The decision to buy a Li L9 car today is being considered by many car enthusiasts looking for a balance between luxury, technology and practicality. This full-size crossover from the company Li Auto (Li Xiang) has become a real bestseller in China, setting new standards for family SUVs. In a changing market and a shortage of familiar brands, Chinese premium comes to the fore, offering equipment that was previously available only in the top trim levels of the German three.
However, the process of purchasing such a car requires a deep dive into technical details and an understanding of the specifics of the hybrid power plant EREV. Many potential owners confuse this type of drivetrain with conventional hybrids or pure electric vehicles, which can lead to incorrect expectations. It is important to clearly understand that Li L9 is an electric vehicle with a gasoline generator, which radically changes the approach to operation and maintenance.
In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects of owning this car, from the choice of equipment to the nuances of customs clearance. You will find out why this model has become a bestseller and whether it is worth the money in the current realities. We will also touch on the issues of adapting software for the Russian market, as this is a critical point for comfortable operation.
Technical features and power plant
The heart of the crossover is an advanced hybrid system, which allows you to forget about “range anxiety” - the fear of running out of charge while away from charging. The 1.5-liter internal combustion engine here plays exclusively the role of a generator, charging the battery or powering the electric motors directly. This scheme provides the dynamics characteristic of electric cars, while maintaining the autonomy of a gasoline car.
The range on pure electricity is about 215 kilometers on the CLTC cycle, which covers most of the daily needs of a city dweller. If the battery is discharged, a 65-liter gas tank comes into play, allowing you to travel more than 1000 kilometers. The total range reaches an impressive 1315 kilometers, which makes Li L9 an ideal candidate for long-distance travel.
⚠️ Attention: For maximum fuel efficiency, it is recommended to regularly charge the car from the network. If you constantly drive only on gasoline, fuel consumption will be higher than stated, since the engine will work under increased load.
Dynamic performance is also impressive: two electric motors provide all-wheel drive and acceleration to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. Despite its dimensions, the car is easy to drive thanks to the adaptive air suspension system Li Air Pro. It automatically adjusts stiffness and ground clearance depending on the road situation and the selected driving mode.
Interior, multimedia and passenger comfort
Salon Li Auto L9 often called a "living room on wheels", and this is not just a marketing ploy. The manufacturer relied on maximum comfort for all family members, paying special attention to the second row of seats. There are full-fledged transformable chairs with massage, ventilation and heating functions, as well as footrests.
The central place in the front panel is occupied by a single glass panel that combines the driver's instrument panel and the main multimedia screen with a diagonal of 15.7 inches. The additional screen for the front passenger and the head-up display on the windshield deserve special attention. For rear passengers there is a huge 15.7-inch OLED screen that descends from the ceiling, which turns the cabin into a full-fledged cinema.
- 🎮 Game Console: Support for game consoles Switch and PlayStation with the ability to connect joysticks directly in the cabin.
- ❄️ Climate control: Four-zone system with automatic detection of passenger temperature and standard air purification CN95.
- 🔊 Audio system: Professional sound Li Premium Sound with 21 speakers and support for Dolby Atmos formats.
Finishing materials correspond to the premium segment: soft plastic, genuine leather Nappa and aluminum inserts create the feeling of an expensive car. However, it is worth remembering that the interface of the multimedia system was initially designed for the Chinese language and services. For full use in Russia, additional Russification or installation of third-party applications via ADB.
How to Russify multimedia?
The Li Auto L9 Russification process usually involves installing a special APK file through a file manager or connecting a laptop. After installing the language pack, the system appears in the Russian interface language, as well as the ability to install familiar navigators (Yandex.Navigator) and media players. Without this procedure, using navigation and voice assistant will be extremely difficult.
Options and differences between Max and Pro versions
When deciding to buy a Li L9 car, the buyer is faced with a choice between two main modifications: Max and Pro. Externally, these versions are almost identical, but the difference in technical equipment and, as a result, in price, can be significant. Understanding these differences will help you avoid overpaying for unnecessary features or, conversely, missing out on important options.
Version Pro is basic, but already the level of equipment in it is off the charts. It is equipped with one data processing chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155, which ensures system performance. Laser radar (Lidar) is missing in this version, which limits the capabilities of high-level autonomous driving systems, although basic assistants work properly.
Top version Max differs by the presence of a second chip 8155 for the rear screen and, more importantly, the laser rangefinder. Availability Lidar allows for more advanced autopilot features, including adaptive cruise control with lane keeping and automatic lane change. Also in this version, the list of available body colors and wheel rims is often expanded.
| Characteristics | Li L9 Pro | Li L9 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Laser radar (Lidar) | No | Yes |
| Processor | 1 x Snapdragon 8155 | 2 x Snapdragon 8155 |
| Cameras all around | 4 pcs. | 4 pcs. + additional sensors |
| Autonomous driving | Basic (L2) | Extended (L2+) |
For most users on Russian roads, the Pro version is the best in terms of price/quality ratio, since the advanced autopilot of the Max version cannot yet reach its potential due to the lack of maps and infrastructure.
Adaptation for use in Russia
Buying a car intended for the Chinese domestic market always involves a number of technical nuances. The first and most important issue is the charging ports. Standard GB/T, used in China, differs from European and Russian CCS2 or Type 2. Therefore, when purchasing Li L9 You should immediately consider purchasing a high-quality adapter or replacing the charging port if you plan to frequently use public charging stations.
The second aspect is the software. Out of the box, the car may not have pre-installed Russian maps, voice control in Russian and may block some multimedia functions outside of China. The solution is comprehensive adaptation from specialized specialists who not only translate the interface, but also configure the operation of the standard modem for the correct display of data.
⚠️ Attention: Independently flashing the head unit without the appropriate qualifications can lead to “bricking” the electronics or loss of warranty. It is better to trust all work with software to certified centers.
It is also worth considering climatic features. Although heat pumps and battery preheating systems are Li Auto work efficiently, in harsh Russian winters it is recommended to use insulated battery covers or store the car in a heated garage. This will help maintain the stated range and battery life.
When purchasing, be sure to check the availability and condition of the charging adapter. Often sellers only equip cars with a Chinese cable, and you will have to separately buy an adapter for Type 2, which costs a lot of money.
Purchase process, customs and EPTS
The procedure for registering a car includes several stages, each of which requires care. You should start by choosing a reliable supplier who takes care of logistics and customs clearance. Independent import by an individual is possible, but requires deep knowledge of the customs code and certification rules.
The key document for legal operation in the Russian Federation is EPTS (Electronic Vehicle Passport). Without it, registration with the traffic police is impossible. For hybrid cars, which include the Li L9, the correct classification of the HS code is important, since the size of the recycling fee and customs duty depends on this.
- 📑 Purchase and sale agreement: Must be correctly drawn up indicating all technical characteristics, including the power of electric motors and internal combustion engines.
- 💰 Customs payments: Includes duty, VAT and recycling fee. For hybrids with an engine capacity of 1.5 liters, the calculation is based on the corresponding rate.
- 🔍 Technical inspection: Necessary to obtain a diagnostic card, which, in turn, is needed to issue an MTPL policy.
It is worth noting that customs clearance rules may change, so you should check with customs brokers for current information at the time of purchase. Errors in documents can lead to the car being delayed at the border or problems during registration with the MREO.
☑️ Documents for customs clearance Li L9
Cost of Ownership and Maintenance
Possession Li Auto L9 costs less than maintaining a similar gasoline competitor, thanks to the ability to drive on electricity. The cost per kilometer when charging from the home network at night is minimal. However, it is worth considering the cost of electricity at commercial charging stations, which can be comparable to the price of fuel.
Maintenance of a hybrid system is simpler than that of a classic internal combustion engine, since the internal combustion engine operates in a gentle mode and does not have a direct connection with the wheels through a complex transmission. The main costs are for replacing filters, brake fluid and suspension consumables. Spare parts for Li L9 are becoming more affordable thanks to the development of parallel imports, but body parts can still take a long time.
The liquidity of a car on the secondary market is still in its infancy. On the one hand, the demand for technologically advanced Chinese crossovers is growing. On the other hand, potential buyers are afraid of difficulties with repairs and software. Therefore, in the first years after purchase, the loss of value may be more noticeable than with established brands.
What is the actual fuel consumption of the Li L9?
In gasoline-only mode (with a discharged battery), consumption is about 8-9 liters per 100 km on the highway at a speed of 110-120 km/h. In a mixed cycle with regular charging, consumption can drop to 5-6 liters, and with daily short trips and charging at home, it can be zero.
Do you need a category C license for Li L9?
No, a standard Category B license is sufficient to drive the Li Auto L9. Despite its length of more than 5 meters, it is technically a passenger SUV (SUV) and its weight does not exceed the limits for Category B.
Does the voice assistant work in Russian?
The standard voice assistant "Li Xiang Tong Xue" only understands Chinese. After Russification and installation of third-party assistants (for example, Yandex Alice through emulation or separate applications), voice control becomes possible, but standard climate functions through the Russian language may not work without deep integration.