The Chinese auto industry has ceased to be synonymous with cheap copies, and Li Auto L9 serves as the clearest proof of this thesis. This full-size crossover is not just a vehicle, but a complex ecosystem that combines advanced technology, premium comfort and a unique powertrain. Model developed by the company Li Auto (formerly Li Xiang), aims to have direct contact with market leaders like BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS, while offering a completely different approach to mobility.
Externally, the car looks massive and monumental, which corresponds to its dimensions. The body length exceeds 5.2 meters and the wheelbase is an impressive 3105 mm, which guarantees a spacious interior for all passengers. The designers relied on minimalism and aerodynamics, removing unnecessary lines and introducing hidden door handles.
However, the main innovation lies inside. This is not a pure electric car that takes a long time to charge, nor is it a conventional hybrid. Li L9 uses EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) technology, where the wheels are always driven by electric motors, and the gasoline engine acts solely as a generator. This solution allows you to forget about “Range anxiety” (fear of discharge) and travel thousands of kilometers without being tied to charging stations.
Technical characteristics and power plant
With my heart Li Auto L9 is a complex hybrid system developed independently by the company's engineers. It is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine that operates at optimal combustion levels to generate electricity. This energy either directly powers the electric motors or is stored in a traction battery with a capacity of 44.5 kWh.
The total output of the power plant reaches 449 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque. This power reserve allows this huge family ship to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. It is important to note that the traction control here is completely electric, which provides instantaneous response of the gas pedal and a smooth ride that is not available with classic internal combustion engines.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the presence of an internal combustion engine, for maintenance Li L9 Requires specialists familiar with high-voltage systems. Attempts to independently repair the electrical part without the appropriate qualifications can lead to failure of expensive components.
The combined cycle (NEDC) range is more than 1,300 kilometers. On pure electricity, the car can travel up to 215 kilometers, which covers the needs of most city residents during the working week. Charging the battery occurs quite quickly: from a 7 kW home network the process takes about 7 hours, and direct current allows you to replenish the energy reserve from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes.
A key feature of the transmission is the absence of a classic gearbox. Torque is transmitted through a single-stage gearbox, which eliminates jerks when switching and reduces noise. The all-wheel drive system is implemented through two electric motors (front and rear), which provides excellent directional stability even on slippery surfaces.
Interior and multimedia technologies
Salon Li L9 is where technology meets luxury. The manufacturer abandoned the traditional set of screens in favor of a single panel that combines the driver's instrument panel and the central multimedia system. The main OLED display is 15.7 inches diagonal, and the resolution reaches 3K, which provides incredible image clarity.
One of the most notable features is the head-up display HUD (Head-Up Display), which occupies almost the entire width of the windshield. It displays navigation, speed and assist data, allowing the driver to stay focused on the road. Passengers will also not get bored: in front of them there is a second 15.7-inch screen that supports wireless transmission of content from smartphones and tablets.
The finishing materials are premium class. Genuine leather is used for decoration Nappa, soft plastic and wooden inserts. Particular attention is paid to the seats: the front seats are equipped with massage, ventilation and heating, and the rear row turns the car into a business jet on wheels.
When using the Li L9 multimedia system for the first time, be sure to create a separate profile for each family member. This will allow you to personalize climate settings, seat positions and media content for each user.
The audio system, developed in collaboration with industry professionals, includes 21 speakers and supports 7.1.4 surround sound formats. This turns the salon into a full-fledged cinema, especially in combination with huge screens.
Interior comfort and ergonomics
Comfort in Li Auto L9 elevated to absolute. The rear row of seats is designed according to a 2+2+2 scheme, where each of the two separate seats in the second row is a full-fledged “captain’s” seat. They have armrests, adjustable backrest and pillow position, as well as a retractable footrest.
The second row is equipped with its own refrigerator built into the central tunnel, which is capable of cooling drinks to 0 degrees or heating them to 50 degrees. This is a unique option that is rarely found even in more expensive competitors. Between the seats there is a folding table, convenient for working on a laptop or eating.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin length | 3300+ mm | Free legroom |
| Trunk volume | 660 l | With 3rd row seats up |
| Load capacity | 750 kg | Including passengers and cargo |
| Clearance | 176 mm | With air suspension in standard mode |
The third row of seats is also not a "children's" option. There's plenty of room for average-sized adults over short to medium distances. When the third row is folded, a flat floor is formed, which significantly increases the volume of the luggage compartment for transporting large cargo.
Secrets of the Li L9 air suspension
The CDC (Continuous Damping Control) adaptive air suspension system scans the road surface in real time and adjusts the damper stiffness every 500 microseconds. This allows the car to “float” over bumps or, conversely, become stiffer during active driving on the highway.
Noise insulation is performed at the highest level thanks to double glass around the entire perimeter and active noise reduction. The internal combustion engine, working as a generator, is practically inaudible in the cabin, since it is isolated and operates at constant, optimal speed.
Safety systems and autopilot
Safety in Li L9 provided by the complex Li AD Max. The system is based on a powerful computing unit based on chips NVIDIA Orin-X, which processes data from lidars, radars and high-resolution cameras. Lidar located on the roof allows you to build an accurate 3D map of the surrounding space, even in poor visibility conditions.
The car is capable of fully autonomous driving on the highway, including automatic overtaking, changing lanes and following the lane. In the city, the system helps avoid collisions and recognizes pedestrians, cyclists and animals. All-round cameras provide high-resolution images, making parking in tight spaces easier.
- 🚗 Adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function for traffic jams
- 🅿️ Automatic parking from memory (memorizing up to 10 spaces)
- 🛑 Emergency braking system when turning in front of an oncoming car
- 👁️ Driver condition monitoring (eye gaze and yawn tracking)
The car body is made using high-strength steels and aluminum, which provides a rigid safety structure. In crash tests, the model shows results comparable to the best European analogues.
☑️ Check security systems before purchasing
Operation and cost of ownership
Possession Li Auto L9 in the conditions of Russia and the CIS countries has its own characteristics. On the one hand, a hybrid allows you to save on fuel in the city by using electricity. On the other hand, complex electronics require high-quality maintenance. The gasoline engine requires standard maintenance (oil change, filters) every 10,000 km, but the load on it is minimal.
Winter operation is a separate issue. A heat pump and pre-heater, powered by a battery, allow you to warm up the interior and the battery without starting the internal combustion engine. However, in severe frosts, electric range can be reduced by 30-40%, which is typical for all lithium iron phosphate and (NMC) batteries.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a car without an official warranty in the Russian Federation, be sure to check the possibility of localizing the software. Chinese firmware versions may have restrictions on navigation and multimedia operation outside of China.
The cost of spare parts for body repair can be high due to the car’s saturation with electronics and complex optics. Headlights, which are part of the multimedia and security system, are much more expensive than their conventional counterparts.
The Li L9 is a car for those who want electric car technology (dynamics, silence, gadgets), but are not ready to give up the freedom of movement that an internal combustion engine gives.
Comparison with competitors
It is difficult to find a direct competitor on the market with a similar set of characteristics. Ideal L9 (as it is called in its homeland) is often compared to BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. However, if German competitors offer time-tested internal combustion engines and status, then the “Chinese” wins in technology, equipment and cost.
Compared to (pure electric vehicles) like Xpeng G9 or Zeekr 009, Li L9 wins in versatility. You don't need to plan your route around charging stations, which is critical for regions with poor infrastructure.
- 💰 Price: Li L9 is 30-40% cheaper than its European counterparts with a similar level of equipment
- 🔋 Autonomy: 1300+ km versus 600-700 km for pure electric cars
- 📱Software: More advanced multimedia and voice control
- 🛠️ Maintenance: The presence of an internal combustion engine simplifies the search for services, but complicates diagnostics
Thus, Li Auto L9 is creating its own segment of "smart family SUVs" where passenger comfort and digital capabilities are prioritized over sporty engine performance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the real fuel consumption of the Li L9 with a discharged battery?
With a completely discharged battery and driving in a mixed cycle, the consumption of a gasoline engine-generator is about 8-9 liters per 100 km. Considering the dimensions and weight of the car (about 2.5 tons), this is an excellent indicator, comparable to compact crossovers.
Is it possible to charge Li L9 from a regular 220V outlet?
Yes, the car is equipped with an adapter for charging from a household network. However, the full charging time in this case will be about 13-15 hours, so this method is only suitable for overnight charging or emergency situations. For daily use, a 7 kW Wallbox is recommended.
Is there Russian language support in the interface?
In global versions and versions for the EAEU market, Russian is present in the menu of the multimedia system and dashboard. The voice assistant is also trained to understand commands in Russian, although the basic functionality may be limited compared to Chinese or English.
How does air suspension behave in winter?
The pneumatic elements in Li L9 are designed to withstand harsh climatic conditions. The system automatically adjusts ground clearance depending on speed and road quality. In the "Snow" mode, the car rises to its maximum height, and the all-wheel drive algorithms are adapted for better traction on slippery surfaces.