Li Auto Launches Li i9 in China: 6-Seat Electric Flagship Starts at $51,000 USD

 

Li Auto i9 — Key Facts
 

What Is the Li Auto i9?

The Li i9 is the company's flagship six-seat battery-electric SUV, built on Li Auto's second-generation pure electric platform. It is offered in a standard configuration at approximately $51,000 USD, per the official press release from Li Auto's investor relations page.
The i9 sits at the top of Li Auto's i-series BEV lineup, which also includes the i6 and i8. This is distinct from the L-series (L6, L7, L8, L9), which are extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). The i9 is 140 mm longer than the i8, with a 118 mm longer wheelbase, making it the brand's largest SUV by a significant margin.

Li i9 Price, Dimensions and Key Specifications

According to Li Auto, the i9 is priced at approximately $51,000 USD for the standard configuration. Key dimensions and specifications:

• Dimensions: 5,225 mm × 1,970 mm × 1,752 mm (L × W × H)

• Wheelbase: 3,168 mm — contributes to the vehicle's three-row cabin packaging

• Battery: 101 kWh CATL ternary lithium with 5C fast-charging capability

• Power: 400 kW (536 hp) dual-motor all-wheel drive

• Range: 705 km under CLTC

• Charging: 5C ultra-fast charging — approximately 500 km in 10 minutes

705 km CLTC Range and 5C Fast Charging

According to Li Auto, the i9 achieves a CLTC range of 705 km from its 101 kWh CATL ternary lithium battery supporting 5C charging. The 5C fast-charging capability allows approximately 500 km of range to be added in 10 minutes at a compatible 5C charging station.
The dual-motor AWD system produces 400 kW (536 hp) total — 150 kW from the front motor and 250 kW from the rear. Top speed is 200 km/h. Li Auto lists CLTC energy consumption at 15.1 kWh per 100 km.
 

6-Seat Interior and Zero-Gravity Seating

The i9 uses a 2+2+2 six-seat layout, with four full-size zero-gravity seats in the front two rows. Second-row captain's chairs feature 180° electric rotation, while the third row offers 55° electric recline and fore-aft slide adjustment.

The cabin is anchored by a 29-inch 6K panoramic front display and a 21.4-inch 4K rear entertainment screen, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 cockpit chip. Interior materials include Nappa leather, 18-point hot-stone massage functionality, and ventilation and heating across the four zero-gravity seats. Li Auto has also programmed scene modes — living room, cinema, and suite — to transform the cabin atmosphere for different use cases.

Aerodynamics, Steer-by-Wire and Rear-Wheel Steering

Li Auto says the i9 has a drag coefficient of 0.215 Cd, which it describes as the lowest among mass-produced SUVs. The figure has been widely reported by automotive media, though it originates from Li Auto's own testing.

The i9 is equipped with a steer-by-wire system that eliminates the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the front wheels, allowing variable steering ratios. Rear-wheel steering is also included, which reduces the turning radius of the 5,225 mm-long SUV. The chassis features air suspension with adaptive damping.


The i9 is initially being delivered with a CATL-supplied 5C ternary lithium battery. Li Auto has also been developing its own battery technology and, according to reports from Gasgoo, plans to transition the i9 to its self-developed battery as production ramps up. The motor, steer-by-wire system, and autonomous driving stack are self-developed by Li Auto.

Li Auto's Overseas Expansion and the i9

It is important to distinguish between Li Auto's brand-level international expansion and the i9's overseas availability — they are not the same thing.

Li Auto has been expanding internationally throughout 2025–2026. On April 25, 2026, the company signed partnership agreements with two distributors at its Beijing base: Al Fahim Motors for the UAE and Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors for Saudi Arabia, as reported by Khaleej Times. The UAE launch event followed on September 3, 2026, in Dubai, where Al Fahim Motors began selling the Li L9 — not the i9 — per Khaleej Times. Li Auto has also established a presence in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where L-series models are on sale and local assembly partnerships are in progress. The Caucasus and North Africa are additional target regions.

Li Auto has announced an International Exclusive Version of the All-New Li L9 for overseas markets, featuring global charging compatibility, climate-specific durability, and localized navigation and infotainment. This applies to the L9 — not to the i9. The i9 has launched in China only at this time, and its availability in individual international markets should be confirmed separately.

How the Li i9 Fits Into Li Auto's Product Strategy

The i9 is Li Auto's largest BEV flagship, sitting above the i6 and i8 in the i-series lineup. Its launch further expands Li Auto's battery-electric i-series alongside the company's existing range-extended L-series lineup.

The i9 also demonstrates Li Auto's push toward vertical integration: the motor, steer-by-wire system, and autonomous driving stack are self-developed. While initial i9 deliveries use a CATL-supplied battery, Li Auto has been developing its own battery technology and plans to transition the i9 to self-developed cells as production scales. This positions the brand to compete not only with domestic Chinese manufacturers but also with international automakers in the premium full-size BEV segment.

Li Auto's overseas expansion has begun with L-series models. Whether the i9 will eventually follow into export markets — and on what timeline — remains to be seen.

Li Auto i9 Full Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does the Li Auto i9 cost?

A: Approximately $51,000 USD for the standard configuration. Export pricing is subject to configuration, destination, and shipping terms.


Q: What is the range of the Li Auto i9?

A: 705 km under the CLTC testing standard, with a 101 kWh battery.


Q: Is the Li Auto i9 available outside China?

A: The i9 has launched in China only. Li Auto is expanding internationally with L-series models (L9 in the UAE, L-series in Central Asia). The i9's availability in specific overseas markets should be confirmed separately.


Q: How long does charging take?

A: With 5C fast charging, approximately 500 km of range can be added in 10 minutes at a compatible charging station.


Q: How many seats does the Li Auto i9 have?

A: Six seats in a 2+2+2 layout, with four zero-gravity seats in the front two rows and a reclining third row.


Interested in the Li Auto i9 for Your Market?

Contact our export team for availability, configuration, and shipping information.

[ Contact Export Team — info@gneenev.com ]
 

Sources

• Li Auto official IR press release — primary source: launch date, price, specifications

• Li Auto official website — product details, international partnerships

• CnEVPost: Li Auto launches flagship i9 electric SUV — secondary media coverage

• Khaleej Times: Al Fahim Motors partners with Li Auto Inc. — UAE distributor agreement, April 25, 2026

• Khaleej Times: Al Fahim Motors launches Li Auto in the UAE with the new Li L9 — UAE launch: L9, not i9

• Gasgoo: Li Auto i9 self-developed battery version deliveries to start in late October — battery production transition reporting