Li Auto has officially unveiled the new i9 in China, a large all-electric six-seat SUV that becomes the company’s biggest EV to date. Measuring more than 5.2 meters long, the flagship model combines a 101-kWh battery, 400 kW of power and a claimed 705 km of CLTC range.
The Li i9 is positioned as a premium family electric SUV, although its long, boxy proportions give it a more spacious, almost MPV-like appearance than a conventional SUV. It launches initially in the Home trim, bringing a flexible interior designed around passenger comfort.
Li i9 Is Li Auto’s Largest Electric SUV
Built on the second generation of Li Auto’s dedicated BEV platform, the i9 measures 5.23 meters in length and has a 3.17-meter wheelbase. Those dimensions make it the largest model in the company’s current lineup.
The six-seat layout is one of the i9’s key selling points. The Home trim includes swiveling seats that allow passengers in the second and third rows to face each other, creating a more lounge-like cabin.
This feature was previously introduced on the Li Mega and is now being expanded to the i9 as part of Li Auto’s strategy to differentiate its premium electric vehicles through interior flexibility and passenger comfort.
400 kW All-Wheel Drive and 705 km CLTC Range
The Li i9 uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing a combined 400 kW and 660 Nm of torque. Li Auto claims the large SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Power comes from a 101-kWh nickel-based battery mounted beneath the passenger compartment. The battery supports 5C fast charging, with Li Auto claiming that up to 500 km of driving range can be added in just 10 minutes under suitable charging conditions.
The official CLTC-rated range is 705 km. As with other CLTC figures from the Chinese market, real-world range will vary depending on speed, temperature, road conditions and driving style.
Advanced Chassis and Technology
Despite its size, the Li i9 is equipped with a sophisticated chassis. Standard equipment includes dual-chamber air suspension with two-valve dampers, steer-by-wire technology and rear-wheel steering.
The technology package also includes LiDAR sensors and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 processor, reflecting Li Auto’s focus on advanced driver assistance, connectivity and software features in its premium EV lineup.
The combination of air suspension and rear-wheel steering should also help the i9 balance its substantial dimensions with improved ride comfort and maneuverability.
Li i9 Price in China
The Li i9 is initially offered in the Home configuration, with a starting price of 369,800 yuan in China. That converts to approximately €48,500 based on the exchange-rate comparison provided at launch, although European pricing would be expected to differ because of taxes, tariffs, equipment and local market costs.
The new flagship joins Li Auto’s growing battery-electric range in China, which also includes the Li Mega, Li i8 and Li i6.
Li Auto Targets Europe With the Li 6
The Li i9 is not the only important development for the Chinese automaker. Li Auto is also preparing to expand its European presence.
The company is scheduled to appear at the Paris Motor Show from October 12–18, where it plans to introduce the European version of the Li 6. European sales are expected to begin in the fourth quarter.
The European Li 6 could therefore become an important model for Li Auto as the company moves beyond China and begins competing in the increasingly crowded premium electric SUV market.
With the i9, Li Auto is showing how far its electric vehicle lineup has progressed, combining a large six-seat cabin with high-output all-wheel drive, fast charging and advanced chassis technology. The company’s upcoming European launch will reveal whether the same premium-focused strategy can translate successfully to markets outside China.
