Li Auto has revealed the Li i9, its largest SUV to date and the company’s first all-electric flagship aimed at families. The new model, set for a September debut, arrives as Li Auto faces declining sales and increased competition in the electric vehicle market.
Li i9: Li Auto’s New Flagship SUV
Li Auto has officially previewed the Li i9, expanding its 9-series flagship SUV family with its first all-electric model designed for family use. The announcement was made by Li Xiang, founder, chairman, and CEO of Li Auto, in a Weibo post on Thursday.
Li Xiang wrote, “Our first family-oriented all-electric flagship SUV, a second Home. Li i9, see you in September,” highlighting the company’s focus on spaciousness and comfort. The Li i9 will feature a special ‘Home’ badge at the rear, and a Home version will be available, following the precedent set by the Li Mega MPV.
Dimensions and Positioning
The Li i9 measures 5,225 mm (~205.7 inches) in length with a wheelbase of 3,168 mm (~124.7 inches), making it significantly larger than Li Auto’s current all-electric flagship, the Li i8, which is 5,085 mm (~200.2 inches) long with a 3,050 mm (~120.1 inches) wheelbase.
This makes the Li i9 the largest SUV Li Auto has ever produced, offering what Li Xiang described as ‘Li Mega-class’ spaciousness.
Market Context and Company Strategy
The launch of the Li i9 is a central part of Li Auto’s 2026 strategy, as the company aims for a 20% year-on-year increase in vehicle deliveries, targeting approximately 490,000 vehicles this year.
However, Li Auto has faced challenges in recent months. The company delivered 30,895 vehicles in June, a 14.84% decrease year-on-year, and 193,472 vehicles in the first half of 2026, down 5.13% from the same period last year. Financially, Li Auto reported a net loss of $338.1M (~AUD 487.7M) in the first quarter, with its gross margin dropping to 7.9% from 20.5% a year earlier.
Performance of Existing Models
Li Auto’s first all-electric SUV, the Li i8, has struggled since its launch in July 2025. In June, the Li i8 delivered just 779 units, a 50.19% drop from the previous month, and totaled 8,733 units in the first half of 2026, representing only 4.51% of the company’s total deliveries.
A new single-motor version of the Li i8 appeared in a government catalog in June, potentially signaling a lower-priced option. The current dual-motor Li i8 is priced at $49,957 (~AUD 72,051).
In contrast, the lower-positioned Li i6 has become the company’s main sales driver, delivering 21,453 units in June and reaching a cumulative 149,414 units as of that month.
Upcoming and Updated Models
Li Auto continues to update its lineup beyond the i9. The upgraded Li L9 was launched on May 15, and the all-new Li L8, now a five-seater, was rolled out on June 23. The company also announced that the new-generation Li L6 extended-range SUV, one of its best-selling entry-level models, will launch on July 16.
Why this matters
The introduction of the Li i9 marks a significant step for Li Auto as it seeks to strengthen its position in the premium all-electric SUV segment. With sales of its first all-electric SUV underperforming, the i9’s launch is critical for the company’s growth targets and its strategy to appeal to family buyers seeking larger, more comfortable electric vehicles.
Li Xiang emphasized the importance of 2026 for the company’s evolution, stating, “2026 will be a critical year for Li Auto to evolve into an embodied intelligence company. Facing an increasingly competitive new energy vehicle market, we will work to raise our technology moat.”
What this means for buyers
Buyers interested in large, family-oriented electric SUVs will soon have a new option with the Li i9, which promises more space than any previous Li Auto model. Those considering the Li i8 may want to watch for the upcoming single-motor version, which could offer a more affordable entry point.
With Li Auto updating several models and launching new ones in 2026, prospective buyers should compare features and pricing across the lineup, especially as the company adjusts its strategy to address recent sales challenges.
Key Specs
- Model: Li i9
- Launch Date: September 2026
- Length: 5,225 mm (~205.7 inches)
- Wheelbase: 3,168 mm (~124.7 inches)
- Special Feature: Home badge and Home version available
- Current Li i8 Price: $49,957 (~AUD 72,051)
- June 2026 Deliveries (All Models): 30,895
- First Half 2026 Deliveries (All Models): 193,472
Source
Images sourced from: cnevpost.com, autobuy.com.co
