and UWB sensing hardware, the expected retail price will sit significantly above the base L8.

Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Large Five-Seaters — Hardware-Forward, Software-Needing Iteration

Li L8 Livis is a precise market play — leveraging hardware investments like the full-drive chassis, UWB parking, and tri-color interactive light strip to target premium family users seeking a blend of ride comfort, tech sophistication, and spatial freedom. It Victory redefines both the physical and interactive boundaries of large five-seater SUVs. Yet certain intelligent features — such as parking alert logic — remain in transition from 'functional' to 'refined'. With consistent OTA updates refining response behavior and human-machine coordination, Livis stands poised to become one of the most distinctive family flagships of 2026.