Controversial Crash Test Ignites Dispute Between Two Chinese Automakers
Dongfeng sharply criticized the video, accusing Li Auto of misrepresentation and questioning the authenticity of the test. The focal point of the controversy was a startling moment during the crash, where the Qinglong truck's front end visibly lifted off the ground, its front section buckled, and the truck's cab appeared almost detached as it landed atop the i8's hood. In response, Dongfeng released an official statement on August 1, condemning the test setup and defending its engineering integrity.
According to QQ News, Dongfeng claimed that the video was 'seriously misleading,' arguing that it distorted reality and failed to reflect conditions typical of real-world collisions. Internal evaluations from the company reportedly found clear discrepancies between the test's design and regulated crash test standards.
Behind the Crash: What Really Happened?
The incident involved a direct impact between the Li Auto i8—an electric SUV weighing between 2,580 and 2,610 kilograms—and Dongfeng's 8-ton Qinglong truck. At the moment of impact, the i8 was traveling at 60 km/h (37 mph), while the truck was moving at 40 km/h (25 mph). Despite the mismatch in mass and size, the i8's safety structure remained intact. The front end absorbed the shock, the pillars showed no deformation, all nine airbags deployed as intended, and the doors automatically unlocked with the handles extending for emergency access. Additionally, the vehicle's emergency communication system activated, and notably, the underbody battery pack—despite being scratched by a sharp metal object during the test—showed no signs of smoke or combustion.
The Bigger Picture: Marketing or Safety?
Dongfeng's frustration may be rooted in broader industry dynamics. With Chinese automakers expanding aggressively into global markets, reputations for safety and engineering reliability are more critical than ever. Companies are increasingly using high-profile crash demonstrations as marketing tools to underline their vehicles' toughness and technological prowess.
Li Auto's test was part of a campaign to showcase the durability and advanced safety features of the i8, an electric model with a growing reputation. However, staging a crash with a heavy-duty truck has introduced new questions—not only about engineering, but also about the ethics and transparency of such marketing strategies.
The fallout from this clash is still unfolding. As both companies continue exchanging statements, the viral video remains a point of discussion across social media, fueling debates about crash test standards, their real-world validity, and the fine line between promotion and manipulation in the auto industry.
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