Li Auto Launches i9 Electric SUV in China with 0.215 Drag Coefficient
Li Auto unveiled its flagship i9 electric SUV on 16 September 2026, claiming the mass-production vehicle achieves a drag coefficient of 0.215, the lowest among production SUVs globally. Starting at 369,800 yuan (54,400 USD), the i9 features dual-motor all-wheel drive delivering 400kW output and a 101 kWh battery with CLTC range of 705 kilometres.
Li Auto officially introduced the i9 electric SUV on 16 September 2026, a flagship model featuring the company's i-series design language and a claimed drag coefficient of 0.215. The five-passenger vehicle measures 5,225mm long, 1,970mm wide and 1,752mm tall with a 3,168mm wheelbase, achieving a tight 10.6-metre turning diameter through steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering systems.
The interior emphasises versatility and luxury, incorporating four zero-gravity seats deployable simultaneously. Second-row seats rotate bidirectionally and pair with an integrated table to create multiple cabin configurations—living space, bedroom, entertainment lounge or dressing area. Equipment includes a 10-litre electric cooler, a 29-speaker surround system peaking at 4,960 watts, a 29-inch 6K panoramic front display and a 21-inch 4K rear entertainment screen across a three-layer colour scheme using premium materials.
Power comes from dual motors—asynchronous induction in front, permanent magnet synchronous at rear—combining for 400kW (536hp) and 660Nm torque. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h takes 4.9 seconds. A 101 kWh ternary lithium battery delivers 705 kilometres CLTC range with ultra-fast charging capability, adding 500 kilometres in ten minutes at high-speed chargers.
The optional "Embodied Intelligence" system pairs dual M100 chips and four LiDAR sensors with the new Mach VLA driver model, enhancing autonomous capabilities across urban and highway scenarios. Passive safety encompasses eleven airbags, an integrated dual-door ring structure rated at 2,000MPa and redundant power management. Initial deliveries use CATL batteries, transitioning to Li Auto-developed units manufactured by Sunwoda. Pricing begins at 369,800 yuan (54,400 USD).
Editorial takeaway
Li Auto unveiled its flagship i9 electric SUV on 16 September 2026, claiming the mass-production vehicle achieves a drag coefficient of 0.215, the lowest among production SUVs globally. Starting at 369,800 yuan (54,400 USD), the i9 features dual-motor all-wheel drive delivering 400kW output and a 101 kWh battery with CLTC range of 705 kilometres.
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