What is LiXiang L9 and why does it cause such a stir?
Chinese electric car LiXiang L9 (or Li Auto L9) is the brand's flagship model Li Auto, which combines the capabilities of a full-size SUV, an advanced electric powertrain and... transfer case. Yes, you read that right: unlike most electric vehicles, L9 equipped with a mechanical transfer case with reduction gear, which makes it a unique offer on the market.
The model debuted in 2022, but received significant updates in 2026: increased range, improved suspension and expanded autopilot functionality. In China L9 already successfully competes with Tesla Model X and Zeekr 001, and in Russia the car officially appeared only at the beginning of 2026 - through the brand’s partners. But is it worth paying extra for a Chinese “SUV” with electric drive? Let's sort it out in order.
It is important to understand: LiXiang L9 - this is not just an electric car, but a hybrid system EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle). That is, it has both electric motors and a gasoline generator that recharges the battery on the go. This solves the main problem of “pure” electric cars - limited range and dependence on charging infrastructure. But more about this in the section on technical characteristics.
Specifications LiXiang L9 2026: engines, battery, transfer case
Under the hood (or rather, in the floor) L9 hiding a complex hybrid system. Two electric motors front (130 kW) and rear (200 kW) issued in total 330 kW (450 hp) — this is enough to accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. But the main feature is the gasoline 1.5-liter turbo engine from Nissan, which works solely as a generator to recharge the battery.
Battery L9 has a capacity 44.5 kWh, but thanks to the generator, the actual range on one tank of gasoline (65 liters) reaches 1300 km in a mixed cycle. At the same time, using pure electricity, the car travels up to 215 km (according to the CLTC cycle). For comparison: Tesla Model X at best, it offers 500–600 km on a single charge, but without the possibility of refueling.
And now about transfer case - something that no other electric car has. LiXiang L9 equipped two-stage transfer case with reduction gear and cross-axle differential lock. This allows the car to confidently overcome off-road conditions, tow a trailer (up to 2 tons) and drive through snow/mud without the risk of getting stuck. True, the ground clearance here is modest - only 180 mm, so for serious off-road L9 doesn't fit.
Comparison with competitors: Tesla Model X vs Zeekr 001 vs LiXiang L9
| Parameter | LiXiang L9 (2026) | Tesla Model X (Long Range) | Zeekr 001 (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplant type | EREV (electric + generator) | BEV (pure electric vehicle) | BEV (pure electric vehicle) |
| Power, hp | 450 | 670 | 544 |
| Cruising range (electric), km | 215 (1300 with generator) | 560 | 1032 |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s | 5,3 | 3,9 | 2,07 |
| All-wheel drive + transfer case | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
As can be seen from the table, LiXiang L9 loses to competitors in dynamics and pure electric range, but wins due to versatility. You can drive on electricity around the city and not depend on chargers when traveling - a gasoline generator will always back you up. And the transfer case makes the car more passable than any Tesla.
⚠️ Attention: Gasoline generator in L9 requires regular maintenance (oil change every 10,000 km), unlike pure electric vehicles. This increases the cost of ownership.
Prices for LiXiang L9 in Russia in 2026: where to buy and how much does it cost?
Official deliveries LiXiang L9 to Russia began in January 2026 through a dealer Li Auto Russia (brand partner). At the time of writing (June 2026), the price of a new car starts from 8.9 million rubles for the basic package Pro and comes to 9.8 million for the top Max.
For comparison: Tesla Model X in a similar configuration will cost 10–12 million rubles, and Zeekr 001 - about 7–8 million. That is L9 occupies an intermediate position, offering unique features (transfer case, generator) for less money than Tesla, but more expensive than “pure” Chinese electric cars.
Where to buy:
- 🏢 Official dealers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Kazan (list on the website
liauto.ru). - 🌍 Parallel import - some companies offer L9 cheaper (7.5–8 million), but without an official guarantee.
- 🔄 Secondary market — used offers are already appearing (6–7 million rubles), but the risks are high: checking the history through
CarVerticalrequired.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing through parallel import, make sure that the car is certified for Russia. Uncertified LiXiang L9 will not pass inspection and will not receive a title.
Before purchasing, check whether it is included in the price LiXiang L9 luxury tax (10% of the cost over 5 million rubles). Some dealers list the price "before taxes".
Pros and cons LiXiang L9: honest analysis
Like any car, LiXiang L9 has strengths and weaknesses. We collected reviews from owners from China and the first Russian buyers to compile an objective list.
✅ Benefits
- 🔋 Unique EREV hybrid design — no “discharge alarm” on the highway.
- 🚙 All-wheel drive + transfer case - a rarity among electric vehicles.
- 🛋️ Spacious salon with 6 or 7 seats (optional) and panoramic roof.
- 🤖 Advanced autopilot (system Li AD Max with 2 lidars).
- 💰 Cheaper than Tesla Model X with comparable equipment.
❌ Disadvantages
- ⚡ Short pure electric range (215 km) - in the city you will have to recharge often.
- 🛢️ Gasoline generator requires maintenance and increases costs.
- 📦 Modest trunk (380 liters) due to the location of the battery.
- 🔧 Difficulties with repairs — few services, spare parts take a long time to arrive from China.
- 📉 Low liquidity on the secondary market (the brand is not yet known in Russia).
LiXiang L9 suitable for those who want an electric car without “charging dependence”, but are willing to put up with the additional costs of maintaining the generator and a modest ground clearance.
Real ownership experience: reviews from Russian owners
We collected reviews from first customers LiXiang L9 in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar). Here's what they say:
Andrey, Moscow:“I bought it in February 2026. The main plus is that I don’t think about charging. In the city I drive on electricity (enough for 150–180 km), and on the highway I turn on the generator. Gasoline consumption is about 7 liters per 100 km. The downside is the noisy generator at high speeds. But overall I’m happy, especially with the transfer case: I didn’t get stuck at the dacha in winter, unlike my neighbor at Model Y."
Igor, St. Petersburg:“I bought it through parallel import, saved 1 million. Problems started after 3 months: the parking sensor broke, I waited 2 weeks for a spare part from China. There is a service in St. Petersburg, but the masters are still learning. The car is cool, but it’s still risky to buy - few people know how to fix it."
Olga, Krasnodar:“We took the family version for 7 seats. Children are delighted with the huge screen (15.7 inches) and heated seats. But the trunk is small - it’s cramped with a stroller and suitcases. The generator saves you on trips to the sea, but you still have to pour gasoline. In the city you can't run on electricity alone."
What breaks most often?
According to Chinese owners, the most vulnerable nodes LiXiang L9 — these are parking sensors, generator bearings (after 50,000 km) and autopilot software glitches. There are no statistics in Russia yet, but similar problems are expected.
Is it worth buying LiXiang L9 in 2026? Who is it suitable for?
LiXiang L9 — a machine for a very specific audience. It will fit perfectly into the lives of those who:
- 🏡 Lives outside the city or often goes to the dacha (handout + large power reserve).
- 👨👩👧👦 Has a large family (6-7 seats, spacious interior).
- 🔌 Doesn’t want to depend on charging infrastructure, but wants an electric car.
- 💼 I’m willing to pay for uniqueness (dispensers for electric cars are very rare).
But for those who are looking:
- ⚡ Maximum electric range (better Zeekr 001).
- 🏁 Superdynamics (better Tesla Model X Plaid).
- 💰 Minimal maintenance costs (pure electric vehicle without internal combustion engine).
- 🛠️Ease of repair (there are currently few services for LiXiang).
If you are ready to put up with disadvantages of the first generation (few services, possible software glitches, noisy generator), then L9 will be an excellent choice. But if you need a reliable, time-tested electric car, it’s better to take a closer look at Tesla or BYD.
☑️ What to check before purchasing LiXiang L9?
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about LiXiang L9
❓ Is it possible to ride on LiXiang L9 only on electricity, without using gasoline?
Technically yes, but the range on one charge is only 215 km (according to the CLTC cycle). In real conditions in winter, this value is reduced to 150–170 km. If you only drive around town and can charge every day, it's possible. But for long trips you will still need a gasoline generator.
❓ How often should a gasoline generator be serviced?
The manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 10,000 km or once a year. The air filter (every 20,000 km) and spark plugs (every 60,000 km) also need to be replaced. This increases the cost of ownership compared to pure electric vehicles, where maintenance is limited to checking the brakes and cleats.
❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer on LiXiang L9?
Yes, the maximum towed trailer weight is 2000 kg. Thanks to the transfer case and high torque of electric motors L9 handles towing well. However, keep in mind that this increases the load on the battery and generator, reducing the range.
❓ What taxes do you need to pay for LiXiang L9 in Russia?
Since LiXiang L9 applies to hybrid cars (despite the presence of a generator), it falls under the benefits for electric vehicles:
- ✅ Exemption from transport tax (until 2026 in most regions).
- ✅ 50% discount on OSAGO (as for electric cars).
- ❌ Luxury tax (10%) - applies since the price is above 5 million rubles.
Check the website for current benefits in your region nalog.ru.
❓Where can I charge? LiXiang L9 in Russia?
LiXiang L9 Supports charging from:
- 🔌 Fast stations CCS Combo (up to 200 kW, 30–80% in 20 minutes).
- 🔌 Regular sockets 220V (full charge in 6–8 hours).
- 🔌 Wallbox (if installed at home).
Charging station maps: PlugShare, Charging for Electric Vehicles (Yandex Maps). There are no problems in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but in the regions the infrastructure is still developing.