The car market in Russia is undergoing a transformation, when the usual European brands are being replaced by technological innovations from the Middle Kingdom. One of the most discussed models was Li 9 (also known as Lixiang L9 or Li Xiang L9), which is positioned as a direct competitor to the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. This full-size crossover is not just a means of transportation, but a complex multimedia complex on wheels, attracting attention with thoughtful ergonomics and advanced engineering solutions.
Many potential buyers get confused when naming a car Li Xiang L9 or just Lixiang, but the essence does not change: this is the flagship of the line, created for comfortable family travel. The main trump card of the model is the hybrid power plant, which solves the problem of limited range inherent in pure electric cars. In this review, we will look in detail at what is hidden under the hood and in the interior of this giant.
It is worth noting that Combined cycle range reaches 1,315 kilometers, which is one of the best indicators in the class. This figure is achieved thanks to the synergy of a powerful battery and an efficient gasoline generator. Let's dive into the details to understand whether the car justifies its premium status and high price in the current market conditions.
Power plant and acceleration dynamics
With my heart Li 9 is a hybrid system that the company's engineers call EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle). This means that the wheels are turned solely by electric motors, and the gasoline internal combustion engine acts as a generator, charging the battery or powering the motors directly at high speeds. This design avoids dips in traction and ensures the smooth ride characteristic of electric vehicles.
The car is driven by two electric motors with a total power of 449 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque. Acceleration to the first hundred takes only 5.3 seconds, which is an outstanding result for a five-meter crossover weighing more than 2.5 tons. The dynamics feel instantaneous, without delays in gear changes, as they simply do not exist.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the impressive dynamics, you should not abuse the “Sport” mode in winter on slippery roads. Instant torque can lead to a skid if the stability control system does not have time to react to the driver's input.
The 1.5-liter petrol unit operates in the optimal speed range, acting as range extender. It is not mechanically connected to the wheels, which allows it to work with maximum efficiency. Fuel consumption in battery charging mode is about 7.8 liters per 100 km, which can be considered an economical indicator for a car of this size.
Power reserve and battery features
One of the main advantages of the model Li 9 is the huge capacity of the traction battery, which is 44.5 kWh. This allows you to travel on pure electricity up to 215 kilometers on the CLTC cycle. For everyday trips around the city, this is enough to avoid using gasoline at all, if you have the opportunity to charge the car at home or in the office.
When the battery is discharged, the internal combustion engine takes over, increasing the total range to 1,315 kilometers. This makes the car an ideal candidate for long-distance travel in regions where charging station infrastructure is poorly developed. You don’t need to plan a route based on electric gas stations, which removes the main psychological burden typical of owners of “pure” electric cars.
Charging speed is also high. Using 120kW DC fast charging, the battery is charged from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes. Home AC charging (7kW) will take approximately 7 hours, which is ideal for an overnight cycle.
- 🔋 Battery capacity: 44.5 kWh (NMC)
- ⛽ Electric range: up to 215 km
- 🛣️ Total range: up to 1315 km
- ⚡ Fast charging time (10-80%): 40 minutes
For maximum battery life, try not to discharge it below 10% and do not regularly charge it to 100% on fast charges unless you are planning a long trip. The optimal range for daily use is 20-80%.
Dimensions, body and aerodynamics
Li 9 belongs to the class of full-size SUVs, and its dimensions are impressive even compared to its competitors. The length of the body is 5218 mm, width - 1998 mm, and height - 1800 mm. The 3110 mm wheelbase provides enormous space in the second row of seats, turning the interior into a real business lounge.
The body design is made in the style of “minimalism of the future.” The front is dominated by a pass-through LED Star Ring, which not only serves as a decorative element, but can also display charging status or welcome animations. The aerodynamic drag coefficient is 0.26 Cd, which is an excellent indicator for a car of this shape, which has a positive effect on energy efficiency and noise on the highway.
The body is made using high-strength steels and aluminum alloys. This made it possible to reduce the total weight of the structure while maintaining a high level of safety. The doors are equipped with electronic handles that move out when the owner approaches, adding a technological touch to the appearance.
Features of glass and glazing
All glass in the Li 9, including the panoramic roof, is double glazed with sound insulation. This is critical for comfortable driving at high speeds, as it reduces wind and road noise, creating a vacuum effect in the cabin.
Interior: technology and comfort
Salon Lixiang L9 is where technology meets luxury. The front panel is devoid of physical buttons; climate control and multimedia are controlled via touch screens and a voice assistant. The central place is occupied by a combination of two 15.7-inch OLED screens: one for the driver, the second for the front passenger.
However, the main feature is the third screen built into the ceiling in front of the second row passengers. With a diagonal of 15.7 inches, it allows you to watch movies or play games while on the move. Combined with zero-gravity massage chairs and a projector, the car turns into a mobile cinema.
The finishing materials are made at the highest level: soft plastic, genuine Nappa leather, aluminum inserts. The three-row interior layout allows six adult passengers to comfortably accommodate. The third row is full, with separate climate control and USB ports.
- 📺 Three 15.7-inch OLED screens
- 💺 Massage chairs with ventilation and heating
- ❄️ Four-zone climate control
- 🎤 Voice control with speech recognition
Vehicle systems can be controlled not only through the touchscreen, but also using a smart watch or smartphone. Ecosystem integration Li Auto allows you to remotely warm up the interior, check the battery charge, or find a car in the parking lot.
Suspension and handling
Despite its impressive dimensions, Li 9 demonstrates amazing maneuverability. This is achieved thanks to the rear steering axle, which turns the wheels up to several degrees, reducing the turning radius. On the highway, this system works in antiphase, increasing stability when changing lanes.
The suspension is equipped with pneumatic elements and the CDC (Continuous Damping Control) system, which adapts the stiffness of the shock absorbers in real time. Cameras scan the road surface ahead and prepare the suspension for uneven surfaces in advance. In Comfort mode, the car floats above the road, absorbing any asphalt joints.
The all-wheel drive system is implemented electrically: front and rear motors operate independently, providing instant response to changes in traction. Electronics distribute traction in milliseconds, preventing slipping.
☑️ Checking the suspension before buying a used one
Comparison of characteristics with competitors
To better understand the place Li Xiang L9 on the market, it is worth comparing it with direct competitors. The table below shows the key parameters that buyers are most often interested in when choosing a large family crossover.
| Characteristics | Li 9 (Lixiang) | BMW X7 (xDrive40i) | Ideal One (predecessor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body length, mm | 5218 | 5163 | 5030 |
| Power reserve (combi), km | 1315 | ~900 | 1080 |
| Power, hp | 449 | 335 | 326 |
| Screens in the cabin | 3 pcs. (OLED) | 2 pcs. (LCD) | 4 pcs. (LCD) |
| Drive | Full (2 motors) | Full | Full |
As can be seen from the comparison, Li 9 wins in most technical parameters, especially in terms of power reserve and multimedia equipment. However, European rivals may offer sharper handling and brand history, which remains a deciding factor for some buyers.
Safety and driver assistance systems
Security issues in Li Auto solved using advanced technologies. The car is equipped with roof-mounted lidar, which is part of the autonomous driving system Li AD Max. This system is capable of recognizing pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles at a distance of up to 200 meters, even in poor visibility conditions.
⚠️ Attention: Autopilot systems are auxiliary. Despite the high level of technology, the manufacturer requires constant monitoring of the road by the driver. Complete delegation of control of the vehicle is prohibited and dangerous to life.
The body received high scores in crash tests (although official EuroNCAP data may differ from Chinese C-NCAP). Multiple airbags, including a central airbag between the front seats, and a robust frame structure ensure occupant protection in all crash scenarios.
The Li 9 is a technology flagship that offers levels of equipment unavailable to similarly priced European competitors, focusing on family comfort and digital services.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does Li 9 have an official warranty in Russia?
At the moment, official dealership centers of the Li Auto brand in Russia are not fully represented. Cars are imported under a parallel import scheme, so the guarantee is provided by a specific seller or specialized service centers that take care of the service. It is recommended to check the terms of the warranty with the seller before purchasing.
Is it possible to translate the menu and voice control into Russian?
The standard car menu is in Chinese and English. There is no complete translation of the interface and, more importantly, the voice assistant into Russian. However, many users successfully use the English version, and for multimedia (YouTube, navigation) smartphones with CarPlay or Android Auto are often used, which translate the interface.
Is it difficult to maintain the Li 9 hybrid in Russian winter conditions?
The car is adapted for cold climates: there is pre-heating of the battery and interior, powered by the mains or the engine. The main difficulties may arise with finding original consumables (filters, pads) due to the lack of official warehouses, but the spare parts market for popular Chinese models is developing rapidly.
What octane of gasoline is required for the generator?
For a 1.5-liter gasoline engine-generator, the manufacturer recommends using gasoline with an octane rating of at least 92 (according to the research method), however, for maximum efficiency and durability, it is better to fill in AI-95. The engine operates in a narrow speed range, so fuel requirements are standard for modern turbo engines.