Xpeng and NIO Compete on Computing Power, Li Auto Shifts Architecture
On June 15, 2026, Li Auto unveiled details of its self-developed chip, Mahe M100, for its new L9 Livis model. CTO Xie Yan stated the goal was not just a faster chip, but a fundamentally different one, targeting the chip architecture itself.
While competitors like NIO, Xpeng, and Huawei highlight TOPS (computing power) figures for their self-developed chips, Li Auto’s Mahe M100 focuses on redesigning the underlying architecture. It employs a "dynamic data flow architecture" to address memory bandwidth bottlenecks in large model inference, claiming up to 3x the effective computing power of Nvidia's Thor U for its specific workloads and a 40% reduction in latency. The chip's design was peer-reviewed and accepted at ISCA 2026. However, this performance is highly optimized for Li Auto's own VLA2.1 algorithm, meaning it may not generalize as well to other tasks.
Li Auto aims to achieve full-stack in-house development with Mahe M100, covering chip, compiler, OS, AI algorithms, and domain controller—a level of vertical integration few competitors match.
Beyond the chip, CEO Li Xiang introduced a new strategic narrative: the "embodied intelligent vehicle," defined as an integration of an EV, a professional driver, an AI computer, and a life assistant. This shifts competition from features like large screens to systemic AI capabilities.
A key commitment was that Li Auto's Mahe VLA autonomous driving model will match Tesla's FSD V14 by Q4 2026, with specific OTA milestones set for July, September, and December.
Financially, Li Auto faces pressure with declining revenue and vehicle gross margins since Q4 2025, while maintaining high R&D investment (approx. ¥12B in 2026, 50% AI-related). Its 2026 sales target is 550,000 vehicles, up from 406,000 in 2025. The new L9 Livis garnered over 10,000 pre-orders in two weeks.
The effectiveness of these strategic moves—new products, OTAs, and the novel chip architecture—will begin to show in Q3 2026 financial results, with the year-end FSD V14 benchmark being the ultimate test.
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