Last summer, Li Auto Philippines officially opened its first flagship showroom in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig. This showroom serves as the brand’s primary retail space in the country, introducing a lineup of luxury models, including the Li L7 five-seater SUV, the Li L9 six-seater full-sized SUV, and the futuristic Li Mega MPV. The two SUVs are equipped with the Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) powertrain, while the MPV is fully electric.
The Chinese electric vehicle maker claims to have a unique approach to intelligent electric vehicles. So, when the local distributor invited us to join its maiden experiential event, we found ourselves more curious than excited.
Commissioned during the event were three dark colored, brand-new units of each model. Considering the limited number of test units available and the large group of media participants, vehicle assignments were restricted to one model per assigned group, and even less so the seat time, as each group had to take turns at several stages of the trip. Our designated model for the initial leg was the top-spec Li L9 Ultra, with a price tag of P5,490,000. The choice of destination was Nawa Wellness Resort in Calatagan, Batangas, with numerous stops in between, via Tagaytay, to take turns riding the Li Auto models. For the most part, each group ended up only riding one model.
Ultra-version
The Black Metallic Li L9 Ultra assigned to us denotes that minimalist luxury design approach. European design cues clearly inspire the overall look with curvy silhouettes and minimal sharp profiles. Virtually identical to its smaller sibling, Li L7, the only difference aside from dimension and interior theme is the C-pillar. The front end features an upper long daytime running light strip, aligned with the curved bonnet. The only grill vent is below the bumper where the LED headlamps are installed in both corners. Meanwhile, the rear features the same long red LED light strip, unified with the taillights. The full-sized family SUV is equipped with 21-inch Black and Grey alloy wheels, wrapped in 265/45 series tires.
Motivation comes from a plug-in hybrid setup featuring dual electric traction motors, generating a combined power rating of 443 hp and 620 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine functions as a generator to charge the standard 52.3-kWh large-capacity battery. The total range is up to 1,400 kilometers in hybrid mode and up to 280 kilometers in pure electric mode.
Dimension-wise, the SUV measures 5,218 mm in length, 1,800 mm in height, and 1,998 mm in width, with a 3,105 mm wheelbase.
Chauffeured experience
Unlike the usual drive event, they assigned a company driver and product specialist to each model. That means no drive time, only a passenger experience, at least for the next 49 kilometers going to Coffee Builders in Silang, Cavite.
Unique to Li Auto models is the identical cockpit layout and the Magic Carpet driver seat. Additionally, the steering features a small screen panel in the center, replacing the usual instrument cluster display. But there are dual 15.6-inch infotainment screens. The center one is for the control user interface, while the second display is closer to the front passenger for pure entertainment, much like a tablet.
Interestingly, we found out that owners can install popular smartphone applicationsin the Li L9 Ultra, such as YouTube, Spotify, Waze, and Google Maps, via a laptop’s wired connectivity. The center console has a sunken compartment and two air-cooled wireless charging pads. In contrast, the second row features an OLED touchscreen control for rear air conditioning, seat ventilation, two Type-C charging ports, two 12-volt sockets, and a 220-volt power interface.
From the BGC dealership, we hit the road and took the C-5, SLEX, CALAX, and Aguinaldo highway route. On the road, it was the Li L9 Ultra’s NVH level of suppression that struck us instantly. Indeed, the double-layered noise-insulating glass and silent electric suction doors were in full effect. Even the double-chamber air spring and air suspension setup had us wondering where all the usual bounces had gone. We also felt the system working hard to eliminate those floor vibrations. However, the usual tire rebounds from uneven cracks were still there due to the tire’s low series setup.
The best part was when we asked the specialist to enable the audio system, featuring a panoramic sound layout with Dolby Atmos support. It was like a 360-degree immersive acoustic feast. Did we mention that there is an 8.8-liter capacity warmer/refrigerator with precise temperature settings? Simply pull the rear panel of the center console.
After a brief stop at the gas station in SLEX to refuel, we hit the freeway in hybrid mode. This time, the specialist demonstrated the vehicle’s autonomous driving capabilities. According to Li Auto, their self-developed full-stack Li AD Pilot Assistance combines over 20 sensing hardware components on the vehicle.
Together with the Li L9 Ultra’s intelligent driving sensor, comprising 10 high-definition intelligent driving cameras and a 128-line LiDAR radar system, it enables a 3D digital driving experience, displayed in real-time via the front center display. The system has a wider, more precise, and more detailed view, capable of detecting objects both during the day and at night. So, when the driver turned the signals, the system enabled the vehicle to change lanes safely, while keeping hands-free on the steering wheel.
Moreover, the Li L9 Ultra’s system can further perform autonomous overtaking, enter/exit ramps, pass intersections in response to traffic lights, enter/exit roundabouts, and avoid/detour around roadwork obstacles.
Arriving at the coffee shop marked the end of our passenger experience. But there, the specialist demonstrated the autonomous parking feature. Using the same system, the vehicle moved back and forth to park itself automatically. All the cameras and radar even detected the surrounding crowd filming the demonstration, which caused the vehicle to hesitate before moving to avoid us.
The following day, we boarded the Li L9 Ultra, and it was time to demonstrate further the air suspension functions. Impressively, the “Magic Carpet” air suspension system has five adjustable heights. The rear axle air suspension can be lowered by up to 50 mm for easier ingress and loading.
Moreover, the front and rear axle suspension can be raised by up to 40 mm. It worked well when we enabled the off-road assist function while rolling on the tight paths with extreme gradients within the resort property. Here, the various camera views also displayed blind spots, particularly side tire views. The feature made it easier for the driver to remain within the tight paved path while avoiding the grassy and muddy portions. When we arrived at the lunch venue, it was the end of our passenger experience once again.
Truth be told, there is still a long list of Li L9’s features that we have yet to explore, if not for the limited seat time. However, our experiences with this six-seater luxury SUV provided us with insights to validate its premium price tag.
Overall, when considering the numerous intelligent safety and convenience functions, as well as advanced chipsets, hardware, and software, it’s clear that this vehicle is not just a luxurious living space, but also a rolling tech hub.
