Li Auto L9 Is A Chinese PHEV With Premium Features, 124-Mile EV Range

Chinese brand Li Auto (formerly known as Li Xiang) 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 (204.7 inches) long, 1,998 mm (78.7 inches) wide, and 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm (122.2 inches). 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.

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The Li Auto L9 (above) looks very similar to the first production model of the Chinese automaker called One (below)

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.

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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 (0-62 mph) 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 (124 miles), 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 (746 miles), 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 ($70,740 – 78,600), which makes it more expensive than the Li Auto One’s ¥338,000 ($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.

H/T to Chinapev and Car News China