The Chinese auto industry has made a colossal leap in recent years, ceasing to be synonymous with cheap copies and becoming a trendsetter in the segment of electric vehicles and hybrids. The brightest representative of this new wave was the brand Li Auto (Li Xiang), who bet on technology EREV - a series hybrid, where the internal combustion engine serves exclusively as a generator. Model Li L9, which is the flagship of the line, is positioned as a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, but with a price tag that makes European concerns nervous. This car promises business-class comfort, a power reserve of more than 1,000 kilometers and equipment that will seem futuristic even to owners of modern gadgets.
In this review, we will analyze in detail the technical nuances, quality of interior materials, control features and real performance indicators of this machine. You have to find out how justified the brand’s hype is and what is hidden behind the glossy advertising videos. We will not limit ourselves to dry numbers from press releases, but will consider the car from the point of view of practical use in the conditions of Russian roads and climate. Are you ready to give up your usual gasoline giants for the sake of a technologically advanced “Chinese”?
Exterior design and body aerodynamics
Appearance Li L9 made in the corporate style of the “starship”, which is difficult to confuse with a similar car. The giant radiator grille here is more of a decorative character, since the engine does not require the same volume of air as a classic internal combustion engine, but it gives the car a monumental appearance. The lighting equipment is made in the form of a thin LED strip that spans the entire width of the body, which visually expands the car and makes it recognizable in night traffic. Aerodynamic drag coefficient is 0.264 Cd, which is an excellent indicator for a full-size SUV weighing under 2.5 tons.
The dimensions of the machine are impressive: length is 5218 mm, width is 1998 mm, and height is 1800 mm. With a wheelbase of 3100 mm, the interior is truly spacious, comparable to limousines. Please note the absence of door handles in the classical sense - a system of hidden drives is used here, which extend when the owner approaches. This not only improves aerodynamics, but also adds an element of theatricality when landing. The body is painted with multi-layer paint with a depth effect, which hides minor defects, but requires careful maintenance.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the impressive size and ground clearance, Li L9 not intended for serious off-road use. The lack of differential locks and delicate bumpers make it vulnerable on rough terrain.
The optics deserve special attention. The headlights have a road projection function that can display navigational guidance or warn pedestrians. The taillights also have a complex internal structure. All body elements are fitted with minimal gaps, which indicates a high level of assembly automation. However, owners should remember that any protrusions and complex shapes of bumpers can become a dirt trap in slushy weather.
Interior: technology and first class comfort
Salon Li L9 is a place where engineers have tried to outdo themselves by creating a “second living room” atmosphere. The central place is occupied by a huge panel consisting of two screens with a diagonal of 15.7 inches each, which stretch from the center to the passenger seat. For the driver there is a separate mini-screen on the steering wheel and a projection on the windshield HUD, displaying all the necessary information. Finishing materials include genuine Nappa leather, soft plastic and metal inserts that are tactilely pleasant to the touch.
The 2+2+2 seating configuration provides maximum comfort for all passengers. The second and third seats are equipped with massage, ventilation and heating. Rear passengers can control the climate and multimedia via a separate tablet mounted on the armrest between the front seats. Noise reduction system ANC actively combats low-frequency hum, making travel at high speeds surprisingly quiet. The air in the cabin is purified by a system capable of removing 99% of bacteria and viruses, which is especially important in a metropolis.
One of the unique features is the built-in refrigerator located in the center armrest of the second row. It is capable of both cooling and heating drinks, which is rare even in the luxury segment. The ceiling is lined with soft fabric and the motorized panoramic sunroof creates an open feel. However, the abundance of glossy surfaces requires constant cleaning to prevent the interior from looking smeared with fingerprints.
- 🚀 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor provides instant interface response and support for all modern applications.
- 🛋️ Compressor seats with 10 massage points and automatic calibration of passenger posture.
- 🎮 Support for game consoles and the ability to connect joysticks directly to the multimedia system.
Technical characteristics and power plant
With my heart Li L9 is a hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and two electric motors with a total output of 449 horsepower. The internal combustion engine here does not spin the wheels, but operates in optimal mode to generate electricity, charging the battery or powering the motors directly. This scheme avoids traction failures and ensures acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, which is an excellent indicator for a two-ton giant.
The 44.5 kWh battery allows you to travel on pure electricity up to 215 kilometers on the CLTC cycle. The full range with a full tank of gasoline reaches 1315 kilometers. For recharging, you can use both household sockets and DC charging stations with a power of up to 50 kW. It is important to note that with a discharged battery, fuel consumption is about 7-8 liters per 100 km, which is a very low figure for a car of this class and dynamics.
Secrets of EREV's work
Unlike conventional hybrids, where the internal combustion engine and electric motor can operate in parallel, in the EREV scheme, only electricity always turns the wheels. The engine only starts when the battery charge drops below a certain threshold or the driver requires maximum power to overtake. This allows the internal combustion engine to operate in a narrow, most efficient speed range, minimizing wear and fuel consumption.
The car's suspension is equipped with air elements and an active stabilization system, which can raise the body at speed to improve aerodynamics or lower it for a comfortable landing. The stiffness is adjusted in a split second depending on the driving situation. The transmission here is single-stage, which eliminates jerks when changing gears, typical of classic automatic transmissions. The all-wheel drive system is implemented independently for the front and rear axles, which provides excellent directional stability.
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| System power | 449 | hp |
| Torque | 620 | Nm |
| Battery capacity | 44,5 | kW⏳h |
| Range (CLTC) | 1315 | km |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 5,3 | sec |
Electronics and driver assistance systems
Safety in Li L9 provided by the complex Li AD Max, which includes roof-mounted lidar and multiple high-definition cameras. The system is able to recognize road markings, signs, pedestrians and other vehicles in all weather conditions. The adaptive cruise control function can not only keep a distance, but also automatically change lanes if the driver turns on the turn signal. This makes driving on the highway much less tiring.
Voice Assist understands commands in several languages and allows you to control almost all vehicle functions, from opening windows to changing the temperature in a specific zone. Artificial intelligence learns the owner’s habits and can independently suggest routes or play music. However, it is worth considering that some services may be tailored for the Chinese market and require additional settings to work in other regions.
For full operation of navigation and voice assistant in some regions, you may need to install a local SIM card or configure an access point via a smartphone.
Surround cameras provide 3D images, allowing you to virtually “fly” around the car before parking. The night vision system illuminates pedestrians and animals in dark areas of the road. All data is processed by two chips NVIDIA Orin-X, which has processing power comparable to powerful gaming computers. This ensures that the system does not freeze at a critical moment.
- 👁️ Lidar with a detection range of up to 200 meters and a viewing angle of 120 degrees.
- 🅿️ Automatic parking in horizontal and vertical spaces without driver participation.
- 🛣️ L2+ autonomous driving with lane keeping and following the leader in traffic jams.
Fuel consumption and real efficiency
One of the main questions that interests potential buyers of hybrids is what is the real consumption? In city conditions, with daily recharging from an outlet, Li L9 may not consume gasoline at all, acting as a full-fledged electric vehicle. If you ignore charging and use only the internal combustion engine, the consumption will be about 8-9 liters in the combined cycle. On the highway at a speed of 120-130 km/h, consumption can increase to 10-11 liters due to the large windage of the body.
Savings are achieved by recuperating energy during braking, which is returned to the battery. In Charge Saver mode, the car is forced to keep the battery level at a certain level, using more fuel, but guaranteeing a reserve of electricity for maneuvers in the city. Powertrain efficiency directly depends on your driving style: smooth acceleration can significantly reduce energy consumption.
⚠️ Attention: The actual power reserve in winter may decrease by 20-30% due to the operation of the air conditioning system and a decrease in battery capacity in the cold. Plan charging stops in advance.
For maximum savings, we recommend using Electric Priority mode in the city and switching to Hybrid mode on the highway. The system itself optimizes the operation of the generator so that it operates in the most efficient range. Owners note that even with active use of air conditioning and heating, consumption figures remain within reasonable limits for a car of this size.
☑️ How to save fuel on Li L9
Driving impressions and handling
Despite the dimensions, Li L9 surprises with its maneuverability. The rear wheels have steering, which reduces the turning radius and makes parking in tight spaces less stressful. The suspension smooths out bumps perfectly, but in sport mode it becomes more collected, eliminating roll in corners. The steering is light, with minimal feedback, which is typical of comfortable crossovers aimed at a quiet ride.
The acceleration dynamics are impressive: the instant torque of the electric motors takes the car off the ground without the slightest delay. Braking is also effective, although there is some inertia due to the heavy weight. The driver always feels in control of the situation thanks to excellent visibility and informative assistance systems. This is a car that does not make you nervous in traffic, but creates a feeling of confidence and security.
The Li L9 is a car that blurs the line between the comfort of an executive sedan and the off-road capability of an SUV, while offering the efficiency of a compact hatchback.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to charge Li L9 if I have gas?
No, the car can run exclusively on gasoline, using the internal combustion engine as a generator. However, regular charging from the network significantly reduces operating costs and allows the electric vehicle to be used in Zero Emission mode in the city.
What is the service life of the engine-generator?
The 1.5 Turbo engine is designed specifically to operate in a narrow speed range, which reduces the load on the components. The service life is estimated at 300+ thousand kilometers with timely maintenance, since it does not experience peak loads characteristic of conventional internal combustion engines.
Does multimedia work without a Chinese account?
Basic functions (Bluetooth, radio, video from USB) work right away. For full access to online services and navigation, you may need to configure it through a mobile application or install Russified firmware, which is done by dealers.
Are Li L9 batteries afraid of frost?
The battery is equipped with a liquid thermal management system. In winter, it is heated from the mains or from the internal combustion engine, which allows you to maintain a power reserve and accept charging even at subzero temperatures.