The car market in Russia is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and technological innovations from China are confidently replacing the usual European and Japanese brands. Among the many new names, the company stands out. Li AutoIt is often referred to as simply China. Lixiang. The manufacturer has been able to become a sales leader in the premium hybrid SUV segment in a short time, offering customers a unique concept of “electricity without anxiety”.
Many motorists, hearing about the "dot-com" or seeing these cars on the roads, wonder: what is hidden behind this brand and why there is so much noise around it? Unlike the classic hybrids we are used to seeing, here the gasoline engine serves as an exclusively electric power generator, having no direct mechanical connection to the wheels. This allows the car to always move as a full-fledged electric car, while maintaining a power reserve of 1000 or more kilometers.
In this article we will analyze in detail the technical features, real economy and hidden nuances of operation of these machines in Russian conditions. You'll find out why. hybrid It is considered the ideal solution for the city, what are the risks when buying "gray" copies and whether the game is worth the candle. If you are considering Lixiang as an alternative to BMW or Mercedes, this material will be a comprehensive guide for you.
Brand philosophy and EREV technology
Li Auto, founded by Li Xiang, originally set an ambitious goal of creating a family car that would eliminate the “alarm of the range.” Unlike competitors who rely on clean electronics with huge batteries, engineers are also looking for a new way to do it. Lixiang chose EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) This means that the car is driven exclusively by electric motors, and the ICE is only started to generate electricity when the battery charge drops below a certain level.
This scheme of operation allows you to avoid the complex transmission and energy losses characteristic of parallel hybrids. The driver always feels the smoothness and instant response of electric cars, whether the tank of gasoline is full or empty. At the same time, the presence of an internal combustion engine removes the question of finding charging stations on long trips, which in the conditions of huge distances of Russia is a critical factor.
Note that in the “Hold” mode, the car can be noisier, since the engine runs at optimal revs for generating energy, not for driving.
It is important to understand the difference between a conventional hybrid and a system from Li Auto. Classically. HEV An internal combustion engine can directly spin wheels at high speeds, which sometimes creates jerks or delays. Architecture. Li Auto The connection between the engine and the wheels is completely broken. This simplifies the design, makes the stroke more predictable and allows for the use of less powerful but more economical internal combustion engines.
⚠️ Note: Despite the presence of an internal combustion engine, it is technically an electric vehicle. Operating a machine with an empty tank and a discharged battery will lead to a complete stop and impossibility of movement, since the generator will not be able to provide peak power for acceleration.
Overview of the model range: L7, L8 and L9
At the moment, the line Li Auto consists of three main models, which are unified in technical stuffing, but differ in size, number of seats and level of equipment. All of them are built on the same platform and use similar power plants, which makes it easier to understand the principles of their operation. The youngest model. Lixiang L7 It is a five-seat crossover focused on the comfort of a couple or a small family without the need for a third row of seats.
Mid-size Lixiang L8 It already offers a full three-row cabin with a configuration of 2 + 2 + 2 or 2 + 3 + 2. It is a direct competitor to the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, but with a much richer multimedia stuffing. The flagship of the line is Lixiang L9 - full-size SUV with a length of more than 5 meters, which in terms of luxury and manufacturability of the cabin claims a place in the Mercedes GLS segment. All models are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which, however, should not be considered as the main source of traction.
What is the difference between Max, Pro and Ultra versions?
Versions are distinguished by the presence of lidar (sensor for autopilot), the amount of RAM and the presence of a projection display for the passenger. The non-lidar (Pro) versions have stripped down autopilot features.
The differences between the models lie not only in size, but also in the suspension settings. While the L7 and L8 are often equipped with air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, the top L9 it is included in the standard and has more complex algorithms, reading the terrain of the road with cameras. Power reserve. All models in the combined cycle exceeds 1000 km, and on a clean train you can travel from 150 to 200 km, which covers most daily needs.
| Model | Kuzov | Places. | Acceleration 0-100 km/h | Battery (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lixiang L7 | SUV (5 seats) | 5 | 5.3 sec. | 42.8 |
| Lixiang L8 | SUV (6/7 seats) | 6-7 | 5.3 sec. | 42.8 |
| Lixiang L9 | Full-size SUV | 6 | 5.3 sec. | 52.3 |
Interior and Multimedia Ecosystem
The Li Auto salon is a separate topic for conversation, as it is the one that causes the greatest excitement among new owners. The concept of "home on wheels" is implemented here as fully as possible. Front passengers often get their own play-screenThe torpedo is built into the torpedo while the driver is focused on the road. Rear passengers in top trim levels can recline in "cero-gravity mode", gaining access to a huge display, falling from the ceiling.
All systems are managed by powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, which ensures smooth operation of the interface. Voice assent, although addictive, is able to control climate, navigation and multimedia. However, for the Russian user, the main barrier remains the language. Although there is a version of the English interface in some firmware, Chinese It remains dominant, requiring the installation of third-party Russifiers or deep study of the menu.
- 📺 Screens: High-resolution OLED matrix with support for 4K and HDR, diagonal up to 15.7 inches.
- ❄️ Comfort: Massage, ventilation and heating of all seats, including the second row, as well as the refrigerator in the center armrest.
- 🔊 Sound: Premium audio systems with 20+ speakers, often developed in conjunction with well-known brands.
It is worth noting the quality of the materials. Unlike many competitors, where plastic is found in secondary places, Lixiang uses almost everywhere Nappa leather, soft plastic and metal inserts. The assembly of interior details is also at a high level, without creaks and gaps. However, the abundance of glossy surfaces requires constant care, as they are instantly covered with fingerprints.
⚠️ Note: When buying a car without Russian localization, make sure you are prepared for navigation and some system messages to be in Chinese. Full-fledged Russification is possible only through complex manipulation of software.
Nuances of exploitation in Russia
The purchase of Li Auto in Russia is fraught with a number of specific challenges, which you need to know in advance. The first and most important problem is the software. Cars are designed for the domestic market of China, so their brains are sharpened for local services. For full use of multimedia (YouTube, online cinemas, maps) installation is often required. Android applications using third-party methods or using a smartphone as an access point.
The second aspect is charging. Although the car can operate as a hybrid, its efficiency and dynamics are revealed only when regularly charged from the grid. Owners need to install a home charging station or have access to public charging. The charging standard in China is GB/T, which is different from the European CCS2 or the American CCS1, so a special adapter will be required for trips to fast charging in Russia.
☑️ Preparedness for winter operation
Winter operation revealed both pros and cons. On the one hand, the presence of an internal combustion engine allows you to quickly warm up the cabin and battery, which is deprived of pure electric cars. The "charge saving" mode allows you to keep the battery warmed up in motion. On the other hand, in extreme frosts below -25°C, battery efficiency drops, and fuel consumption in hybrid mode can increase significantly, as the generator has to work harder.
The issue of service also requires attention. There are no official Li Auto services in Russia, so all the work falls on the shoulders of specialized centers for repairing the Chinese. Spare parts for body repairs can go a long time, as the logistics is not yet debugged. The mechanical part (suspension, brakes) is quite reliable, but the electronics require a qualified approach and the presence of specialized software for diagnosis.
Economics and real expenditure
Marketing statements about the consumption of 5-6 liters per 100 km are true only if the battery is fully charged at the beginning of the cycle. In reality, if you do not charge the car from the mains and use it as a conventional hybrid, the consumption of AI-95 gasoline is about 8-9 liters in the combined cycle for the L7 and up to 10-11 liters for the heavy L9. This is a good indicator for such dimensions and dynamics, but not a record.
The situation changes dramatically if you charge the car nightly. With a daily run of up to 150 km, you can not use gasoline at all, consuming only electricity. The cost of a kilometer of track on electricity is 5-6 times lower than on gasoline. Real range Electricity in winter is reduced by about 30-40%, but the presence of an internal combustion engine completely compensates for this factor, turning the car into a conventional hybrid with a consumption depending on the driving style.
This is a normal procedure that should not be perceived as a malfunction. Ignoring charging from the network for a long time is not recommended, as this can lead to degradation of cells.
Li Auto is the most economical in the urban cycle with the possibility of nightly charging. In the mode of pure gasoline, it is more economical than its counterparts with internal combustion engines, but inferior to diesel SUVs in the track mode.
Cost of ownership and liquidity
Li Auto remains one of the most liquid Chinese cars in the Russian secondary market. The high demand is due to the fact that this is perhaps the best balance between manufacturability, comfort and range. However, as with any gray appliance, the sale will raise questions about the origin and warranty service. The loss in value in the first year can be up to 20-25%.
Maintenance costs are composed of the cost of OSAGO (which for powerful hybrids can be high), tire fitting (large disks require caution), and periodic maintenance. The oil in the engine-generator should be changed less often than in conventional cars, since it works in the optimal mode, but it must be done strictly according to the motor clock. Air suspension requires careful attitude: the life of pillows in Russian conditions is about 80-100 thousand. The replacement is a costly procedure.
- 💰 Insurance: CASCO can be expensive or difficult to access due to the lack of statistics on theft and maintainability.
- 🔧 Parts: Consumers (filters, pads) are available through parallel import, the bodywork is long to wait.
- 📉 Liquidity: High, but only for machines in perfect technical condition and with a clear history.
⚠️ Do not try to save on fuel by pouring gasoline below the AI-95. The engine-generator operates in a narrow range of revs, and detonation due to poor fuel can quickly disable it, and repairing such specific engines is difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I register Li Auto as an electric car?
No, in PTS (electronic or paper) these cars are listed as hybrid (the code TTS usually indicates a hybrid). Therefore, the benefits for pure electric cars (for example, free parking in Moscow or zero transport tax in some regions) do not apply to them. The tax rate depends on the power of the internal combustion engine, which is small (about 150 hp), but the total capacity of the system can be taken into account in some regions.
Can the gasoline engine be completely shut down?
It is possible to force the launch of the engine in the "Electric" (EV) mode, but only if the battery charge is above a certain threshold (usually 20-25%). If the charge drops, the car will start the generator itself, and it will be impossible to turn it off through the settings. This is done to protect the battery from deep discharge. Also, the engine can be started for warming up or at a sharp acceleration (kickdown), if the battery power is not enough.
How's the body parts and glass?
The parts situation is improving but remains tense. Glass, headlights and body elements (bumpers, wings) often have to wait from China from 3 to 6 weeks. Insurance companies are still cautious about repairing these cars, preferring monetary compensation. Before buying, it is recommended to check the availability of basic consumables (filters, pads) from specialized suppliers in your city.
Does the voice assistant work in Russian?
The native voice assistant (Li Xiang Tong Xue) understands only Chinese. However, since the system is built on Android, you can try to install Yandex.Alice or Google Assistant, but their integration with the car settings (climate, windows) through voice will be limited or impossible without deep flashing.