Li Auto Unveils i9: A Flagship Electric SUV With 705 km Range and Four Zero-Gravity Seats
Li Auto has officially launched its new flagship electric SUV—the i9—priced at 369,800 yuan ($51,200 USD, based on current exchange rates). The vehicle measures 5,225 mm in length and boasts a class-leading wheelbase of 3,168 mm. Its aerodynamic efficiency is exceptional, with a drag coefficient of just 0.215—the lowest among all mass-produced SUVs globally. Under the CLTC cycle, it delivers up to 705 km of range using its 101 kWh ternary lithium 5C ultra-fast charging battery.
The i9 retains Li Auto’s signature design language, featuring an intelligent star-ring headlight system with Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) functionality. Its short front overhang and extended rear overhang lend a sleek, elongated profile. The side profile eliminates visual bulk through a flat A-to-D pillar surface and unusually long three-row side windows. At the rear, layered horizontal lines, a full-width LED taillight, and subtle chrome accents reinforce a premium aesthetic.
At 5,225 × 1,970 × 1,752 mm, the i9 maintains a relatively narrow width of 1,970 mm—enhancing urban maneuverability. Combined with steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering, it achieves a minimum turning radius of just 5.3 meters (10.6-meter diameter).
Inside, the cabin continues the MEGA Home-inspired tri-tone layered theme, offered in two color schemes: white-gray and brown-beige. Air-diamond quilted upholstery and lightweight metallic trim elevate the sense of airy sophistication—a consistent hallmark across Li Auto’s latest models.
A standout feature is the i9’s total glass area of 7.5 square meters, contributing to remarkable cabin openness. Coupled with a stepped seating layout, visibility for all three rows is significantly improved. All four seats are zero-gravity units—with simultaneous recline capability, a segment first. The second-row seats rotate fully and support multiple configurations: living room, bedroom, theater, private dressing room, or family mode. In face-to-face arrangement, headrest spacing reaches 2.5 meters.
Cargo versatility is enhanced by a maximum trunk depth of 690 mm (with third-row seats sliding up to 100 mm), plus a front trunk enabled by vertical 90° placement of the front e-motor. Standard equipment includes a 10-liter electric refrigerator (freezer, chiller, and heater modes), a 9.3.6-channel Home Theater audio system with 29 speakers and 4,960 W peak output, and dual displays: a 29-inch 6K panoramic screen for the front row and a 21-inch 4K entertainment screen for the rear (with ±120 mm fore-aft travel).
For intelligent driving, buyers may opt for the “Embodied Intelligence Package,” powered by dual Mach M100 chips (1,280 TOPS) and four LiDARs (one standard, three optional). It also features eight UWB high-precision proximity radars and eleven cameras as standard. Enhanced by the next-generation Mach VLA driver large model, the system delivers smoother, more confident performance in both city and highway environments. Capabilities include remote auto-exit parking, unmarked-space parking, app- or smart-glasses-controlled parking, and robotic plug-in charging (available only at Li Auto’s national ultra-fast charging stations in Beijing).
Safety is prioritized with 11 airbags—including side-curtain airbags spanning 3,112 mm—and a monocoque dual-door ring structure made from 2,000 MPa ultra-high-strength steel. Dual power paths and independent door-level power supply further bolster reliability.
Powertrain-wise, the i9 uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup: an asynchronous induction motor up front and a permanent magnet synchronous motor at the rear. Total system output stands at 400 kW and 660 N·m, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. The chassis employs double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension, with standard dual-chamber, dual-valve air suspension and CDC continuously variable damping. Steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering work in concert to balance high-speed stability and low-speed agility.
Editor’s Take:
The Li Auto i9 isn’t just another electric SUV—it’s a rolling lifestyle platform. With four zero-gravity seats, a glass-heavy cabin, and a suite of advanced hardware that anticipates future software upgrades, it pushes the envelope on what a family-oriented EV can be. While pricing sits above many competitors, the integration of comfort, tech, and usability makes it a compelling flagship—not just for Li Auto, but for the broader EV market.
