2024 Li Auto L7: Pricing and Review

The Li Auto L7 is probably one of the best range extenders (EREV) in the world that delivers a range of 1,315 km!

Overview

What is It?

The Li Auto L7 is a luxury midsize crossover SUV manufactured by Li Auto from 2023. This is a brand new model that is becoming very popular in the range extender market.

That’s right, the Li L7 is not a pure electric SUV. The L7 is a range extender (EREV). This type of vehicle works in a different way compared to regular plug-in hybrids.

Instead of using the internal combustion engine in parallel with the electric motors, the Li L7 uses the electric motor as a generator of electricity.

This ICE charges up the battery, which then powers up the electric motors. With this approach, you can forget about charging your battery on a regular charger. Since the car charges itself!

Li Auto? Say What?

Li Auto is one of the latest Chinese companies to make the headlines with their incredible models.

Li Auto was founded in 2015 by Li Xiang, a Chinese entrepreneur. Li Auto has headquarters in Beijing and manufacturing plants in Changzhou, China.

Currently, Li is one of the rare companies that do not want to throw all the eggs into one basket and make only EVs.

So, they created a different niche of range extending vehicles that incorporate an internal combustion engine that is paired with an electric motor and a battery.

The ICE only serves as a power generator that charges up the battery with electricity. Thus, wasting very little fuel. So, with a full tank of gas and a full battery you can get an incredible range of 1,315 km. Which is a pretty incredible number that almost nobody in the industry can reach!

What About the Looks?

The Li L7 is one nice looking SUV. It simply captivates with the design and presence that it has.

We really love what Li Auto is doing with its designs nowadays. All of their models are somehow very close to each other in terms of design. It is obvious that they want to build their brand around this approach.

At the front and on the rear you have a giant LED light bar that goes from one side to the other. And when these LEDs turn on, they look incredible.

The side profile of the Li L7 is also very beautiful, with the door handles sitting flush to the body.

Overall, the L7 does not try very hard to impress us and still manages to do so. And that’s what we like the most. It is not outlandish like other Chinese EVs but more stealthy and overall well balanced.

And to Drive?

Driving is an area that many buyers simply do not pay too much attention to. And we can tell you that you should. Since this is what makes the enjoyment of owning a vehicle.

And luckily for you, the Li L7 drives really well. The model handles really well considering the fact that this is a very large SUV.

The chassis of the Li L7 is extremely well designed and the overall ride is very well balanced. So, if you drive it normally and not push it too hard, the L7 will definitely impress you with its cruising capabilities.

Acceleration happens at an instant and the overall impression of the Li L7 is really favorable.

Do You Think You Will Take It to Heart?

Nowadays, more and more Chinese brands are trying to make a breakthrough in some unknown markets like Europe and the Middle East

But the stigma about buying Chinese cars is rather big, considering the fact that there are brands in Europe and the Middle East that were selling for over a century.

So, it will take some time until Chinese brands gain the same success as they have in China.

But if they continue developing really solid cars, the success is unavoidable. Especially with these revolutionary battery technologies that many Chinese brands have.

Another thing that many future buyers from Europe doubt is the quality of Chinese EVs. In the past, Chinese cars were not particularly good. So, this negative feedback affects the current market quite a lot.

But we can honestly tell you that in recent years, Chinese automakers employed some serious engineers that have been working in Europe for decades building cars.

And they use this know-how to improve their designs. And we can tell you that they do really well. Chinese cars even get 5/5 stars in terms of safety in Europe. Which is really something.

Overall, modern Chinese cars, especially high-end Li Auto models are definitely worth your attention.

What’s in a Name?

The name L7 does not have any meaning to it. Li Auto just names their products by using numbers.

The L7 is the smallest SUV, then you have the L8, and the L9, Which is their largest offering.

We really love this naming scheme since it simplifies things for the buyer. You don’t have to look it up to understand which model in which size category belongs.

You Mention High-tech?

When it comes to the implementation of the latest technology in the automotive industry, Li Auto is definitely one of the forerunners.

Li Auto knows the downsides of electric cars, their engineers have studied how these cars are perceived by customers who are cautious when it comes to the downsides.

So, they decided to implement a different approach. Which is the EREV method. These vehicles are simply known as range extenders.

Li Auto SUVs implement this design. And the design is rather simple, the internal combustion engine is used as a power generator.

This 1.5L engine that is installed in the L7 does not deliver power to the wheels. It only makes electricity and then charges up the battery.

Then the electric motors from the battery take the electricity and deliver the power to the wheels.

Pretty ingenious design approach. And although the car uses gasoline, this fuel consumption is minimal because the engine is not stressed out at all.

That’s how you get up to 1,315 km of range on a full gas tank and full battery.

What’s the Verdict?

The Li L7 has impressed us in many different aspects. This model has an incredible design both inside and out. It is very modern and not trying hard to impress the buyer. Which is a big pro.

And the most important advantage of the Li L7 is its range. This model will deliver up to 1,100 km on a full tank of gas and a range of 1,315 km on a full battery and a full tank of gas. Which for a vehicle of this size is excellent.

The Li L7 is perfect for people who doubt EVs. With this vehicle, you will never have to experience range anxiety!

Price and Specs

How Much Does Li Auto L7 Cost?

The price for the Li L7 in China starts as low as $45,000. Which makes it extremely affordable, considering that this is a very large vehicle.

But, it is worth noting that this price can increase depending on where you are located. Since different countries have different import taxes. So, research is crucial in this area.

Specs:

Price: $45,000	Release Year: 2023
Engine: ICE + Electric Motor	Top Speed: 180 km/h
0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds	Power: 440 hp
Torque: 620 Nm	Range: 1,315 km

Driving

What is It Like to Drive?

Driving the Li L7 is not much different than driving any other electric SUV out there.

Although this is an internal combustion vehicle, it is still powered by the electric motors. So, everything happens at an instant once you put the foot on the throttle.

This is a large SUV, so there will be some body roll while cornering at higher speeds. Which is something normal for a vehicle of this class.

That’s why we cannot claim that this model will handle like a compact SUV. So, you need to be prepared for this.

But for regular cruising, the Li L7 is a perfect model that you definitely want if you want to go from point A to point B in luxury.

What About the Steering?

Steering the Li L7 is an extremely easy thing to do. The steering is very light and extremely well calibrated.

When cornering the steering is easy to turn and the steering self centers intuitively. Which is a really good thing that makes driving this vehicle completely effortless.

In wet conditions, the L7 can suffer from torque steer and the inside tires can lose a little bit of grip at high speeds. But overall, nothing too scary if you drive normally.

Talk to Me About the Ride

Driving the Li L7 is a real pleasure. This model is the perfect cruising machine. With this model, you will forget about the bumps and any discomfort that you can experience with competitor models.

The suspension is extremely soft and you don’t feel much of the road. That’s why if you need a comfortable cruiser, the L7 is a really nice vehicle to buy.

And the EV Efficiency?

The EV efficiency of the Li L7 is pretty good. As you probably know, the L7 is an EREV. A battery extender vehicle.

So, you never have to worry about charging the battery since the battery is constantly charged by the internal combustion engine.

What About Steering the Li Auto L7 Yourself?

Driving the Li L7 is a real pleasure since it is very easy and driving it is really effortless. Just put the car into drive and once you apply the throttle it will move forward.

And you don’t even have to use the brakes since all modern EVs stop with the help of the electric motor. Just release the throttle and the car will come to a stop.

Is the Range Good?

The range of the Li L7 is definitely one of the main highlights of the model. This model delivers some really hefty numbers.

With a full battery and a full tank you can get up to 1,315 km of range. Which is an absolutely stunning performance.

If you have only a full tank, you will get up to 1,100 km. While only on a full charge of battery, you will get up to 200 km range.

Interior

What is It Like on the Inside?

The Li L7 was conceived as a premium SUV. So, the interior is filled with premium materials and is easily one of the best in this class of cars.

The cabin is extremely well insulated and there is minimal road noise. The materials and craftsmanship that went in building the L7 are really something special.

But the star of the show are the two giant screens at the front. These screens are extremely crisp and are powered by the latest and greatest graphical chips by Qualcom’s Snapdragon. Which makes the experience of using these screens a very nice experience.

Is the Li L7  Easy to Use?

Yes, the Li L7 is very easy to use. Everything is well laid out in the cabin so you will never struggle finding your favorite function.

And even if you are new to these high-tech vehicles, you will be able to adapt in a few hours. Since everything is intuitive and nicely laid out for the user.

But Where’s the Instrument Panel?

The Li L7 does not have a regular instrument panel. With this model you don’t have dials and needles that move up and down.

With the L7, you have all the essential information displayed on a small screen that is mounted on the steering wheel itself.

So, all the data is right in front of you and finding it is an extremely easy thing to do. On this screen you have the speed, charge, range, and warning lights.

Is It Spacious?

Yes, the Li L7 is a spacious vehicle. This is a midsize SUV. So, it is not one of the largest around but it is good enough to fit up to 5 people comfortably.

Rear legroom is extremely good with the L7, as well as the head room. Your passengers in the rear will never struggle for space.

How’s the Build Quality?

The build quality of Li Auto models is one of the strong points. All Li models are premium and you get what you pay for.

The quality is really on point as in most high-end vehicles out there. The interior is flooded with quality materials and the cabin is a really nice place to be in.

If you are looking for a more premium SUV but still not break the bank, the L7 is the way to go.

Buying

What Should I Be Paying?

The Li L7 is one of the most affordable premium SUVs that you can find. Starting as low as $45,000 in China.

The purchasing cost can increase depending on the import fees in your country. This is why research of the possible fees is mandatory if you are interested in buying one for yourself.

What Does Charging Cost?

Charging costs for your Li L7 will depend on the country you are living in. Since every country has different rates for a kWh of electricity.

In the UK for example, for charging a 100 kWh battery pack, you will have to pay about 19 pounds.

For the Li L7, you will have to pay about 10 pounds in order to charge it from 0 to 100%. Since it has a 50 kWh battery pack.

How Long Will Charging Take?

The Li L7 does not require to be charged at all. This is a range extender model (EREV), which has an internal combustion engine that works as a generator of power.

So, this generator constantly charges up the battery. But if you want to charge the battery, you will be able to charge it at a fast charger from 20 to 80% in only 20 minutes.

What About Rivals?

The Li L7 does not have many rivals. Its nearest competitor is the Voyah Free. This is another model that implements a similar approach.

Other competitors of the L7 include the Li L8 and Li L9.