If you are in the market for a new electric SUV, you probably stumbled upon Li Auto. Li is one of the most innovative new brands from China, highly regarded for their lineup of range extenders.
And many people are often confused and don’t understand the differences between the L7, L8, and L9. But you shouldn’t worry because we are going to break down everything in tiny bits so you get up to speed with Li and its models.
Li Auto L7 L8 L9: Specs
Let’s start with the specs of these models. For this purpose, we created a small table where we listed all the specs of these models side by side so you get a good perspective about the numbers that each of these models is producing.
| Model | Li Auto L7 | Li Auto L8 | Li Auto L9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variant | Air | Max | Max |
| Price | $44,450 | $50,000 | $63,910 |
| Battery (kWh) | 41 kWh | 41 kWh | 45 kWh |
| Drive | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| WLTP Range (km) | 1,315 km | 1,315 km | 1,315 km |
| Power Output (kW) | 330 kW | 330 kW | 330 kW |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 5.3 seconds | 5.5 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Plug Types (AC/DC) | Type 2 & CCS2 | Type 2 & CCS2 | Type 2 & CCS2 |
| Max Charge Rate (AC/DC) | 7/75 | 7/75 | 7/75 |
| Cargo Space (liters) | 800 liters | 650 liters | 650 liters |
| Frunk Cargo Space | No | No | No |
| Length (mm) | 5,050 mm | 5,050 mm | 5,218 mm |
| Width (mm) | 1,995 mm | 1,995 mm | 1,998 mm |
| Height (mm) | 1,750 mm | 1,800 mm | 1,800 mm |
| Running Clearance | 175 mm | 175 mm | 175 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,005 mm | 3,005 mm | 3,105 mm |
| Tow Rating | 0 kg | 0 kg | 0 kg |
| V2L | Yes | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years/100,000km | 5 years/100,000 km | 5 years/100,000km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/160,000km | 8 years/160,000 km | 8 years/160,000km |
| Loyalty Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Li Auto L7 L8 L9: Price
The most important factor when it comes to buying a new vehicle is definitely the price. The price needs to be within reach in order for you to buy the model.
And luckily for you Li is offering some of the best prices in the industry right now. Considering how large and full of technology these cars are, pricing is really affordable.
The Li L7 is the entry level model, this model starts as low as $44,450. Making it an excellent deal.
The Li L8 is a more expensive model. With this model you are able to seat up to 6 people comfortably and this model starts at $50,000.
The most expensive of the three is the Li L9. This model is able to seat 6 or 7 people depending on the configuration. This model starts at $64,910.
These are the Chinese prices though. Which means that if you are from abroad, you will have to import these vehicles and pay the import fees.
These fees for import depend on the location where you live. Some places have higher import fees, while some have very low or no costs for importing these eco-friendly vehicles.
Li Auto L7 L8 L9: Design and Interior
Exterior and interior design plays a vital role when it comes to choosing your future EV. The design is probably one of the main things that attracts us to a certain product and makes us wanna buy it. So, how do these models perform?
Well, all of these models are made by Li and we can say that all of them have a very similar design language and basically complement each other.
All three models are your typical SUVs. They are very large and bulky, they implement a very muscular design with a front end that greatly resembles the one of a muscle car.
The front end of all models is rather simple. You have a giant light bar that goes from one end to the other. This light bar serves as a daytime running light. While the high beams are placed lower on the bumper.
The side profile of these models is pretty streamlined, with the door handles sitting flush to the body. Allowing maximum aero and squeezing every bit of range.
The rear end of the Li models is also very futuristic with a giant light bar that goes from side to side.
Overall, the exterior design is beautiful on these models, it is rather minimalist and nice looking. It doesn’t try too much to impress and that’s what we love about Li Auto models.
The interior in all of these models is pretty much similar. The interior is flooded with high-quality materials everywhere around the cabin.
Insulation inside of the cabin is also really good and road noise is absolutely minimal. Which is something that we love about Li.
The seats are extremely comfortable and the adjustability is incredible. There are a million ways that you can tweak and find your perfect seating position.
Inside the cabin you have two massive 3k screens that are powered by the latest Qualcomm automotive chips. And on the more well-equipped models you also have one giant cinema-like screen to entertain your passengers.
Overall, when it comes to the exterior and interior, we must give Li Auto a great score since this company really tries to deliver the best experience for the driver and passengers.
Li Auto L7 L8 L9: Power and Performance
Power and performance is a very vital part of a modern EV. Nowadays it is expected that these cars perform and put a smile on your face when you apply the throttle. Especially at this price point. So, how do Li models perform?
Well, these models are more than capable of blazing fast acceleration. These models produce up to 330 kW. Which is about 440 hp and 620 N-m of torque.
These are massive numbers. On top of that you have a four wheel drive system because this model has dual electric motors.
The quickest is the L7, which is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.3 seconds. While the L8 and L9 are able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Primarily because these are heavier models.
Overall, 5.5 seconds might seem low for some, but if you have not driven something more powerful, 5.5 seconds will be an unforgettable experience.
Li Auto L7 L8 L9: Battery and Range
Battery and range is one very important aspect that you also need to be very aware of. You need a vehicle that will give you a great range, so you don’t experience range anxiety.
And range anxiety is a real problem when it comes to owning an EV. You just need to pre-plan everything and evaluate how much range will be enough for you to reach the destination. Something that is not particularly pleasant.
This is why Li Auto solves this problem that EVs have. These models are no proper EVs, these are range extenders (EREV).
So, what does this mean? This means that these vehicles have an ICE. This internal combustion engine is not powering the wheels like in regular gas cars or hybrids. But what it does is something rather ingenious.
The ICE serves as a generator of electricity. This engine charges up the 40 kWh battery pack and then with the power from the battery, the electric motors are spinning.
So, this approach solves one major problem with EVs. Which is range anxiety. With these models, you can enjoy a range of 1,315 km on a full battery or a full tank of gas.
You don’t even have to charge these models. Just pour gas on the gas station like a regular car and you will be good for 1,000 km.
Some will say, but hey this isn’t an EV. Well, it isn’t, it is not 100% green but you don’t deal with the poor range in standard EVs. You will never get 1,315 km of range from 65 liters of fuel in any other type of vehicle.
That’s why we love Li so much because they are problem solvers. They tackled one of the biggest problems of electric cars.
Even if you want to drive only in EV mode, you can, the battery will give you about 210 km. Which is also quite good. Overall, Li models have a pretty incredible approach and we cannot appreciate them more.
Li Auto L7 L8 L9 : Autopilot and Other Tech
One of the main characteristics of a modern EV is the autopilot. Tesla has created this concept with their autopilot that they include in their models. That’s why Li and many other companies are including these technologies in their models. But is this really an autopilot?
Well, sort of. This is not an autopilot that will take you anywhere. This is a glorified name of a feature known as adaptive cruise control. The adaptive cruise control is a feature that allows some autonomy on the highway where the vehicle adjusts the distance and speed from other cars with minimal driver interference.
Pretty useful to have it in your car. Luckily all three of these models include it. This feature is part of the ADAS system.
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The ADAS is the Advanced Driving Assistance System. This system has a whole palette of safety features.
One of these features is the adaptive cruise control. But you also have blind spot monitoring, crash collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane departure alert, parking assist, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, and a lot more features.
Basically, it depends on your budget and how much you have to spend to unlock all of these features in your Li model.
We recommend getting the adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, these two are probably the most essential safety features.
Li Auto L7 L8 L9: Size and Body
Practicality is one of the most important characteristics of an SUV. You need a vehicle that will support your needs. If the vehicle is not enough for your needs, you will have a very difficult time.
When it comes to these Li models, we can say that all of them are very spacious and are able to allow a lot of passenger comfort.
Inside of the cabin, you will never have to experience any discomfort or struggling with finding a perfect seating position. Everything is premium.
But the main difference between all three models is the number of seats. The Li L7 is the smallest, this model can only allow up to 5 seats.
Then you have the L8, which comes in two configurations, as a 5 seater or a six seater.
And on top you have the Li L9. This is the longest version, this model is able to seat up to 7 people comfortably.
So, if you have a larger family and you need more seating position, the L9 is the perfect model for you.
When it comes to cargo area, there are differences between all of these models. For example, the L7 has the most space of 800 liters since this model does not have a third row.
While the L8 and L9 have smaller cargo space of up to 650 liters. But this shouldn’t scare you because you can simply fold down the seats at any time and release up to 1000+ liters of cargo space if you need it. These are some huge SUVs with plenty of space inside.
Li Auto L7 L8 L9: Safety
Safety should always be one of your top priorities when it comes to buying a new EV. Especially when it comes to high-end models like the Li Auto models.
As we mentioned previously, all of these models implement a powerful ADAS system. This system offers a whole palette of safety features.
These features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, collision warning, and a lot more. The more features you have, the safer you will be. However, the crash safety of these models is also really good.
These models were tested in China and meet all of the requirements. On the tests, they scored clean 5/5 stars overall. If these models are sold in other markets like Europe, they will also be tested by the Euro NCAP.
Li Auto L7 L8 L9: Warranties
Warranty is vital when it comes to buying a new vehicle. Especially when it comes to such expensive models like the Li Auto SUVs.
What is good is that Li offers a good warranty period. For the battery, you have a warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km. Which is an industry standard when it comes to battery warranties.
When it comes to overall vehicle warranty, you get up to 5 years or 100,000 km. Which is a decent amount of coverage in our opinion.
Li Auto L7 L8 L9: Additional Considerations
There are no important considerations that you need to take when it comes to these models.
Maybe besides the fact that these are no pure EVs but range extenders. This means that they are not completely “green”.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing one of these three models, you need to get your priorities straight.
For example, you need an SUV that can carry 6 or 7 passengers, you should definitely go for the L9. If you need an SUV that can seat up to 5 or 6 people, the L8 will be a great option. Or if you need up to 5 seats, the L7 will be perfect.
In terms of power and range, all models are the same. So, you should mostly focus on the practicality when it comes to choosing one of these models.
