The Li Auto L9 is probably one of the best range extenders (EREV) in the world that will definitely make you forget when you charged it up.
Overview
What is It?
The Li Auto L9 is a full-size crossover SUV manufactured by Li Auto from 2022. This is a fairly new model that is extremely popular in the plug-in hybrid segment.
Yes, that’s right, the Li Auto L9 is not an electric vehicle, this model is a range extender (EREV). Which is a type of plug-in hybrid.
So, what does this mean? Well, this means that the L9 uses the internal combustion engine as a generator for electricity.
This generator is charging up the battery with electricity and powers up the electric motors that then drive the car.
With this approach, you can forget when it was the last time you charged your L9 and drive without any worries that you will be left without power.
Li Auto? Say What?
Li Auto is a fairly new company that was founded in 2015. It is still unknown to many even in China.
This is mainly due to the fact that China is a huge billion people country and Li Auto is still developing and improving its production capacities.
Li Auto was founded by Li Xiang, a Chinese entrepreneur and the company has headquarters in Beijing and manufacturing plants in Changzhou.
Currently Li Auto has four different models to choose from and all of them are mid-size or full-size crossover SUVs. Except for the Li Auto Mega which is a minivan.
Overall, Li Auto does not try to be a competitor to NIO, Xpeng, or BYD. But create their own market of range extenders.
They have figured out the downsides of EVs and they know that range anxiety is a thing. So, they added an internal combustion engine in their models to work as a generator to charge the battery.
This allows their models to waste very little fuel and still work on electric power. Which in our opinion is excellent considering the fact that with a full charge of battery and a full tank you get up to 1,315 km of range!
What About the Looks?
The Li Auto L9 is one really good looking SUV. This model is all about the presence and honestly, the model doesn’t even try.
The L9 implements all the modern approaches when it comes to design and greatly reminds us of an EV, rather than a hybrid model.
At the front as well as on the rear end you have an LED light bar that goes from one side to the other. And when these LEDs turn on they look really incredible.
The side profile is really beautiful with the door handles sitting nice and flush to the body of the car.
The ride height is also pretty good in our opinion since this model does not sit extremely high like some other full-size SUVs.
Overall, when it comes to looks, we can give the Li Auto L9 a 9.5/10.
And to Drive?
An area where the Li Auto L9 shines is when it comes to driving. The L9 is a very good handling vehicle considering the fact that it is a full-size SUV.
All this is possible because the chassis of the L9 is extremely well designed and the balance under any conditions is incredible.
Since it is powered by electric motors, acceleration is instant and the overall impression of the Li Auto L9 is really good.
Do You Think You Will Take It to Heart?
These days many Chinese brands are entering the European markets and since they are newcomers there is a big stigma among customers.
But let us tell you that Chinese automakers have moved a long way since the days when their cars were considered to be poorly built and overall cheap.
Chinese carmakers have invested heavily into the know-how by employing very serious people from top European carmakers. These people include designers and mechanical engineers.
So, they are using their knowledge in building Chinese cars and they have great success. Especially in the last 10 years when Chinese cars have evolved into the best cars on the market.
This is why you shouldn’t worry a lot when it comes to Chinese vehicles and you should give them the chance they deserve and we can tell you that you will not be disappointed at all!
What’s in a Name?
The name L9 does not have any meaning. Li Auto names its products by using numbers. Starting with the smallest L7, then you have the L8, and the L9 is the largest full-size SUV model.
We like this simplicity since it is easy to tell which model is which and comparing the size is very intuitively done by the number in the name of the model.
You Mention High-tech?
When it comes to implementing the most advanced technology in the industry, Li Auto is probably one of the companies that invests the most and is a leading company in terms of innovation.
Li Auto knows about range anxiety and knows that many people still doubt electric cars. So, they decided to take a different approach.
They decided to develop a new type of plug-in hybrid known as a range extender or EREV. A range extended is not a new design.
It is very popular in diesel locomotives. But Li Auto decided to bring this approach when it comes to designing their vehicles.
So, for this purpose, they use an internal combustion engine as a generator of electricity. This engine runs on a certain RRM and generates electricity.
Then this generator charges up the battery that powers up the electric motors. Very good idea because although this model burns fuel, fuel consumption is minimal considering the fact how large is the Li Auto L9.
And the biggest pro is that with a full tank of fuel you can get an incredible range of 1,315 km. Which is something respectable for a vehicle of this size.
What’s the Verdict?
Overall, the Li Auto L9 has impressed us in many different aspects. This model has an incredible design that is very futuristic and modern. Not to mention that drives really well for its size.
And most importantly, the Li Auto L9 has an incredible range of 1,315 km on a full tank of gas. You just can’t beat that in our opinion.
All this because of its inventive approach to use the internal combustion engine as an electric current generator.
This is why we recommend the Li Auto L9 to anyone who doubts EVs and doesn’t want to experience range anxiety!
Price and Specs
How Much Does Li Auto L9 Cost?
The price for the Li Auto L9 in China starts at $63,000, which makes it really affordable considering the fact that this is a vehicle quite comparable to the Tesla Model X.
However, these are the Chinese prices. If you decide to buy one from China and then import it to your location, there can be more costs involved.
Specs:
| Price: $63,000 | Release Year: 2022 |
| 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 Auto L9 is not a lot different than driving any other internal combustion SUV.
This SUV has an internal combustion engine and a battery pack. So, weight displacement is pretty similar to conventional cars.
There will be body roll but not too much that will affect the way you drive the L9. Overall, the L9 delivers decent performance for the class of vehicle it is.
Remember that this is a large SUV and we cannot expect it to handle like a compact SUV. But if you want a reliable commuter that will take you from point A to point B cheaply and in luxury, the L9 is the way to go.
What About the Steering?
Steering of the Li Auto L9 is very light and extremely well calibrated. And although this EREV weighs a lot, it is very stable at high speed and extremely easy to maneuver around corners.
When you turn around corners the steering self centers intuitively, which is really a good thing since it is so effortless.
In wet conditions, the L9 can suffer a bit from torque steer and the inside tires can lose a bit of traction. But overall, nothing too scary.
Talk To Me About The Ride?
The Li L9 is a very comfortable cruising machine. With this SUV you will forget about the bumps and any discomfort that is present with other models.
The suspension is so soft that you don’t feel anything. So, if you need a comfortable cruiser the Li Auto L9 is definitely the model you need.
And the EV Efficiency?
The EV efficiency with the Li Auto L9 is really good. As you probably know, this model works as an EREV but you can also drive it in electric mode alone.
And with the 44 kWh battery you can squeeze a range of 200 km with the L9. Which is quite good considering the fact that other plug-in hybrids do not even close to the L9 range-wise on the battery alone.
What About Steering the Li Auto L9 Yourself?
Driving the Li Auto L9 is really easy and basically effortless. You just put it into drive and the car will move forward once you apply the throttle.
And these SUVs do not use regular brakes very often. Once you remove the foot from the throttle, the L9 will come down to a stop immediately. Which is a big plus.
Browse More:
Is the Range Good?
The range of the Li Auto L9 is one of the main highlights. This model delivers really solid numbers.
The range with a full battery and full tank of fuel is 1,315 km. Which is one of the best in the industry right now.
Even in EV mode alone you can get up to 200 km on a single charge. Perfect for those who want to drive only in electric mode.
Interior
What is It Like on the Inside?
The Li Auto L9 was conceived as a premium SUV. So, the interior feels every bit premium. We can honestly say that this model has one of the best interiors in the industry.
When you compare it to the Tesla Model X, the Li L9 is way ahead comfort wise and also in terms of technology that is implemented.
The cabin is very well insulated and there is almost no read noise. The materials are all premium and soft to the touch.
But the main star of the show is the infotainment screens. There are two massive screens at the front. One for the infotainment and one for the passenger.
And in the rear you have a giant cinema-like screen for the passengers. The L9 is a passenger oriented model and with this SUV your passengers will enjoy every bit of the driving.
Is the Li L9 Easy to Use?
Yes, the Li Auto L9 is extremely easy to use. There are hardly any procedures that you need to follow in order to get up to speed.
Just start the car and put it into drive, press the throttle and you are off. The interior is also very functional and easy to understand.
Everything is nicely laid out and intuitive. Overall, the L9 is one of the best vehicles out there.
But Where’s the Instrument Panel?
The Li L9 does not have an instrument panel. You don’t have those antique dials and needles that move up and down.
In the L9 you have all the essential information on the steering wheel itself. On the steering wheel right above the airbag you have a small screen that has all the essential data you need, including the gear you are in, speed, battery life, fuel level, and the warning lights.
Is It Spacious?
Ye, the Li L9 is one of the most spacious vehicles on the market right now. This is a full-size SUV, so it was designed to deliver maximum comfort.
With this model, you can seat up to 7 people comfortably and the comfort for the passengers is really something special.
The seats are covered in soft leather and they are very comfortable on long distance journeys. In the rear, you also have a giant cinema-like screen so your passengers feel entertained all of the time.
How’s the Build Quality?
The build quality of the Li Auto L9 is really on point. It is on par with some of the most high-end vehicles out there.
The interior is filled with soft leather that is really high-quality and the seats are designed to deliver maximum comfort.
The panels are really well built and overall, the whole car is well put together. As it should be for this price.
Buying
What Should I Be Paying?
The Li Auto L9 is one of the most affordable premium SUVs that you can find. Starting as low as $63,000.
But the cost of the model can increase with the import fees to your country. And this can be a substantial increase because this is a luxury vehicle.
What Does Charging Cost?
The cost to charge your Li L9 depends on the country you live in. Every country has different fees for kWh of electricity.
So, for example, in the UK, to charge a 100 kWh battery, you will spend around 19 pounds. Some countries charge even more, it really depends on your location.
How Long Will Charging Take?
The L9 does not need to be charged at all. This model has an internal combustion engine that works as a generator of electricity. So, it constantly charges up the battery.
Although if you are left without fuel, you will be able to charge the battery on an EV fast charger from 20 to 80% in 20 minutes.
What About Rivals?
The Li L9 does not have many rivals. The biggest competitor of this model is the Voyah Free, another Chinese luxury plug-in hybrid SUV.
