- The refreshed Li L9 will hit the market in the second quarter, with Li Auto touting the Livis variant as delivering generational upgrades.
- The Li L9 Livis is priced at RMB 559,800 ($80,670), significantly higher than the current Li L9's RMB 409,800.
Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI, HKG: 2015) has unveiled the updated Li L9, aiming to revitalize its flagship SUV (sport utility vehicle) with artificial intelligence.
The Chinese automaker unveiled the next-generation Li L9 on Friday, calling it an "embodied intelligence flagship SUV" that delivers generational updates. Its official launch is scheduled for the second quarter.
Li L9's evolution isn't merely about spec upgrades, but creating an elevated experience to become a truly user-centric, living vehicle, said Li Auto founder, chairman, and CEO Li Xiang.
Li Auto has prepared an ultimate version for this model priced at RMB 559,800 ($80,670), the Li L9 Livis. It embodies the company's vision for a flagship SUV in the era of embodied intelligence, achieving three generational breakthroughs, Li said.
This price significantly exceeds the current Li L9 — offered in Pro and Ultra versions starting at RMB 409,800 and RMB 439,800 respectively.
The Li L9 Livis features two Li Auto-developed M100 chips based on 5nm process technology, delivering 2,560 TOPS of effective computing power — three times that of Nvidia's Thor-U, according to Li.
It also incorporates 360-degree LiDAR coverage, forming what Li described as the world's most powerful smart driving brain with the M100 chips.
The Li L9 Livis features an 800V fully active suspension system with over 10,000 N of lift force per wheel, delivering top-tier handling and driving enjoyment, he said.
The variant also incorporates technologies including steer-by-wire, four-wheel steering, and fully electronic mechanical braking (EMB), Li noted.
The Li Auto CEO did not specify upgrades for the standard Li L9 model, though it is also expected to adopt the M100 chip and more advanced LiDAR.
The updated Li L9 will offer a customizable two-tone body option, Li revealed.
First launched in June 2022, the Li L9 is Li Auto's second extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and its flagship SUV.
Last month, local media outlet 36Kr reported that the 2026 Li L9 will feature increased dimensions, upgraded chassis, and a battery capacity exceeding 70 kWh, delivering over 400 kilometers of range per charge.
Li Auto's in-house developed M100 smart driving chip will debut in the Li L9, while the SUV's cockpit chip will transition to Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon 8797, according to the report.
The updated Li L9 represents the company's first major product since refocusing its strategy on its core EREV expertise.
Throughout 2025, Li Auto delivered 406,343 vehicles, marking an 18.81% year-on-year decline, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.
This makes the company one of the few NEV startups experiencing sales contraction, as its mainstay EREVs saw steep sales drops while battery electric vehicle (BEV) production ramped up slowly.
Li Auto has tentatively set a growth target of about 40% for 2026, aiming for around 550,000 units sold, according to 36Kr.
($1 = RMB 6.9398)
