The automotive market is experiencing tectonic shifts, and the name Lixiang (or Li Auto) has become synonymous with technological superiority in the Middle Kingdom. Model L9 represents not just another new product, but a bold attempt by the brand to challenge the German “Big Three” in the full-size crossover segment. This car is designed for those who are looking for maximum comfort, advanced multimedia solutions and readiness for any road conditions without compromise.
The appearance of the car causes polar opinions, but its monumentality cannot be denied. A huge radiator grille hidden behind a single panel and futuristic optics create a memorable look. Inside, you're greeted by a cabin that feels more like a business class lounge than a traditional car interior. It was here that Chinese engineers decided to concentrate all their best developments.
Basic Philosophy Lixiang L9 is built around the concept of a "mobile home". This is not just a marketing slogan, but a real embodiment of the idea that a car should be an extension of your home. We will analyze the technical nuances, features of the hybrid power plant and answer the question of how justified the high price of this vehicle is in current realities.
Design and Dimensions: Scale Matters
Dimensions Lixiang L9 really impressive, because the body length is more than 5.2 meters. This puts it on par with such giants as the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS. The engineers managed to create a proportional silhouette, devoid of excessive bulkiness, despite its impressive size. Streamlined body lines help reduce aerodynamic drag, which is critical for range.
Particular attention should be paid to the front part, where the ring LED strip dominates. It not only performs a decorative function, but also serves as a light signaling element. The door handles are made in a hidden version and extend when the owner approaches, which adds technology to the car and improves aerodynamics.
- 🚗 The length of the body is an impressive 5218 mm, which provides the most spacious interior.
- 💡 Unique LED optics with adaptive light and welcome animation.
- 🌪️ Aerodynamic wheels that reduce air turbulence.
⚠️ Attention: Due to the car's impressive width and length (2000 mm and 5218 mm respectively), parking in narrow European garages or cramped city parking lots can be a serious challenge for the driver. It is recommended to use all-round viewing systems.
The rear of the car is made in a minimalist style with a light strip. The absence of visible exhaust pipes (they are hidden under the bumper) emphasizes the environmental friendliness and hybrid nature of the power plant. The trunk offers a volume of 210 liters with the seats up, but the transformation of the interior allows you to increase this figure to impressive values.
Interior: technology and business class comfort
Getting inside L9, you immediately understand that the designers' priority was passenger comfort. The front panel is devoid of physical buttons - almost all control is based on voice commands and touch screens. The central place is occupied by two 15.7-inch OLED displays, which stretch across the entire width of the dashboard, creating the effect of a single information space.
Finishing materials were selected with exceptional care. Soft Nappa leather, natural wood and metal create an atmosphere of luxury. The second-row seats feature massage, heating, ventilation and footrests, turning your ride into a spa experience. Even the third row is full and suitable for long trips for adults.
The multimedia system is processor-based Snapdragon 8155, which provides lightning-fast interface response. Voice Assist understands commands even in a whisper and can control climate, navigation and entertainment. For rear passengers there is a separate climate control and multimedia screen built into the armrest.
Secret interior features
In the rear of the cabin there is a hidden mini-fridge that can cool drinks down to +2°C and freeze drinks down to -6°C. There is also a built-in projector in the ceiling of the second row, which allows you to display images on a folding 100-inch screen.
The system of aromatization and air purification deserves special mention. Four climate control zones operate virtually silently, and air quality sensors automatically activate cleaning when entering a tunnel or an area with poor ecology.
Powerplant: How EREV Works
With my heart Lixiang L9 is a hybrid system of the EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) type. This means that the car's wheels are always driven by electric motors, and the gasoline engine acts as a generator. This scheme allows you to combine the dynamics of an electric vehicle with the range of a conventional car.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbocharged internal combustion engine, which has no mechanical connection to the wheels. Its job is to generate electricity for a 44.5 kWh battery or directly power electric motors when the battery is low. The combined output of the two electric motors (front and rear) is 449 horsepower.
- ⚡ Acceleration to 100 km/h takes only 5.3 seconds, despite the weight of 2.5 tons.
- 🔋 The power reserve on pure electricity is about 215 km according to the CLTC cycle.
- ⛽ The full range with a full tank and charged batteries reaches 1315 km.
Operating modes are controlled via the central display. You can select Electric Priority, Hybrid or Range mode. In the latter case, the system preserves the battery charge for driving in the city, using the internal combustion engine on the highway, where it is most efficient.
It is important to note that the absence of a classic gearbox makes the movement incredibly smooth. There are no jerks when changing gears, typical of automatic machines or robots. Energy recovery is adjustable by the driver, allowing the driver to select the amount of engine braking when releasing the accelerator pedal.
Ride and Handling
Despite its impressive size, L9 surprises with its maneuverability. This is facilitated by the all-wheel drive system and responsive steering. 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 depending on the quality of the road surface.
In Comfort mode, the car floats above the road, swallowing bumps of any caliber. The system can even “lift” the body in front of an obstacle by scanning the road with cameras. In sport mode, the suspension becomes stiffer and the throttle response is sharper, which is rare for a family crossover.
⚠️ Attention: When actively driving along serpentine roads, noticeable rolls may occur due to the high center of gravity and mass of the vehicle. The stabilization system works aggressively, but physics is physics - take turns taking into account the dimensions.
The braking system is also adapted to the heavy hybrid. Recuperation helps save the life of the brake pads, but during emergency braking, powerful calipers are activated, providing a short braking distance. The body's sound insulation is performed at the highest level: double glass and an active noise reduction system make the interior quiet even at high speeds.
Safety and driver assistance systems
B Lixiang L9 Autonomous driving system introduced Li AD Max. It is based on a lidar located above the windshield and two NVIDIA Orin-X chips with a total performance of 508 TOPS. This allows the car to recognize objects, markings and road situations with high accuracy.
The car can independently change lanes, keep its distance, take turns and even park without driver intervention. High-resolution cameras provide all-round visibility and the ability to record what is happening around ("Sentry Mode" similar to Tesla).
Passive safety is also excellent. The body is made of high-strength steel, and the structure has programmable deformation zones. Multiple airbags, including a central one between driver and passenger, protect occupants in side impacts.
| System | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| HESAI lidar | Range up to 200 meters, visibility 120° | Active |
| Radars | 5 mm radars around the perimeter | Active |
| Cameras | 12 high resolution cameras | Active |
| Ultrasound | 12 parking sensors | Active |
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Practicality and fuel consumption
The issue of efficiency for such a giant is acute. In pure electric mode L9 consumes about 23 kWh per 100 km. When the battery is discharged, the internal combustion engine comes into operation, and fuel consumption is approximately 7.8 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle, which is an excellent indicator for a car weighing 2.5 tons.
Charging the battery takes about 7 hours from a 220V home network or about 40 minutes on fast charging with direct current (DC) up to 80%. The presence of a connector for an external 3.5 kW outlet allows you to use the car as a power source for electrical appliances in nature, for example, an electric grill or a projector.
Trunk volume varies from 210 to 1600 liters. The third row of seats folds into a flat floor, which allows you to transport long loads. Inside the cabin there are many niches for small items, cup holders with cooling/heating functions and wireless chargers for smartphones.
Use the "Camping" mode in the climate settings. It optimizes the performance of overnight vehicle systems, minimizing energy consumption and maintaining comfortable temperature and ventilation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the real range of the Lixiang L9 in winter?
In winter, the electric range is reduced by approximately 30-40% due to the operation of heaters and the properties of the battery. The actual mileage will be about 130-150 km. Taking into account the operation of the internal combustion engine, the total range remains significant - more than 800 km.
Does the L9 have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support?
By default, the Li OS system does not support full-fledged Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the usual form, since the multimedia itself is very advanced. However, it is possible to broadcast the smartphone screen or use special applications for integration.
Is it difficult to find spare parts for Lixiang in the CIS?
At the moment, the official dealer network in the CIS countries is just being formed. Spare parts have to be ordered through parallel import, which can increase the repair time for body parts. There are usually fewer problems with consumables.
Can the L9 be charged from a regular outlet?
Yes, the car is equipped with an adapter for charging from a 220V household network. However, the full charge time in this case will be more than 15 hours, so this method is more suitable for maintaining the charge than for fast charging.
To summarize, we can say that Lixiang L9 is a bold step into the future of the automotive industry. It combines the best features of an electric car with the practicality of a hybrid. Despite some aftermarket issues in certain regions, it is technically one of the most advanced cars in its class today.
Lixiang L9 is an ideal choice for a large family that values technology and comfort, and is willing to put up with the service features of an exclusive Chinese brand.