The Chinese Li L9, also known as the Li Auto L9, is a full-size hybrid SUV that, upon closer inspection, turns out to be not just another competitor to the German Big Three, but a technology hub on wheels. Unlike classic plug-in hybrids, it uses a sequential power plant operation scheme, where the gasoline internal combustion engine works exclusively as a generator, without directly transmitting torque to the wheels. This solution allows the owner to experience all the benefits of an electric vehicle while maintaining the autonomy of gasoline vehicles, which is critical for regions with undeveloped charging infrastructure.
Visually Li Xiang L9 looks monumental: the body length exceeds 5.2 meters and the wheelbase is 3105 mm, which provides unprecedented space in the second row. The cabin greets the passenger with the absence of traditional physical buttons for climate control and multimedia - everything is tied to voice control and touch screens. This interior concept takes some getting used to, but provides the futuristic aesthetic and minimalism that modern drivers appreciate.
The technical equipment of the model includes air suspension with active stabilizers, which allows the car to “float” above the road surface, effectively dampening irregularities. However, the complexity of the design requires the owner to pay increased attention to the condition of the chassis and timely maintenance of electronic systems. In this review, we will analyze in detail the key aspects of operation, technical characteristics and hidden features that should be taken into account when choosing this Chinese crossover.
Power plant and acceleration dynamics
The basis of dynamics Chinese car Li L9 is a tandem of two electric motors with a total power of 449 horsepower and a torque of 620 Nm. The turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine acts as a range extender, charging a traction battery with a capacity of 44.5 kWh. This configuration allows it to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, which is an outstanding result for a five-meter SUV.
The power plant operating modes are switched automatically or at the driver’s discretion through the menu on the central display. In mode Electric Priority the car tends to waste battery power by starting the internal combustion engine only when it is deeply discharged or has a sudden demand for power. In mode Hybrid the system itself balances the operation of the generator and battery, ensuring maximum efficiency on the highway.
⚠️ Attention: When operating in pure electric mode at high speeds (above 120 km/h), energy consumption increases sharply, which can cause the gasoline generator to start unexpectedly even when electric mode is selected.
It is important to note that the combined range declared by the manufacturer is about 1,315 kilometers on the CLTC cycle. Actual values in the combined cycle are usually lower and depend on driving style, but even taking into account the error Li L9 demonstrates impressive autonomy. The internal combustion engine operates in a narrow speed range, which minimizes noise and vibration, making its operation almost imperceptible to passengers.
Interior and multimedia systems
Salon Chinese crossover - This is a separate topic for discussion, since this is where most of the brand’s innovations are concentrated. The front panel is devoid of traditional instruments in front of the driver; their role is played by a head-up display (HUD) and a narrow screen on the steering column that displays speed and charge. The main focus is on the passenger area, where three huge screens are installed: a central 15.7-inch OLED, a 15.7-inch OLED passenger and an additional screen for the front passenger.
- 📺 Entertainment system: Supports 4K video playback, built-in streaming services and the ability to connect game consoles.
- 🎙️ Voice control: The system recognizes “Hello Li” commands and allows you to control the climate, navigation and media system without taking your hands off the wheel.
- 🧘 Rest mode: The second row seats have massage, ventilation, heating functions and can be reclined to the “zero gravity” position.
Finishing materials correspond to the premium segment: genuine Nappa leather, soft plastics and metal inserts are used. However, the lack of physical buttons to adjust temperature or volume may be a challenge for drivers accustomed to tactile controls. All settings are made through the menu Settings or voice, which sometimes requires extra time in movement.
Features of the Li OS operating system
The system is based on a modified Android and has a high response speed. However, the interface is entirely in Chinese or English; Russification is only possible through third-party patches, which can complicate the use of navigation and voice assistants for an untrained user.
Fuel consumption and electrification
One of the main issues for potential owners is the actual consumption of energy resources. Since Li L9 is a series hybrid, its efficiency directly depends on the frequency of charging from the network. With a fully charged battery, the car is capable of driving about 215 km in (EV) mode according to the passport, which in reality is approximately 160-170 km.
When the battery charge runs out, the gasoline generator comes into operation. Fuel consumption in this mode varies from 7 to 9 liters per 100 km depending on the speed and terrain. On the highway at a speed of 130 km/h, consumption can increase to 10-11 liters, as electric motors require more energy to maintain the pace, and the generator works with increased load.
| Driving mode | Fuel consumption (l/100 km) | Energy consumption (kWh/100 km) | Cruising range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| City (with charging) | 0 - 1.5 | 22 - 25 | ~180 (electro) |
| Route (110 km/h) | 7.5 - 8.5 | 5 - 8 | ~900 (hybrid) |
| Route (140 km/h) | 10.0 - 11.5 | 15 - 20 | ~750 (hybrid) |
| Mixed cycle | 6.0 - 7.0 | 10 - 12 | ~1100 (hybrid) |
For charging from a 220V household network, use the Type 2 port or a standard socket with an adapter. A full charge from a home outlet takes about 8-9 hours, which is convenient to do at night. Using DC fast charging stations allows you to replenish the energy reserve from 20% to 80% in about 30-40 minutes.
Suspension and road handling
The controllability of the massive crossover is ensured by a complex air suspension system with adaptive shock absorbers. The system independently adjusts the ground clearance depending on the speed: on the highway the car “squats” for better aerodynamics, and rises off-road. The presence of an active anti-roll bar allows Chinese car confidently take turns, minimizing rolls typical of heavy SUVs.
The driver has several suspension operating profiles available: Comfort, Sport and Off-road. In comfortable mode, the suspension operates softly, but at speeds above 100 km/h there may be a slight body sway on the asphalt wave. Sport mode makes the ride firmer and more responsive, but on bad roads passenger comfort can suffer due to breakdowns over large bumps.
⚠️ Attention: Pneumatic elements are sensitive to the quality of roads and low temperatures. In winter, it is recommended to clean the arches from dirt and reagents more often to avoid corrosion and jamming of the shock absorber rods.
The braking system works effectively, combining recuperation and traditional disc mechanisms. Recuperation has several levels of adjustment, allowing the driver to choose the degree of engine braking when releasing the gas pedal. In the maximum mode (“One Pedal”), the car stops almost completely without using the brake pedal, which is convenient in city traffic.
Adaptation to Russian conditions and climate
Operation Li L9 in Russian conditions it has its own characteristics, primarily related to the climate and quality of roads. The heat pump installed in the air conditioning system operates effectively down to temperatures of about -10...-15°C. At lower temperatures, the electric heater (PTC) comes into play and consumes a significant amount of battery energy, reducing the winter range to 40-50% of summer values.
- ❄️ Warm up: Remote start via the application allows you to warm up the interior and battery before the trip, which is critical for preserving battery life.
- 🛣️ Ground clearance: Despite the air suspension, the geometric cross-country ability is limited by the long overhangs of the body, so driving off the asphalt requires caution.
- 🔌 Charging: Standard chargers are designed for GB/T standards, so for charging in the Russian Federation you need a high-quality adapter for Type 2 or CCS2.
Vehicle software often requires updates that come over the air. However, servers may not be available outside of China, so owners are advised to check with the dealer in advance about the possibility of installing the latest firmware and running cloud services. Interface localization also remains a weak point, requiring either knowledge of English or the installation of third-party localization tools.
☑️ Check before purchasing Li L9
Maintenance cost and reliability
Reliability hybrid installation The Li Auto is generally rated highly due to the lack of a complex transmission with many gears. The internal combustion engine operates in a gentle mode, which theoretically should increase its service life. However, the complexity of the electronics and the abundance of sensors create the risk of costly repairs in the event of failure of control units or cameras.
The cost of spare parts for body repair and optics remains high due to logistical difficulties and the integration of electronics into body components. Replacing broken glass or a damaged bumper can be significantly more expensive than similar European competitors due to the need to calibrate sensors and cameras after replacement.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used vehicle, be sure to check the history of oil changes in the internal combustion engine generator. Despite low mileage on internal combustion engines, oil ages over time and requires replacement at least once a year or every 10,000 km.
Owners also note the need to regularly clean roof-mounted Lidar sensors. Contamination of this element can lead to disabling of autonomous driving systems and false alarms of emergency systems. Caring for the body requires the use of high-quality chemicals, since the paint coating, although thick, can be sensitive to abrasive washes.
To extend battery life in winter, try to park in warm parking lots or leave the car connected to a charging station so that the thermal management system operates from the network and not from the battery.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to charge the Li L9 if I only drive on gasoline?
Yes, periodic charging from the network is necessary to balance the battery cells and prevent its degradation. In addition, driving on electricity in the city is much more economical and quieter than running a gasoline generator.
What octane gasoline is required for Li L9?
The manufacturer recommends using gasoline with an octane rating of at least 95 (according to the research method). The use of 92-octane gasoline is possible in emergency cases, but can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the generator and increased consumption.
Does the voice assistant work in Russian?
The system natively supports Chinese and English. Working in Russian is possible only through third-party solutions and patches, which can be installed by unofficial dealers, but the stability of their operation is not guaranteed by the manufacturer.
How long does a battery actually last before being replaced?
The resource of a lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt battery is estimated at 1500-2000 complete charge-discharge cycles before losing 20% of capacity. With mixed use, this will be enough for 8-10 years or 200-250 thousand kilometers.
Li L9 is a technologically advanced car for those who value comfort and multimedia, but are willing to put up with software features and the need for careful maintenance planning in Russian conditions.