Explanation of the Ideal i8 safety crash test
The release of the Ideal i8 collision safety test video has attracted widespread attention and discussion. Regarding the focus of public attention, we provide the following explanations:
1. Why do we need to do this test?
Ideal Auto always prioritizes user safety and is committed to creating a safe and secure travel space for every family. To this end, during the development of the Ideal i8, we adopted a "short front overhang safety structure" design, which not only ensures a spacious driving space "comparable to MPVs" for users, but also takes into account the vehicle's passive safety performance.
To ensure the safety and reliability of the new design, we decided to scientifically verify and continuously improve the passive safety performance of the Ideal i8 by actively simulating real-life collision scenarios, which are extremely critical to user safety. We commissioned the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. (CAERI), a third-party, authoritative organization, to conduct high-intensity crash tests. We will transparently and realistically present the testing process and results to users through video. Our primary goal is to allow users to see the efforts and achievements of the Ideal i8 in improving vehicle safety.
Faced with the complex and unpredictable real-world road conditions, we are fully aware of the dangerous "small car colliding with a large truck" condition and the extremely high demands placed on vehicle safety. "Small car colliding with a large truck" has always been one of the safety topics that most passenger car users are concerned about, and it is also a testing and publicity method widely adopted by many mainstream car companies around the world that attach great importance to safety.
2. Crash Test Performance
This test, designed with reference to the high-frequency traffic accident scenarios that occur on ordinary roads, was commissioned to China Automotive Research Institute (CARI). As a state-owned enterprise and a Class-A national research institute, CARI serves as a key platform for product development, testing, research, and quality inspection in the Chinese automotive industry. Ideal Auto highly recognizes CARI's expertise and impartiality in testing, and firmly believes its crash test data and results are scientifically authoritative.
The Ideal i8's innovative short front overhang safety structure provides three forward longitudinal force transmission paths, and 11 circular energy-absorbing structures densely distributed within the front cabin effectively mitigate the impact of a frontal collision, enhancing the vehicle's passive safety. Testing revealed no significant deformation of the Ideal i8's A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, or door beams. All nine airbags deployed normally, the battery pack showed no leakage or fire, and the doors unlocked and door handles automatically opened, fully demonstrating the Ideal i8's safety.
III. Public Opinion Impact of This Incident
This test was solely intended to verify and improve the passive safety performance of the Ideal i8. It was not intended to evaluate the product quality of any other brand, and the test results should not be interpreted as indicative of the quality of other brands. The used Dongfeng Liuqi Chenglong truck used in the test served solely as a mobile barrier, and we have no intention or intention to make any inductive quality assessments of it. The fact that the Dongfeng Liuqi Chenglong brand was accidentally embroiled in public controversy during the testing process was entirely unintentional. In response to misunderstandings and one-sided interpretations online caused by a lack of understanding of the test's purpose and process, Ideal Auto hopes to clarify the facts through this statement, providing more authentic evidence and reference for healthy industry communication.
As a benchmark brand in China's trucking industry, Dongfeng Chenglong's quality and safety have always been trusted by truck drivers. Therefore, we would like to clarify that there is no direct competition between Ideal Auto and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Chenglong. We specialize in family passenger vehicles, while Ideal Auto is a prominent representative of China's trucking sector and a benchmark for state-owned enterprises with decades of history. We have always respected them. We will continue to actively respond to the national call to combat involution, working to create a fair and orderly industry environment and promote the high-quality development of China's automotive industry.
4. Hot topics discussed by netizens
During the development phase of the Li Auto i8, the latest national standards (GB 11551-2014 "Occupant Protection in Frontal Collisions," GB 20071-2025 "Occupant Protection in Side Collisions," and GB 20072-2024 "Safety Requirements for Passenger Cars in Rear Collisions") were adhered to. The Li Auto i8 also adhered to the five-star rating of the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) Version 24 and the G+G+G+A rating of the China Insurance Automobile Safety Index (C-IASI) Version 23. The vehicle also covered over 100 corporate test conditions, including "drilling" and "truck pinching." Prior to this, Li Auto's entire lineup of models had received top ratings from authoritative third-party testers, including the China Automotive Technology and Research Center and China Insurance Research Institute.
We are fully confident in the safety of the Ideal i8 and believe it will pass all rigorous tests. We also have firm confidence in the overall safety development level and continued progress of the Chinese automotive industry. Going forward, we will work with our industry colleagues to continuously promote innovation in automotive safety technology and jointly safeguard the travel safety of every user.
Ideal Auto
August 3, 2025
