The Chinese auto industry has long ceased to be associated exclusively with budget solutions, and Li Auto L9 became clear evidence that the Celestial Empire has learned to create luxury family crossovers that compete with the German “Big Three”. Often referred to as the “Chinese BMW X7” or even the “iPhone of cars,” this full-size SUV offers a unique approach to mobility, combining electric driving dynamics with the autonomy of a gasoline generator. For the Russian market, where interest in premium electrified new products from China is growing every month, a detailed study technical characteristics becomes a key step before making a purchasing decision.
Model L9 is the flagship of the line Li Auto (Li Xiang), designed to replace huge SUVs with internal combustion engines in the luxury segment. The main feature is a series hybrid setup EREV, which allows you to drive on electric power, but do not depend on charging stations on the highway. The driver does not need to look for a power outlet to feel all the benefits of an electric car, because the gasoline engine here serves solely as an energy generator. Let's find out what's hidden under the hood of this tech giant and why it's causing such a stir among car enthusiasts.
Externally, the car looks impressive and modern, but the real magic begins inside the cabin and in the algorithms of the power plant. Intelligent system energy management independently decides when it is more profitable to use the battery and when to start the internal combustion engine for recharging. This makes the car an ideal candidate for large families who value comfort, quiet driving and no restrictions on range. Below we will look in detail at all the aspects that make Li 9 one of the most talked about cars of the year.
Power plant and acceleration dynamics
With my heart Li Auto L9 is an advanced hybrid system consisting of two electric motors and a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The total power of the system reaches impressive figures, providing dynamics comparable to sports coupes. The front electric motor produces 136 kW, and the rear, more powerful, 200 kW, which together gives acceleration to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. For a car weighing more than 2.5 tons this torque at 620 Nm it feels like a powerful kick in the back when starting from a traffic light.
The 1.5-liter gasoline unit here has no mechanical connection with the wheels. Its only job is to burn fuel as efficiently as possible to generate electricity for batteries or directly power electric motors at highway speeds. This scheme, known as Extended Range Electric Vehicle, allows the engine to operate in a narrow, most economical speed range. This reduces fuel consumption and vibration levels, making the ride as smooth as possible even with a low battery.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the presence of an internal combustion engine, maintenance requires a specialized approach. Generator oil change intervals may differ from classic internal combustion engines, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the application.
Operating modes are controlled via the central screen or voice commands. The driver can select Electric Priority, Hybrid or Energy Capture modes. In mode hybrid traction the system itself decides when to start the generator, based on the battery charge level and the position of the accelerator pedal. If you put the pedal to the metal to overtake, the system instantly taps into all available power sources for maximum performance.
The secret to generator efficiency
The gasoline engine in Li 9 operates on the Miller cycle, which provides thermal efficiency above 40%. This means that even when generating electricity, it consumes less fuel than equivalent combustion engines in traditional hybrids.
Range and energy efficiency
One of the main trump cards Li 9 is its autonomy. Thanks to a large battery with a capacity of 44.5 kWh and a full tank of 65 liters, the total CLTC range reaches 1,315 kilometers. In pure electric mode, the car can travel up to 215 kilometers, which covers the needs of most city residents who have the ability to charge at home or in the office. This allows you to operate the car as a full-fledged one. electric car on daily trips.
Fuel consumption in hybrid mode is also impressive for such a large car. With a discharged battery and driving on the highway, consumption is about 7-8 liters per 100 km. In a mixed cycle, when the battery is periodically charged, consumption can be even lower. This efficiency is achieved through energy recovery during braking and body aerodynamics, which engineers have worked on Li Auto worked very carefully.
For maximum fuel economy on long trips, use your navigator and activate the Route Planning mode. The system will distribute the battery charge in advance so that it can be used in the city or in difficult areas, and on the highway it can be powered by the internal combustion engine.
The charging process is also designed for user convenience. DC fast charging is supported, allowing you to replenish the charge from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes. Home charging uses alternating current and a full cycle takes about 7 hours. It is important to note that the system thermal management The battery works effectively both in hot and cold weather, warming up the elements before quick charging or active driving.
- 🔋 The capacity of the high-voltage battery is 44.5 kWh, which is one of the best indicators in the class.
- ⛽ Fuel tank capacity is 65 liters, which allows you to cover huge distances without refueling.
- ⚡ Supports DC fast charging up to 82 kW.
- 🌡️ Intelligent battery heating system in winter to preserve capacity.
Dimensions, body and aerodynamics
Li 9 belongs to the class of full-size crossovers, and its dimensions speak volumes about this. The length of the car is 5218 mm, width - 1998 mm, and height - 1800 mm. The 3105 mm wheelbase provides enormous legroom for second-row passengers. The body design is made in the style of “star head, comet tail”, with a characteristic LED strip encircling the entire perimeter of the front part, which also serves as a charging and welcome indicator.
The body is made with extensive use of aluminum alloys to reduce weight, but the car is still heavy due to the heavy battery. Aerodynamic drag is kept to a minimum thanks to active radiator shutters, hidden door handles and a flat underbody. All these elements help reduce wind noise at high speeds and reduce energy consumption. Aerodynamic coefficient Cd is 0.26, which is excellent for an SUV of this size.
The suspension deserves special attention. B Li 9 An air suspension with electronically controlled CDC (Continuous Damping Control) shock absorbers is used. It automatically adapts to the road surface, reading the road with cameras and sensors. The system can raise the car to overcome fords or lower it for comfortable boarding of passengers. Also available is a “comfort mode” function that prepares the suspension for bumps in advance by scanning the road ahead.
Interior and multimedia ecosystem
Salon Li 9 is a separate universe where comfort is at the forefront. The “refrigerator, sofa” concept (refrigerator, large screen, sofa) has become the hallmark of the brand. Instead of the usual dashboard, a head-up display is installed in front of the driver HUD (Head-Up Display) of a huge area, which displays all the necessary information directly on the road. This frees up space and makes the interface more futuristic.
The centerpiece is occupied by a combination of two 15.7-inch OLED screens: one for the driver and one for the front passenger. Additionally, another 15.7-inch screen folds down above the second row of seats for entertaining kids or watching movies. The multimedia system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, providing lightning-fast operation of the interface, voice assistant and navigation. 5G support allows you to stream video in high definition without delays.
⚠️ Attention: The multimedia system was originally designed for the Chinese market. For full functionality of navigation and some online services in other countries, you may need to configure the network or install third-party software, which should be taken into account when purchasing.
The chairs are made of eco-friendly Nappa leather and equipped with massage, ventilation and heating. The second-row rear seats have power adjustment, footrests, and the ability to convert to a queen position for maximum relaxation. The third row of seats is also quite comfortable for adult passengers, which is rare in competitors. Interior noise insulation is performed at the highest level using double glazing and active noise reduction systems.
☑️ Check the package contents upon purchase
Safety systems and autopilot
Safety in Li 9 is provided by a complex of sensors and cameras that are included in the system Li AD Max. In top versions, the car is equipped with a lidar located on the roof, which scans the space hundreds of meters ahead. This allows the implementation of autonomous driving functions at L2+ level and higher. The system is able to independently change lanes, keep a distance, take turns and even park without driver intervention.
The vehicle has 12 ultrasonic radars, 12 environmental cameras and 1 millimeter wave radar. All data is processed by two NVIDIA Orin-X chips with a total performance of 508 TOPS. It does Li 9 one of the smartest cars on the market. The system not only sees objects, but also predicts their behavior, warning the driver of potential dangers, such as pedestrians running out or cars braking sharply in the next lane.
Passive safety is also excellent: the body has a reinforced structure with many hot-stamped elements. In crash tests, the car demonstrates excellent results in protecting the driver and passengers. Electronic assistants work unobtrusively, but effectively intervene in control when necessary. Adaptive cruise control with the function of stopping in traffic jams makes long trips much less tiring.
Comparison of characteristics with competitors
To understand the place Li 9 on the market, it is worth comparing it with direct competitors such as BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Ideal L9 (predecessor). The Chinese flagship wins in the equipment of basic versions and cost of ownership, losing so far only in brand prestige and service availability in some regions. However, in terms of price/quality/technology ratio, it sets a new bar.
| Characteristics | Li Auto L9 | BMW X7 (xDrive40i) | Ideal L9 (analog) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine type | 1.5T + 2 electric motors | 3.0T Gasoline | 1.5T + 2 electric motors |
| Power (hp) | 449 | 335 | 449 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 5.3 sec | 5.8 sec | 5.3 sec |
| Power reserve (full) | 1315 km | ~800 km | 1315 km |
| Screens in the cabin | 3 large + HUD | 2 medium + HUD | 3 large + HUD |
The Li Auto L9 offers the performance of a sports car and the range of a diesel, while remaining more comfortable than most traditional luxury SUVs thanks to its electric propulsion.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to charge the Li 9 from a wall outlet or does it charge itself?
The car can be charged from a wall outlet for maximum savings, but this is not necessary. The gasoline generator can charge the battery while driving, so you can operate it like a regular hybrid by simply filling it with gasoline.
What is the real fuel consumption in winter?
In winter, consumption increases due to the operation of the heater and heating of the battery. In the combined cycle in winter, you can expect a consumption of about 9-11 liters per 100 km, if you do not charge the car from the network. During active driving on the highway, consumption may be lower.
Is there Russian language support in the menu?
In the standard Chinese version, support for the Russian language is often absent or limited. However, many dealers offer installation of Russification or interface adaptation. Before purchasing, be sure to check this point with the seller.
How reliable is air suspension in cold weather?
Air suspension system in Li 9 designed to withstand harsh conditions. It has corrosion protection and a preparation system for operation at low temperatures. However, like any pneumatics, it requires careful handling and proper functioning of the air system.
Can the car be used as an external socket (V2L)?
Yes, Li 9 Supports external power supply discharge (V2L) function. You can connect household appliances up to 3.5 kW, making the car an excellent source of power for camping or working in the field.