Li Auto, the Chinese luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) brand, has officially opened its first dealership in the Philippines. Located at Sennett Corporate Center, 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the first Li Auto dealership embodies the brand’s values of providing an extension of your luxury home on the road.
It is also worth noting that the Philippines is also Li Auto’s first overseas market. In China alone, Li Auto’s annual sales are already more than half a million. In 2024, its sales jumped 33 percent, making it one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in China. As they expand their premium presence into the Philippines, Li Auto aims to let Filipino families looking for a luxury family vehicle experience cutting-edge luxury that only a PHEV can offer.
Say Hello To The L9 And L7
Also present in the dealership are the first two models to be sold in the Philippines, the Li Auto L9 full-size three-row SUV and the L7 midsize two-row SUV. The L9 and L7 share a similar aesthetic as they are both long and standard wheelbase versions of each other. The L9 and L7 feature a minimalist design with upright shapes and clean surfaces. The front fascia of both models is characterized by their horizontal full-width LED daytime running lights, which are also their accent lighting at night.
The sides and rear of both models are likewise similar, featuring flush door handles and soft-close doors. At the top, you will see the LiDAR sensor for its Li AD Max semi-autonomous driving assistance systems. AD Max uses NVIDIA DRIVE Orin-X chips to let its LiDAR and other array of sensors interpret all of the data and deliver an unparalleled level of precision in how these vehicles visualize the surrounding environment. On the lower “Pro” variants, a system called AD Pro is used, whose primary omission is the lack of a LiDAR sensor at the roof of the vehicle.
L7 Interior
L9 Interior
Now, as we move towards the interior of these two vehicles, the L7 and L9 feature a very luxurious and well-trimmed interior finished in fine materials and Nappa Leather upholstery. The driver is greeted by a large windshield-projected head-up display and a small steering-mounted OLED screen, while two 15.7-inch 3K OLED screens span the rest of the car’s well-built dashboard.
In the L7 and L9, the first two rows of seats feature 16-point massaging, as well as heating and cooling, while an immersive 21-speaker surround sound system with Dolby Atmos fills the cabin with exceptional sound. There’s another 15.7-inch 3K OLED screen for the rear occupants, along with other novelty features like a fridge for the rear passengers. In the L9, there are second-row power-adjustable captain’s chairs, while the third row is also spacious and filled with creature comforts like power adjustment, seat heating, and USB ports.
Revolutionary Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
The Li Auto L7 and L9 gained fame in the Chinese market for their revolutionary PHEV drivetrain. Though, in reality, it is actually executed as a range-extending electric drivetrain. The engine, which is a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder, never powers the wheels. Instead, it simply acts as a generator to charge its 42.8 kWh lithium-ion battery in the L7 Pro, or the 52.3 kWh lithium-ion battery in the L7 Ultra, L9 Pro, and L9 Ultra. You can also charge it via its GB/T charging port standard, which unfortunately limits its compatibility in CCS2-dominant Philippines, though its DC fast charging capabilities allow the vehicle to charge from 20 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.
All variants and models get a dual electric motor AWD layout, which offers a 442-horsepower system output and is good for a 0-100 kph time of just 5.3 seconds for both the L7 and L9. The 42.8 kWh battery in the L7 Pro has a pure electric range of 225 km. The larger 52.3 kWh battery allows for up to 286 km of range in the L7 Ultra. On the other hand, the 52.3 kWh battery in the L9 models allows for up to 280 km of electric range. Total driving range with the gas engine easily exceeds more than 1,000 kilometers. These range figures are all under the CLTC test cycle.
Li Auto is also proud to highlight its self-developed Magic Carpet Air Suspension Max system, whose ride height variability is up to 50 mm lower or 40 mm higher, depending on the drive mode and function.
Prices
- L7 Pro: P3,890,000
- L7 Ultra: P4,490,000
- L9 Pro: P5,190,000
- L9 Ultra: P5,490,000
Li Auto Mega Previewed
Another vehicle in the Li Auto Philippines lineup that’s soon to be sold in our market is the Mega. Unlike most of its models, this luxury MPV is pure electric. The Mega also features a curvaceous, bullet train-like silhouette, which helps its aerodynamics. The front fascia is characterized by full-width LED daytime running lights and separate main LED headlights, while the rear end features thick D-pillars and a tapering roofline, likewise helping its aerodynamics. In fact, at 0.215 Cd, it is one of the most aerodynamic vans in the world.
Inside, the Li Auto Mega follows a similar aesthetic as other models, featuring two 15.7-inch 3K OLED screens at the front, and another 15.7-inch 3K OLED screen at the rear. Two captain’s chairs that feature similar luxury features as the L9 are also present, but the third row has even more space, thanks to its van body style.
With a 102.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Li Auto Mega can travel up to 710 km under the CLTC test cycle. Its dual-motor AWD layout gives it an impressive 536 horsepower, which is enough for a 0-100 kph time of just 5.5 seconds.
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