Li Auto to Debut L9 Livis on Apr 24, Launch on May 15

Key Takeaways

• L9 Livis debut at Beijing auto show April 24, deliveries May 15.
• Flagship SUV priced at 559,800 yuan (~$82,100), above current L9 models.
• Features dual 5nm M100 AI chips delivering 2,560 TOPS, triple Nvidia Thor-U.
• Equipped with 72.7 kWh CATL battery, 420 km CLTC range, 800 V active suspension.
• Li Auto targets 550,000 vehicle deliveries in 2026, focusing on EREV segment.

Pulse Analysis

Li Auto’s upcoming L9 Livis arrives at a pivotal moment for China’s EV landscape, where extended‑range electric vehicles (EREVs) are gaining traction as a bridge between pure EVs and traditional hybrids. The company, which posted a 2025 revenue surge driven by its L9 series, is leveraging the Livis to differentiate itself from rivals such as BYD and Nio. By positioning the Livis as an "embodied AI" flagship, Li Auto signals a shift toward premium autonomous capabilities, aiming to capture affluent buyers willing to pay a $20,000 premium over its standard models.

Technically, the Livis is a showcase of Li Auto’s in‑house semiconductor prowess. The dual 5 nm M100 chips, delivering a combined 2,560 TOPS, outpace Nvidia’s Thor‑U by a factor of three, promising smoother sensor fusion and higher‑level driver assistance. Coupled with an 800‑volt fully active suspension and a drive‑by‑wire chassis, the SUV targets a seamless autonomous driving experience. Its 72.7 kWh CATL ternary lithium pack provides a CLTC‑rated 420 km range, sufficient for most urban commutes while maintaining the flexibility of an extended‑range architecture.

Strategically, the Livis launch dovetails with Li Auto’s ambitious 2026 goal of delivering 550,000 vehicles, a target that hinges on expanding its high‑margin EREV portfolio. The premium pricing not only boosts average transaction price but also reinforces the brand’s move upmarket, potentially improving profitability ratios. Investors will watch the May 15 rollout closely, as early adoption rates and consumer feedback could reshape competitive dynamics in China’s fast‑evolving EV sector.