Upon examination salon Li 9 (Lixiang L9) the first thing that catches your eye is the complete absence of physical buttons for climate control and multimedia, which requires getting used to the touch interface. The driver and passengers find themselves in a space dominated by screens, tactilely pleasant but easily soiled materials and thoughtful, although not without controversial, ergonomics. The interior of this full-size crossover was created with family use in mind, so solutions have been introduced here aimed at maximum comfort for all five passengers, even at the expense of sporty aggression in the design.
The finishing materials evoke mixed feelings: on the one hand, high-quality eco-leather and soft plastic are used here, on the other hand, glossy surfaces instantly collect fingerprints. Lixiang L9 It's positioned as a rival to the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS, and its interiors are designed to live up to that status, offering levels of equipment that would cost significantly more in German equivalents. However, the build quality and durability of some elements still remain issues that require time for an objective assessment.
Finishing materials and build quality
The main material that you will feel when you touch is eco-leather Nappa, covering the seats, dashboard and door cards. It is pleasant to the touch, elastic and has good ventilation, but requires regular maintenance, since the light colors popular in this car quickly get dirty. Inserts made of matte plastic imitate open pores of wood or aluminum, creating a feeling of naturalness, although upon closer examination it becomes clear that this is high-quality synthetics.
- 🧵 Seams and stitching: They are made evenly, without protruding threads, a contrasting or matching thread is used, which adds neatness to the interior.
- 🪵 Decorative inserts: Available in several options, including imitation dark wood and brushed metal, which do not reflect glare in the sun.
- 👃 Smell in the cabin: New items may have a characteristic smell of new leather and glue, which disappears after a few weeks of use.
The assembly of the panels is performed at a decent level, the gaps between the parts are minimal and uniform. As a rule, creaks are not observed in a new car, but owners note that some elements of the center console can make sounds when the interior is actively heated or cooled. It is critical to check the fit of the panels around the steering column and glove compartment., since it is in these areas that assembly defects most often appear in the early stages.
Ergonomics of the driver's workplace
Getting behind the wheel Lixiang L9 high, which provides excellent visibility, but may seem unusual to those who are changing from sedans. The steering column is adjustable over a wide range, allowing you to find a comfortable position for a driver of any height. Head-up display (HUD) plays a key role here, replacing the traditional dashboard, the information on which is displayed on a huge glass in front of the driver.
Multimedia and climate control are concentrated in two main screens and a voice assistant. No physical buttons climate control It's annoying at first, but the voice control works quite accurately, recognizing commands to change the temperature or turn on the heating. The steering wheel has touch control zones that respond to touches, but their functionality can be reconfigured to suit your needs in the car menu.
⚠️ Attention: The steering wheel touch controls may not be responsive if your fingers are wet or you are wearing gloves. In winter this can become a problem, so it is recommended to set up voice control scenarios in advance.
☑️ Checking ergonomics during a test drive
Multimedia system and screens
The central part of the dashboard is occupied by a single block of screens, which is visually divided into two zones: instrumentation (for the driver) and multimedia (for the passenger). The matrix resolution is high, the colors are rich, and the interface is based on an operating system reminiscent of Android, but with a unique shell from the manufacturer. Voice assistant capable of controlling not only the climate, but also navigation, music and even the position of the passenger seats.
There is a separate entertainment screenwhich comes down from the ceiling. It supports wireless connection of gamepads and smartphones, allowing you to stream content from mobile devices. The system is fast, with no noticeable lag when switching applications, but the menus are entirely in Chinese or English, which requires learning or using a translator.
| Characteristics | Meaning/Description |
|---|---|
| Main screen diagonal | 15.7 inches (OLED) |
| Resolution | 3K (2880 x 1920 pixels) |
| Head-up display (HUD) | 13.35 inches, AR navigation |
| Screen for passengers | 15.7 inches, foldable |
Secrets of the multimedia menu
In the hidden engineering menu (access by code), you can change the region and add support for some third-party applications, but this may void the warranty.
Seat comfort and options
Seats in Lixiang L9 - this is a separate topic for conversation. The front seats are equipped with a full range of adjustments, including massage, ventilation, heating and even automatic position adjustment depending on the driver’s build. The back row, especially the right seat (“boss zone”), turns into a full-fledged business chair with a footrest and the ability to recline almost horizontally.
The seat padding material is soft, but with good lateral support, which is important for long trips. However, softness can play a cruel joke at very long distances, when the body begins to “sink.” The massage function has several modes, including wave and acupressure, and works quite effectively, helping to relieve fatigue from the back.
- 🧘 Rest mode: Automatically reclines the front seat, raises the footrest and plays relaxing music.
- 🌡️ Climate control: Individual for each row, with air quality sensors and ionization.
- 🔌 Charging: Wireless charging pads for two smartphones in the front and USB ports for all rows.
⚠️ Attention: The rear seat reclining mechanism ("queen mode") requires free space in the rear. Do not try to activate it if there is another car or wall standing close behind you, so as not to damage the bumper or mechanism.
Passenger space and trunk
With a wheelbase of more than 3 metres, the second row of seats offers enormous legroom, even if the front passenger is tall. The floor is almost flat, which allows three passengers to comfortably fit in the second row, although the center is still a bit cramped due to the tunnel and the armrest. The third row of seats is also suitable for average-sized adults for distances of up to 2-3 hours.
The trunk in its standard position holds about 600 liters, which is excellent for a full-size SUV. When the third row seats are folded, a flat platform is formed, but to transport large cargo, the second row will have to be folded, which increases the volume to impressive values. Hidden under the trunk floor are storage compartments for tools and charging cables.
Access to the trunk is via a power door, which can be opened with a wave of your foot or a button on the key. The interior of the trunk is made of wear-resistant fleecy material that is easy to clean. Load capacity The car allows you to load up to 600 kg of passengers and cargo, which makes it suitable for family travel with a full set of equipment.
To increase trunk volume, use organizers that are fixed to the floor, preventing things from sliding when driving on uneven roads.
Refrigerator and additional options
One of the most discussed features of the cabin is the built-in refrigerator, located in the center armrest between the front seats. It has a dual cooling and heating system, allowing you to maintain temperatures from -6 to +50 degrees Celsius. The refrigerator capacity is about 6 liters, which is enough for several bottles of water or baby food.
The refrigerator is controlled via the central screen or by voice. This solution seems excessive only at first glance: in hot weather, the ability to get a cold drink without getting up, or to quickly cool baby formula, is highly valued by the owners. The quality of the drawer is high, the opening mechanism is silent and reliable.
Among other interesting options, it is worth noting the interior aromatization system, which uses replaceable cartridges with different odors. Also in the cabin there is a system noise reduction (ANC), which actively combats low-frequency road and engine noise, creating cabin silence comparable to luxury sedans.
The interior of the Li 9 is a technological gadget on wheels, where passenger comfort is prioritized over sporty handling, and screens replace 90% of physical interfaces.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does the Li 9 have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support?
At the moment, there is no native support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Chinese versions of the Lixiang L9. The system runs on its own OS. However, there are workarounds by installing third-party applications or using the HDMI input to output images from a laptop or set-top box, but this requires technical skills.
How durable is eco-leather in the cabin when there are children and animals?
The Nappa eco-leather used in the Li 9 has good wear resistance and can be easily wiped with a damp cloth. However, she is sensitive to animal claws and sharp objects (keys, zippers on clothes). For families with active children and pets, it is recommended to consider installing additional protective covers or using dark interior colors.
Is it possible to translate the salon interface into Russian?
Officially, the car comes with Chinese and English interface languages. There is no full Russian language in the system, although navigation maps can display transliterated names. To fully use all functions, assistance from onboarding specialists or knowledge of basic English/Chinese is often required.
How does a refrigerator work in winter?
The refrigerator has a heating mode, so in winter it can be used as a thermal box to keep food warm. The system is energy efficient and does not significantly discharge the traction battery when parked, as it has its own power management system.