The Chinese auto industry has made a colossal leap in recent years, and the clearest example of this revolution is Li Auto L9, which is often mistakenly called Lixing or Lixin. This full-size crossover is positioned as the ideal family car, designed for people who are not willing to accept the compromises between the dynamics of an electric car and the autonomy of a gasoline engine. The concept is based on EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) technology, where the wheels are always driven by electric motors, and the internal combustion engine acts solely as a generator.
Many potential buyers confuse the names when searching for "Lixing L 9 car", but the correct brand name is Li Auto or Lixiang. The L9 is the flagship of the range and offers levels of comfort comparable to luxury German brands, but at a significantly more attractive price. In this material we will analyze all the technical nuances, operating features and real economic indicators of this technological giant.
EREV technology: how it works in practice
With my heart Lixiang L9 is a complex hybrid installation, which is radically different from the usual series or parallel hybrids. Here, the 1.5-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine has no direct mechanical connection to the wheels. Its only task is to burn fuel to generate electricity, which either goes directly to the electric motors or is stored in the traction battery.
This scheme allows the internal combustion engine to operate exclusively in the optimal speed range, which ensures high fuel efficiency and low noise level. Unlike conventional hybrids, there is no gearbox in the classical sense, which makes acceleration smooth and jerk-free. Electric motors on the front and rear axles provide all-wheel drive and instant response to the accelerator pedal.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the presence of an internal combustion engine, servicing the electrical part requires specialized equipment. Do not attempt to diagnose a high-voltage system without appropriate qualifications and approvals.
It is important to understand that the intelligent system takes over control of the operating modes of the power plant. It analyzes the battery charge, driving style and terrain to make a decision: charge the battery from the internal combustion engine or use the stored energy. It does Lixiang L9 An extremely flexible tool for both city traffic jams and long journeys.
Use the "Charge Conservation" mode (Hold) before entering the city to get home on pure electricity, having previously charged the battery on the highway from the internal combustion engine.
External design and overall dimensions
Visually Lixiang L9 gives the impression of monumentality and modernity. The design is made in the corporate style of the “star ring”, where the LED strip encircles the entire front part of the body, passing into the side mirrors. The absence of a traditional radiator grille is due to lower cooling requirements for the engine-generator, which also improves aerodynamics.
The dimensions of the car belong to the Full-Size SUV class. The length of the body is more than 5.2 meters, which puts it on par with such giants as the Mercedes GLS or BMW X7. However, thanks to carefully crafted geometry and hidden door handles, the car does not look bulky. The ground clearance allows you to feel confident on bad roads, although this is still a city crossover and not an SUV.
- 🚗 Length: 5218 mm - provides a spacious interior, but requires careful parking.
- 📏 Width: 1998 mm - standard for the premium segment, guarantees stability on the highway.
- ↕️ Height: 1800 mm - makes it easy to get into the car and provides excellent visibility.
- ↔️ Wheelbase: 3105 mm is a key parameter for the comfort of passengers in the second and third rows.
The optics deserve special attention. Laser high beam headlights are capable of illuminating the road at a distance of up to 600 meters, which significantly exceeds the performance of halogen and standard LED counterparts. The adaptive light system automatically adjusts the beam so as not to blind oncoming drivers, creating a kind of “light corridor”.
Interior: technology and business class comfort
Salon Lixiang L9 is where Chinese engineers really tried to outdo the competition. Minimalism reigns here, bordering on futurism. The driver's instrument panel has been replaced with a compact screen, and the main information is displayed on a huge one. HUD projector (Head-Up Display), which occupies almost the entire lower part of the windshield.
Second-row passengers become the main beneficiaries of luxury. In top trim levels, there are seats with massage, heating, ventilation and footrests. The multimedia system deserves special mention: screens are located not only on the center console, but also on the ceiling for rear passengers, as well as on the back of the front seat.
Climate and media system control is implemented through a voice assistant that understands the commands “I’m cold” or “open the window halfway.” There are practically no physical buttons in the cabin, which creates a feeling of cleanliness and order. Finishing materials include genuine Nappa leather, soft plastics and metal inserts that are pleasant to the touch.
⚠️ Attention: The multimedia system interface may initially be in Chinese or English. Full Russification often requires third-party software or waiting for official updates from the dealer.
Ride quality and acceleration dynamics
Despite the impressive weight, which exceeds 2.5 tons, Lixiang L9 demonstrates impressive dynamics. The combined output of two electric motors allows it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. Such agility is ensured by instant torque, available from the first revs, which makes overtaking on the highway safe and confident.
The car's suspension is equipped with pneumatic elements and an adaptive damping system. This allows the driver to choose between Sport, Comfort and Offroad modes. In city mode, the suspension perfectly smoothes out uneven asphalt, creating the effect of a “floating carpet”. However, at high speeds it is important to be aware of the centers of mass of a tall vehicle.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 5.3 sec | For Max/Ultra version |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h | Electronic limitation |
| Power reserve (WLTC) | 1315 km | With full tank and charge |
| Fuel consumption | 7.8 l/100 km | In hybrid mode with a low battery |
The braking system also commands respect. Energy recovery during braking not only saves pad life, but also allows you to adjust the engine braking force. In One Pedal mode, the car comes to an almost complete stop when you release the accelerator, which is very convenient in heavy city traffic.
The air suspension in the L9 is not just a fashion statement, but a necessity to compensate for the heavy weight and ensure comfort on any road surface.
Autonomy: battery and fuel consumption
One of the main trump cards Lixiang L9 is its autonomy. A large fuel tank with a volume of 65 liters in combination with a capacious traction battery (about 44 kWh depending on the version) provides a total range of more than 1000 kilometers on the WLTC cycle. This makes the car ideal for travel where charging stations are rare.
In pure electric mode, the car can travel about 215 kilometers. For daily trips around the city, this is more than enough if you can charge the car at home or at work. If the battery is low, the gasoline generator comes into play, and fuel consumption is about 8-9 liters per 100 km, which is an excellent indicator for a car of this size and power.
- ⚡ Direct current (DC) charging: from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
- 🔌 Alternating current (AC) charging: A full charge takes about 6-7 hours from a 7kW wall box.
- 🔋 External socket: The car can supply electricity (V2L) to power household appliances up to 3.5 kW.
It is important to note that actual consumption greatly depends on driving style and use of the air conditioning system. In winter, when the heaters and stove are on, consumption may increase, but the recirculation system and smart energy management help minimize losses.
How does cold affect the L9 battery?
The battery thermal control system (heat pump) works actively at low temperatures, spending part of the energy to maintain optimal operation of the cells, which can temporarily reduce the power reserve.
Safety and driver assistance systems
Safety in Lixiang L9 implemented at the highest level. The car body is reinforced with high-strength steels, and the design of the deformation zones is designed to absorb impact energy without transferring it to the passenger compartment. However, the main emphasis is on active security systems based on lidars and high-resolution cameras.
System Li AD Max is able to recognize pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles even in poor visibility conditions. The car can change lanes on its own, keep its distance in traffic jams and even park in difficult areas. Sensors are located along the entire perimeter of the body, creating a complete 3D picture of the surrounding space.
⚠️ Attention: Autonomous driving systems are assistants, not a replacement for the driver. The responsibility for operating a vehicle always lies with the person behind the wheel, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Also worth noting is the driver condition monitoring system. An in-cabin camera monitors fatigue and loss of concentration by beeping and vibrating if you start to doze off or get distracted by your phone. This is an important element in preventing long-distance road accidents.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to charge Lixiang L9 if I have gas?
No, you do not need to force charge the car. It can operate like a conventional hybrid using only gasoline. However, for maximum economy and dynamics, it is recommended to periodically charge the car to use electric mode in the city.
Is it difficult to find spare parts for Lixiang L9 in Russia?
The popularity of the brand is growing, and many dealers are beginning to stock warehouses of consumables (filters, pads). However, body parts and complex electronics can be ordered from China, which increases repair time in the event of an accident.
Is it possible to translate the menu into Russian?
Officially, Russification may not be present in the first batches. However, enthusiasts and some dealers offer services for installing the Russian language through software patches. It is worth checking this point with a specific seller before purchasing.
What octane gasoline is needed for the engine-generator?
For optimal operation of the 1.5-liter turbo engine, it is recommended to use AI-95 gasoline. Using fuel with a lower octane rating may result in reduced efficiency and increased consumption.