Li Auto launches i9 electric SUV as flagship, adds swiveling seats

Li Auto has launched the i9 electric SUV, a new flagship model aimed at families willing to pay a premium for added space and flexibility inside the cabin.

The i9 is offered in a single "Home" trim and is priced 8.8% above the top-spec Li i8, Li Auto's current flagship electric SUV. The company says the i9's main selling points are more interior room and rear seats that swivel, catering to buyers who prioritise family convenience.

The launch extends Li Auto's premium EV push beyond its existing i8 range. While Li Auto has built its reputation on range-extended vehicles, the i9 signals the maker's ambition to compete in the upper end of the pure-electric family-SUV segment.

By limiting the i9 to one well-equipped trim, Li Auto appears to be simplifying the purchase decision rather than diluting the model with multiple specification levels — a strategy the company has used on other recent launches.

No further details on battery capacity, range, or charging performance were disclosed at the time of launch.