Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y : What’s the Difference?

If you are in the market for a new premium luxury EV and consider the Li L9 and the Tesla Model Y, look no further because in this article, there will be a lot to cover.

We will compare these models in terms of specs, price, interior, exterior design, battery and power, safety, and many other important aspects. Once you go through this article, you will have a clearer picture which model will be the best for you!

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Specs

Let’s first take a look at the specs of these models. For this, we created a table where we compare them side by side and learn more about the numbers that these models deliver.

Model	Li Auto L9	Tesla Model Y
Variant	Max	Base
Price	$63,910	$36,389
Battery (kWh)	45 kWh	60 kWh
Drive	AWD	RWD
WLTP Range (km)	1,315 km	400 km
Power Output (kW)	330 kW	220 kW
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	5.5 seconds	6.9 seconds
Plug Types (AC/DC)	Type 2 & CCS2	Type 2 & CCS2
Max Charge Rate (AC/DC)	7/75	11/170
Cargo Space (liters)	640 liters	753 liters
Frunk Cargo Space	No	Yes
Length (mm)	5,218 mm	4,750 mm
Width (mm)	1,998 mm	1,921 mm
Height (mm)	1,800 mm	1,624 mm
Running Clearance	175 mm	167 mm
Wheelbase	3,105 mm	2,890 mm
Tow Rating	0 kg	750 kg
V2L	Yes	No
Warranty	5 years/100,000km	4 years/80,000 km
Battery Warranty	8 years/160,000km	8 years/160,000 km
Loyalty Program	Yes	Yes

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Price

Pricing is one of the factors that is probably the most important when buying a new EV. The price has to meet your budget in order for you to consider this vehicle. So, how do these two models compare in this aspect?

Well, we can tell you that both of these models are extremely expensive. They are out of reach for many out there.

The Li L9 is the largest SUV that Li Auto offers and this model starts at $64,910. This is one of the most expensive SUVs that China can offer right now.

The Tesla Model Y on the other hand is cheaper than the Li L9 model. The Tesla Model Y starts as low as $36,389 in China.

And with options this price can rise on the same level as the Li Auto L9. But considering the lower base price, the Tesla Model Y is probably the more affordable model that you can get.

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Design and Interior

Exterior and interior design is a highly important aspect that makes or breaks a deal. This is the first thing that attracts the buyer. The better the looks and the more functionality, the more sales the car will get.

And luckily for you, both of these models are some of the best looking vehicles that money can buy. And they don’t share a lot between them. These vehicles are basically the opposite.

On the other hand you have the Li L9 a full-size SUV that is massive in size and on the other hand you have the Model Y, an SUV that is not a proper SUV.

The Model Y is something like a Model 3 with a slightly more headroom and legroom. It is stretched in terms of height and length.

The design that both models have is very futuristic and advanced. It basically shows us how far the design language can go. So, both of the models are looking really good.

The interior of these models is a whole different story. With the Li L9, you have a massive space inside.

This model is able to seat up to 7 people comfortably. And when we say comfortably, we mean it. This model has some of the most comfortable and most luxurious seats in the whole EV segment.

There is also a ton of technology and features. You have two 3k screens for the infotainment and passenger that run on the most recent chips and are extremely snappy.

You also have one giant cinema-like screen to entertain the rear passengers. This screen is activated with a press of a button. With the Tesla Model Y, you don’t have such luxury. With this model, you only have one screen and a steering wheel.

The interior of the Model Y looks really minimalist and almost bland compared to the Li L9. That’s why our vote goes for the Li L9. This model simply has the stuff that the Model Y doesn’t and even more.

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Power and Performance

Power and performance should be one of your top priorities when you spend so much on a car. An EV that’s worth this much should deliver in these aspects and offer you a thrilling experience.

And we can tell you that both of these models are really good in terms of acceleration.

Specifically, the Li L9 is a model that simply never stops to amaze us. This model produces up to 440 hp and 620 N-m of torque.

These are pretty massive numbers. The high torque rating is able to propel this 2.5+ ton vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.5 seconds. Which is pretty amazing.

On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y standard RWD model comes with 295 hp and lower torque than the Li L9. This model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.9 seconds.

And as you can see, the Li L9 is 1.4 seconds faster than the Tesla Model Y. But there is a model that can outpace the L9.

This is the AWD Performance version of the Model Y. This model is able to deliver an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. And this is a number that you can hardly beat.

But the downside of this version of the Model Y is that it is more expensive than the Li L9 overall.

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Battery and Range

Battery and range are also important when it comes to buying an EV. You just don’t want to deal with range anxiety. Range anxiety is a real problem when it comes to EV and this is why we strongly recommend buying an EV based on your needs when it comes to range.

And luckily for you, the Li Auto L9 is one of the best cars that you can get in this aspect. This model is not only an EV, it’s much more than that.

This model is able to generate electricity on its own. In this model, you also have a 1.5L liter turbo that charges up the battery. With the L9 you have a small 45 kWh battery because of this, you practically don’t need a very large 100 kWh battery pack.

And what is good is that with this battery pack and a full tank of gas you can squeeze up to 1,315 km of range. Which is something of a record in this industry. If you drive only in EV mode, the battery will only be good for 210 km overall.

While on the other hand with the Tesla Model Y, you only have an electric motor and a battery. This means that you have to charge this model instead of filling it up at a gas station like the L9.

And the Model Y will only be good for 400 km of range. Which is not a lot compared to the L9. This is why if you want to have a model that runs forever without charging, we recommend the L9.

Battery and range are really important whenever you want to buy an EV. This aspect should be your top priority. We are telling this because many people suffer from something known as range anxiety.

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Autopilot and Other Tech

One of the main aspects where an EV should deliver is in terms of technology and autopilot. Owners simply expect self-driving cars and manufacturers deliver. But are these cars really self-driving?

Well, not quite. Both of these models have something that is known as Level 2 autonomy. So, what does this mean?

This means that these models use something known as adaptive cruise control. This is a feature that allows you to drive on the highway without much interference. The car adjusts the distance and speed from other vehicles.

Behind this smart feature is the ADAS system. This is the Advanced Driving Assistance System. This system packs a ton of sensors, radars, and cameras. It monitors the surroundings and makes instant decisions.

This system offers a palette of different features besides the adaptive cruise control. These features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, brake assist, automated emergency braking, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, crash collision warning, and parking assist.

Overall, both of these models have this system and it really depends on your budget how much you can spend to activate all of these functions.

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Size and Body

Practicality is vital when it comes to buying an SUV of this size and price. You need a vehicle that you can rely on and a vehicle that will deliver maximum driver and passenger comfort.

Out of the two, the Li L9 is the one that is far roomier. This model is able to accommodate up to 7 people comfortably without the passengers struggling for headroom or legroom.

In the Tesla Model Y, you can also accommodate up to 7 people but not so comfortably. Rear space in the Tesla is very tight and only a child can fit on the third row.

This is why we would not recommend the Tesla Model Y to those who need more space for passengers, with this model, you will definitely start to feel claustrophobic.

On the other hand with the L9, you have plenty of room in the rear for passengers.

Cargo space is also very good with the Li L9 at 640 liters and up to 800 liters if you fold down the rear seats.

While with the Tesla Model Y, you have a cargo space of about 753 liters.

Overall, the Li L9 is far more practical and usable vehicle than the Tesla Model Y. So, that’s why we recommend it!

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Safety

Safety should always be a top priority for you when it comes to buying a car. Especially when it comes to buying luxury SUVs like the L9 and the Model Y.

As we noted previously, both of these models implement a powerful ADAS system. This system offers a palette of safety features that will boost the safety of you and your passengers.

These features include adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and plenty of other helpful features.

On top of that, both of these models were tested very rigorously. The Tesla Model Y was crash tested all around the world by many testing organizations and everywhere this model scored clean 5/5 stars.

While the Li L9 was only tested in China. And on these tests the model scored the highest score possible.

If Li intends to sell this model in other markets, we can expect more testing results to be available.

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Warranties

Warranty is also very important when it comes to buying one of these expensive vehicles. You need to have good warranty coverage in order not to end up paying a lot of money on repairs if something pops up.

What is good about both of these models is that they have a good battery warranty. Which is 8 years or 160,000 km.

The vehicle warranty is a bit different. For example, the Li L9 has a warranty of 5 years or 100,000 km. While the Tesla Model Y has a slightly worse coverage, about 4 years or 80,000 km.

So, overall, in terms of warranty, the Li L9 is slightly better covered about 1 year or 20,000 km more than the Tesla Model Y.

Li Auto L9 vs Tesla Model Y: Additional Consideration

When it comes to these two vehicles, there are no major considerations that you need to take when buying.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing a model out of these two, it really depends on your needs. If you need less room inside, you should go for the Tesla Model Y.

If you need more room and more space, you should go for the Li L9.

The Li L9 also offers more premium materials inside and more technology compared to the Tesla. Which is another bonus.

And lastly, the warranty coverage is a bit better with the L9 compared to the Tesla Model Y.