Li Auto channels minimalism for mega new MPV

The shift to electric powertrains seems to have rekindled the streamliner movement that emerged during the 1930s. In a bid to boost range, sleek bullet-like forms that slice through the air have become popular among various manufacturers and segments.

The trend is strong in the MPV segment, with many recent launches employing fast rooflines, raking windscreen angles and abrupt kammtails. The latest example is from Beijing-headquartered Li Auto, which recently revealed a people carrier aptly named the ‘Mega’.

“Aerodynamics was a central theme,” says Benjamin Baum, senior exterior design director at Li Auto. “We had a distinct roadmap for the car, and exceptional aerodynamics was one of the main goals. Our designers had this in mind from the very beginning. Notably, our aerodynamics team was integrated into the design group, facilitating close cooperation from the start.”

The Mega is indeed a large car and it seems much of the original concept – a prototype dubbed Whale W01 – has been retained. The wheelbase does not look far off a stretched limousine, with a longer overhang at the rear that seems to extend its proportions even further. Yet at the same time, it feels low to the ground with a roofline that fades from the B-pillar right down to the boot lid – think of it as a merging of people carrier and coupe. Official dimensions are under wraps for now, but Baum says it is a little larger than the three-row L9 SUV which measures in at 5,218mm (L) 1,998 (W) and 1,800 (H). Crikey.

While aerodynamics helped to shape the brief, Baum says a key goal was to create a silhouette that stands out from the crowd: “From the outset, our mission was clear: to build future icons for families; great design starts with a compelling outline. There are only a few cars you can identify solely from their silhouette, and we aimed to be among them.”

The Mega may be imposing on paper but as press shots show, this is highly sculptural and – perhaps emphasised by its size – does feel more akin to a piece of street art than a family hauler. The bodysides are super clean and create a mirror-like reflection in certain lights, while highlighting the shoulder line in others. Minimalist design, sweeping lines, limited decoration in the form of polished metal or LEDs – its presence is somehow welcoming in a world where cars of this size often draw the ire of urban planners.

Baum notes that minimalism was certainly a guiding principle with the design of the Mega. “We founded our design on a philosophy we call ’future avant-garde.’ Drawing from principles set by figures like Dieter Rams, Walter Gropius, and the essence of Chinese minimalism, I see it as my role to educate our designers about this foundation, ensuring products align with our brand’s vision.”

Perhaps going against the clean theme is the roof-mounted ADAS sensor unit which perches just above the windshield. It is still early days on this front and manufacturers can only work with the technology available to them; while integrated systems are available, some brands are choosing to celebrate the technology rather than hide it. There is no right answer, either, but it is interesting to see how the trend is impacting exterior and interior design.

As for a standout element of the design, Baum opts not to single out individual details and instead praises the entire project. “It holds a special place for me,” he concludes. “What sets the Mega apart is not just its style but the harmonious blend of form and function.” The project began back in October 2020 and Baum recalls that the team sprung into action following a “particularly striking” sketch that resonated with both the designers and the brand’s CEO. The Mega is now expected to launch officially in December 2023.