Chinese brand Li Auto has published the first photos and information about the L9, a large SUV flagship with high-tech features and a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s set to debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April. The Li Auto L9 measures 5,200 mm long, 1,998 mm wide, and 1,800 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm. Those dimensions are nearly identical to the BMW X7, and larger than the automaker’s other model – the Li Xiang One which debuted back in 2019.
The styling is very similar to the One but
the design language has evolved with flush door handles, slimmer full-width
LEDs on both ends, redesigned bumpers with cleaner styling, and the absence of
a grille making the L9 look like an EV. There is also a roof-mounted sensor for
the ADAS and a larger rear spoiler, while the adaptive air suspension comes
from Weybach.
Inside the six-seater cabin, there is a
trio of 15.7-inch touchscreens – two on the dashboard and a roof-mounted unit
for the rear passengers. The digital instrument cluster is incorporated into
the steering wheel, while above it there is the large head-up display. All six
seats have heating and massage functions and the vehicle comes equipped with a
double sunroof, ambient lighting, a refrigerator, and an impressive sound
system. The latter is rated at 2160W featuring Dolby Atmos 4D technology and 21
speakers including four top speakers and three subwoofers. The Li Auto L9 is
capable of Level 4 autonomous driving thanks to an array of sensors scanning
the environment including the roof-mounted LiDAR, a strain gauge sensor, five
millimeter-wave radars, twelve ultrasonic radars, and twelve cameras.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain consists of
a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine which works as a range
extender and electric motors sourced from Great Wall Motors that are powering
the wheels. The combined power output is 408 hp and 600 Nm of torque, allowing
a 0-100 km/h in under 6 seconds. Despite being a PHEV, the Li Xiang
L9 is equipped with a large 44.5 kWh battery, offering an impressive electric
range of 200 km, although the latter is measured under the more
optimistic CLTC standards. With a fully charged battery and a tank full of
gasoline, the combined range is 1,200 km, far superior to any PHEV
that is available in Europe or North America.
The Li Auto L9 will be available in China
at a price range between ¥ 450,000 – 500,000 (US$ 70,740 – 78,600), which makes it
more expensive than the Li Auto One’s ¥ 338,000 (US$ 53,167) base price. We don’t
know if the Beijing-based company is planning on exporting the SUV in the
future, but this model is a clear sign of how far Chinese automakers have come
in terms of design, quality, and technology.
