Thabo Nkosi 
The Li Auto L9 is a luxury family SUV with a focus on range and comfort. It combines a 44.5 kWh battery and a 1.5L turbocharged generator, delivering a total range of up to 877 miles (CLTC) and a pure electric range of 137 miles. Priced between $56,598 and $60,741, it offers a six-seat layout with premium features like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, a 21-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system, and a refrigerator/warmer. The dual-motor AWD system provides 449 horsepower, accelerating from 0–62 mph in 5.3 seconds. Advanced safety tech includes LiDAR, 12 airbags, and driver assistance powered by NVIDIA chips. The L9 blends performance, convenience, and technology for family travel, making it a competitive option in its class.
Li Auto L9 Key Specifications and Features Overview
L9 Is a Super Comfortable Family EREV | Li Auto Full Review
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Exterior Design and Size
The Li Auto L9 stands out on the road with its commanding full-size proportions. Measuring 205.4 inches (5,218 mm) in length, 78.7 inches (1,998 mm) in width, and 70.9 inches (1,800 mm) in height, it’s built to rival luxury SUVs like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Its 122.2-inch (3,105 mm) wheelbase ensures a spacious and comfortable interior for all passengers.
One of the L9’s most striking features is its 2-meter "Halo" LED light strip, which runs seamlessly across the front fascia just below the hood. This signature design element, which cost 200 million RMB (around $28 million) to develop, highlights the vehicle’s modern and electric-inspired aesthetic. Instead of a traditional grille, the L9 opts for a streamlined front that emphasizes its sleek, forward-thinking design. As Will Sundin from CarNewsChina describes, "The L9’s front is dominated by the single piece Halo light that stretches 2 metres across the bottom of the bonnet, uninterrupted."
"By the standards of 5.2-metre long, three-row SUVs, it’s a nice piece of design… it presents a softer face to the world than the imposing Germans."
– Ollie Marriage, Top Gear
The L9 also incorporates thoughtful details aimed at enhancing everyday usability. Its flush door handles require just 8nm of force to open, even in icy conditions, making them practical and user-friendly. The induction tailgate sensor is cleverly located behind the rear wheel rather than under the bumper, ensuring easier access in tight parking spaces. Additionally, the standard soft-close doors provide a secure seal that reduces both dust infiltration and road noise, adding to the overall comfort.
Body Dimensions and Ground Clearance
The L9 isn’t just about looks – it’s engineered for performance and practicality. Its "Magic Carpet" air suspension offers five adjustable height levels, allowing the vehicle to adapt to different driving conditions. The suspension can raise the car by 1.57 inches (40 mm) for better ground clearance on rough terrain or lower the rear axle by 1.97 inches (50 mm) to make loading cargo easier. With seven terrain modes – including Sand, Mud, Snow, and Rock – the intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures the L9 can handle a variety of challenging environments.
The 2025 update introduced a dual-chamber, dual-valve suspension system, which significantly improved handling. This upgrade reduced body roll by 24% and pitch during acceleration and braking by 12%, creating a smoother and more composed ride. Despite its weight, ranging from 5,556 to 5,666 lbs (2,520–2,570 kg), the L9 maintains impressive stability and comfort, even on uneven roads.
Powertrain and Range Performance
EREV System and Range
The Li Auto L9 is equipped with an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) system designed to eliminate range anxiety. It features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that powers the vehicle from 0–62 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
Unlike conventional hybrids that directly power the wheels, the L9’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine serves purely as an onboard generator. This ensures that the electric motors always deliver instant torque when needed.
For the 2025/2026 model, the L9 boasts an impressive combined CLTC range of 1,412 km (877 miles) and a pure electric range of 220 km (137 miles). The current 52.3 kWh battery, sourced from CATL, is ideal for daily commutes, and the 65-liter fuel tank offers a quick refueling option when charging stations aren’t nearby.
"You’ve got peace-of-mind because you can just refuel the 65-litre tank instead of charging up"
– Ollie Marriage, Top Gear
This combination of performance and practicality lays the groundwork for the upgrades coming with future battery and control system advancements.
2026 Battery Updates
The 2026 refresh introduces major upgrades to the L9’s battery system. Li Auto plans to increase the battery capacity to over 70 kWh, a significant improvement from the current 52.3 kWh pack. This enhancement will extend the pure electric range to more than 400 km (248 miles), allowing many drivers to handle their daily routines without ever needing the gasoline generator.
Charging speeds are also getting a boost. With the updated system, DC fast charging will take the battery from 30% to 80% in just 24 minutes (0.4 hours). Additionally, the refresh includes a redesigned chassis and upgraded control systems to complement the larger battery.
"The true transformation in value and experience will emerge in 2026 when AI systems centered around the M100 chip begin shipping with products"
– Li Xiang, Li Auto Founder and CEO
Interior Space and Family Features
Six-Seat Layout and Cargo Capacity
The Li Auto L9 offers a thoughtful 2+2+2 seating arrangement, ensuring plenty of room across its three rows. The second-row captain’s chairs, upholstered in luxurious Nappa leather, include features like heating, ventilation, and a 10-point massage system. The passenger-side seat takes comfort up a notch with an electronic calf rest, footrest, and a fold-out tray capable of holding up to 55 lbs (25 kg) – perfect for a laptop or even a full meal.
The third row isn’t left out, offering heated seats and power reclining for added relaxation. For convenience, the rear air suspension lowers the back axle by 2 inches (50 mm), making it easier to load items into the 545-liter (19.2 cubic feet) cargo space.
"The middle row captain’s chairs tilt back to an angle we shall call ‘dental’, calf and footrests whirr into position, you rest your head back on an actual pillow, a cinema screen folds from the ceiling."
– Ollie Marriage, Top Gear
Adding to its family-friendly design, the vehicle includes an 8.8-liter fridge/warmer in the center console, capable of keeping items between 32–45°F (0–7°C) or 95–122°F (35–50°C). These details make the L9 a blend of practicality and luxury.
Technology Features
The Li Auto L9 goes beyond comfort with advanced technology that transforms the in-cabin experience. The Li Smart Space SS Ultra system features three 15.7-inch 3K OLED screens – one for the driver, one for the front passenger, and a ceiling-mounted screen for rear passengers. In the 2025 update, the rear screen grew to 21.4 inches, an impressive 86% size increase.
The 21-speaker audio system brings 2,160 watts of power, enhanced by Dolby Atmos 7.3.4 spatial audio technology. To heighten the cinematic experience, second-row seats are equipped with 4D vibration units that sync with audio and video content. Gesture controls, powered by Time of Flight (ToF) cameras, allow passengers to perform actions like pointing at a window and saying, "open this", for effortless operation.
The center console is packed with modern conveniences, including six Type-C ports, dual 50-watt wireless chargers, and a 220-volt outlet capable of delivering 1.1 kW of power. Additionally, the vehicle’s 3.5-kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature can power camping equipment or small appliances, making it versatile for various needs.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Li Auto L9 doesn’t just deliver on performance and family-friendly features – it takes safety seriously with advanced driver assistance systems and a durable body structure designed to protect its occupants.
Li AD Max Technology
At the heart of the L9’s driver assistance system is the Li AD Max, a sophisticated suite powered by dual NVIDIA DRIVE Orin-X chips capable of 508 TOPS (trillion operations per second). The 2025 Ultra model takes it further with a single NVIDIA Thor-U chip, pushing performance to 700 TOPS. The system’s sensor array includes 11 high-definition cameras (six 8MP and five 2MP), a forward-facing 128-laser LiDAR, a millimeter-wave radar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Together, these components enable the vehicle to detect objects up to 550 meters away. LiDAR plays a key role, supporting the cameras in low-light or overly bright conditions for consistent and reliable environmental perception.
"LiDAR ensures AD Max can perceive the vehicle’s environment correctly even when it’s dark or extremely bright and that the cameras have limited visibility."
– Shrawan Raja, Founder & CEO, TopElectricSUV
The system’s Automatic Emergency Braking is capable of stopping the car in low-light conditions at speeds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h). It also features automatic emergency steering, which can avoid obstacles at speeds up to 81 mph (130 km/h). Additionally, the system is fine-tuned to better detect pedestrians and two-wheelers. A teal "Halo" light bar on the vehicle signals when the car is operating in ADAS or self-parking modes, offering a visual cue for its advanced capabilities.
Fortress-Like Body Structure
Safety isn’t just about technology; it’s also about the car’s physical design. The L9’s structure is built with over 75% high-strength, thermo-formed steel, delivering exceptional durability. Dual aluminum front anti-collision beams and an aluminum-protected battery pack, bolstered by side beams, ensure the cabin remains secure in the event of a crash.
Inside, the L9 features 12 airbags that cover all three rows of seating. This includes dual-chamber far-side airbags for the front row and side-curtain airbags that extend across every seat, offering comprehensive protection for all passengers.
The L9 is also a trailblazer in redundancy. It’s the first production vehicle to include backups for critical systems like the powertrain, steering, braking, and power supply. This ensures the car remains controllable even if a primary system fails. The vehicle has earned the highest "GGG" rating from the China Insurance Automotive Safety Index (C-IASI) and demonstrated impressive handling with an 80.34 km/h moose test rating after its 2025 suspension upgrade. During professional testing, the L9 achieved a stopping distance of 35 meters (115 feet) from 60 mph, though some reviewers noted the brakes could feel "mushy" after heavy use.
Audio and Entertainment
The L9 redefines in-car entertainment with its cutting-edge audio and entertainment system, designed to make every journey more enjoyable. At the heart of this setup is the Li Platinum audio system, a 21-speaker marvel that pumps out an impressive 2,160 watts of power. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a long road trip, this system delivers an immersive audio experience.
With Dolby Atmos technology and a 7.3.4 surround sound configuration, passengers are enveloped in rich, three-dimensional sound. Adding to the experience is the innovative 4D sound feature: small motors in the second-row seats vibrate in sync with the audio, creating a tactile layer of immersion for music or movies. The upgraded rear screen enhances this entertainment hub with 800 nits of brightness, ensuring clear visuals in any lighting condition.
The system also caters to individual preferences. Passengers can enjoy independent audio zones, allowing the driver to use the main speakers while others connect their devices via Bluetooth or Display Port. For gamers, a 1.1-kW outlet powers consoles, turning the car into a mobile gaming station. A KTV mode with Bluetooth microphones supports up to four singers, making in-car karaoke sessions a reality. All of this is driven by dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chips, ensuring smooth streaming and multi-screen functionality.
Ease of use is a priority, with voice and gesture controls simplifying operations. Passengers can point at a window or screen and issue commands, making the system user-friendly for everyone, from kids to older family members. For added safety, microphones for specific seats can be disabled to avoid accidental activations. Up front, the dashboard boasts dual 15.7-inch OLED screens, each just 4 mm thick – among the slimmest in the industry.
"Li L9 also uses Dolby Atmos technology combined with 4D vibration units embedded in the second-row seats, to create an unprecedented immersive experience equivalent to having an upscale 4D movie theater in the vehicle."
– Li Auto Inc.
Specifications
Key Specifications
The Li Auto L9 blends spacious design with impressive performance. Measuring 17 feet 1.4 inches long, 6 feet 6.7 inches wide, and standing 5 feet 10.9 inches tall, it offers a roomy interior that prioritizes comfort. Its 10 feet 2.2 inches wheelbase ensures plenty of legroom across all three rows of seating.
Despite its substantial curb weight of 5,556–5,666 lbs, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system powers the L9 from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds. The powertrain delivers 442.5 horsepower and 457.2 pound-feet of torque, offering a solid mix of speed and strength.
Equipped with a 52.3 kWh battery, the L9 achieves a pure electric range of 174 miles under CLTC standards. With the addition of a 17.2-gallon fuel tank, the combined range extends to an impressive 877 miles. For a quick overview, here’s a breakdown of the key specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 17 ft 1.4 in (205.4 in) |
| Width | 6 ft 6.7 in (78.7 in) |
| Height | 5 ft 10.9 in (70.9 in) |
| Wheelbase | 10 ft 2.2 in (122.2 in) |
| Curb Weight | 5,556–5,666 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 6 seats |
| Battery Capacity | 52.3 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (CLTC) | 174 miles |
| Total Range (CLTC) | 877 miles |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 US gal |
| Acceleration (0–62 mph) | 5.3 seconds |
| Total Power Output | 442.5 hp (330 kW) |
| Torque | 457.2 lb-ft (620 Nm) |
| Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) | 3.5 kW |
The L9 also features a 3.5 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, enabling it to power external devices like camping gear or serve as an emergency backup power source. Additionally, its air suspension system offers adjustable ground clearance, allowing the vehicle to rise by 1.57 inches for off-road conditions or lower by the same amount to make getting in and out easier.
Value for Buyers
Long-Distance Travel Capability
The Li Auto L9 is designed to ease range anxiety, especially for families planning long road trips. With an impressive combined range of about 682 miles (1,100 km) under WLTC standards, this SUV minimizes the need for frequent stops on cross-country drives. Its Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) system stands out by using a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine solely as a generator to recharge the battery, rather than powering the wheels directly. For daily commutes, it offers an electric-only range of 110–135 miles (180–215 km) and seamlessly switches to range-extended mode for longer journeys. As Ollie Marriage from Top Gear put it: "Peace-of-mind because you can just refuel the 65‑litre tank instead of charging up."
The L9 also adds convenience with its 3.5 kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, which can power camping equipment, tailgate grills, or serve as an emergency energy source. It even includes a built-in fridge that keeps items cool (32°F–45°F) or warm (95°F–122°F) for up to 24 hours after the car is locked – perfect for chilled drinks or warmed baby bottles during extended trips.
Its air suspension system adjusts the ride height by about 2 inches, making it easier to load cargo or handle varied terrains. On rough gravel roads, the L9’s suspension showcased exceptional body control, outperforming competitors like the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. Reviewer Will Sundin praised its performance, saying: "The Li Auto L9’s air suspension & CDC was mightily impressive at the extremes. Making both the X7 & GLS feel almost like amateurs in this test."
Availability Through EV24.africa
For buyers across Africa, EV24.africa provides easy access to the Li Auto L9 with detailed listings that include transparent pricing and comprehensive vehicle specifications. Specializing in electric vehicles from brands like Li Auto, Tesla, and BYD, the platform simplifies the process of comparing options to help families find their ideal car. EV24.africa also offers financing options and expert customer support to guide buyers through the entire purchasing journey.
While the international price for the L9 ranges from $60,000 to $70,000, the pricing on EV24.africa may vary depending on factors like model year, trim level, and delivery location. To further streamline the experience, the platform handles shipping and delivery, making it easier for buyers to own a premium SUV without the steep price tag often associated with European brands.
Conclusion
The Li Auto L9 stands out as a family SUV that balances luxury, performance, and practicality at a competitive price point. With its extended-range electric system, it offers a combined driving range of up to 682 miles (1,100 km), effectively addressing range concerns, while its electric-only mode is perfect for daily commutes.
Designed for comfort, the six-seat configuration ensures long trips are enjoyable, and the dual-chamber air suspension provides a smooth ride while adjusting ride height as needed. Additional features like the 3.5 kW V2L capability make it a versatile choice for activities like camping or as a backup power source. Safety is also a priority, with Li AD Max technology contributing to its C-NCAP 5-star safety rating.
For those considering the L9, platforms like EV24.africa make the buying process straightforward. They offer transparent pricing, detailed specs, and shipping services, with international listings typically ranging from $60,000 to $70,000. Financing options and expert guidance further enhance the experience, making it easier for families to transition to an electric vehicle that suits their long-distance and everyday needs.
The L9 demonstrates that premium family SUVs don’t have to come with a six-figure price tag. With 449 horsepower, a spacious interior, and advanced technology, it provides a strong alternative to traditional luxury SUVs, appealing to buyers who prioritize comfort, range, and practicality over brand recognition.
FAQs
What makes the Li Auto L9 stand out among luxury SUVs?
The Li Auto L9 is a top choice for those who value a long driving range, making it perfect for extended road trips and family getaways. With its extended range, drivers can enjoy fewer stops along the way, adding convenience and reducing travel stress over long distances.
On top of that, the L9 brings together luxurious features, cutting-edge technology, and roomy interiors. It’s a seamless mix of comfort and functionality, tailored to meet the needs of families on the go.
How does the L9’s range extender help with long-distance travel?
The L9’s Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) system is built to tackle the common worry of running out of battery during long drives. It features a built-in range extender that kicks in to generate power when the battery gets low, allowing you to keep going without needing to stop for a recharge.
This makes the L9 a smart choice for long road trips, providing extra convenience and reassurance – especially for families or drivers in areas where charging stations are hard to come by.
What safety features does the Li Auto L9 offer to protect passengers?
The Li Auto L9 comes packed with safety features designed to protect passengers and provide peace of mind on the road. At the heart of its safety offerings is the Li AD Max autonomous driving system, which integrates advanced driver-assistance technologies. These tools are engineered to reduce the likelihood of accidents and enhance overall driving safety.
This SUV also boasts a durable design paired with modern safety systems. It combines active safety measures, like collision prevention, with passive protections, such as a reinforced structure. Together, these features create a secure driving experience, making the L9 a smart choice for families who prioritize safety.
