Li Auto officially launches 2nd model L9, priced at RMB459,800

Beijing (Gasgoo)- On June 21st, China’s up-rising new energy vehicle startup Li Auto officially introduced its second production model, the L9, to the public eye, and kicked off presale.

Photo credit: Li Auto

The model inherits Li ONE’s family-oriented vision, positioned as a family-friendly intelligent flagship SUV with the space of an MPV. The full-size SUV is 5,218mm long, 1,988mm wide, and 1,800mm tall, with a wheelbase that spans 3,105mm.

The L9 is priced at RMB459,800 ($68,650), with electric stepping board and three additional colors as add-ons for RMB10,000 ($1,500) each. However, Li Auto laid its eyes on being the best family-oriented smart SUV model priced under RMB5 million ($746,500). The price limit put the luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS into its line of competition.

Photo credit: Li Auto

The L9 features multiple boast-worthy family-oriented traits. For example, Li Auto constructed a 3D interaction space onboard, with six microphones and 3DToF sensors. When paired with the automaker’s deep learning-based multimodal 3D space interaction technology, the L9 can offer passengers an easy and natural smart interactive experience even for elderlies and children, as the system can be controlled by voice and hand gestures.

Photo credit: Li Auto

The new model is powered by Li Auto’s inhouse-grown intelligent driving system, the AD Max. The system adopts the automaker’s full-stack software of perception, decision, planning and control, ensuring the system’s reliability and growth. Specifically, its AEB system is specially optimized in accordance with the Chinese traffic situation, with enhanced recognition ability of jay-walking pedestrians and two-wheel road participants.

Powering the technologies is a robust computing platform. The dual-operator 5G connected intelligent cockpit is equipped with two pieces of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chips, with 24GB RAM and 256GB storage. Moreover, the vehicle is installed with two pieces of NVIDIA Orin-X processor, providing a maximum computing power of 508TOPS.

Photo credit: Li Auto

Compared to the Li ONE, the L9 adopts a closed-off front bumper without a grille. Both models have a light stripe running across the front of the car, but the light on the L9 appears more fluent without the grille intercepting the flow.

The L9 features five connectable screens. Instead of a traditional dashboard, the car is equipped with an ultra-large HUD and a Mini-LED display on top of the steering wheel. The Mini-LED display can show driving-related information, including speed, range, navigation, and intelligent driving interaction. Additionally, the L9 has a center control display and two infotainment screens in the passenger seat and backseats, all of which are 15.7” 3K OLED displays.

As another range-extended model, the L9 is powered by Li Auto’s self-developed new range extension system. The 1.5T four-cylinder range extender offers a maximum power of 113kW, with 40.5% of thermal efficiency. The batteries on the L9 measures 44.5kWh, with a usable volume of 39.2kWh, offering a WLTC battery-electric range of 180km. The combined range of the L9 reaches 1,315km under CLTC conditions.

Photo credit: Li Auto

The model is strengthened with two front-facing cameras that realize 120° wide angle and 550m distance of coverage. The vehicle is also installed with a 128-beam LiDAR from Hesai Technology.

With its smart, advanced, and inclusive features, Li Xiang, founder and CEO of Li Auto, said that he believe monthly deliveries of the L9 will reach 10,000 units as soon as in September.