Li Auto has officially launched the Li Auto L9 in the UAE, marking the Chinese new-energy vehicle manufacturer's first official vehicle sales operation in the Gulf. The flagship six-seat SUV arrives through Al Fahim Motors in two versions, with the Li L9 Ultra priced from AED 319,900 and the higher-specification Li L9 Livis starting at AED 359,900. The UAE-specification L9 uses an extended-range electric powertrain, delivers 420 km of claimed CLTC electric range and offers up to 1,650 km of combined CLTC range.
The launch took place in Dubai on September 3, 2026, with the L9 forming the first stage of Li Auto's expansion into the UAE market. Al Fahim Motors is the brand's exclusive distributor and representative in the country, with the company planning an official retail and service network. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
What Is The Li Auto L9 In The UAE?
The Li Auto L9 is a full-size six-seat premium SUV that combines electric motors with a petrol-powered range extender. Unlike a conventional hybrid that can mechanically drive the wheels with its combustion engine, the L9 uses its electric motors for propulsion while its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine generates electricity when required. The UAE launch introduces the Ultra and Livis variants.
Li Auto positions the L9 as its flagship family SUV, with a technology-focused cabin, three-row seating and an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain. The model's UAE introduction also gives the Chinese manufacturer an entry point into one of the Gulf's most important premium SUV markets.
The UAE launch is particularly significant because it represents Li Auto's first official vehicle sales operation in the Gulf. The company has already expanded outside China, but the arrival of the L9 through an established UAE automotive group gives the brand a formal retail and aftersales presence in the region. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Li Auto L9 UAE Price And Variants
The Li Auto L9 is available in two UAE variants, with the Livis positioned above the Ultra through additional chassis, computing and intelligent-driving technology. The L9 Ultra starts at AED 319,900, while the L9 Livis starts at AED 359,900. Both versions retain the same basic EREV powertrain and six-seat cabin concept, while the Livis adds more advanced hardware.
Variant | UAE Starting Price |
|---|---|
Li Auto L9 Ultra | AED 319,900 |
Li Auto L9 Livis | AED 359,900 |
The prices were announced alongside the UAE launch in September 2026. Al Fahim Motors is handling the official representation and distribution of Li Auto in the country. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
For broader information on the brand, readers can explore Li Auto cars in the UAE or check the dedicated Li Auto L9 page on YallaMotor.
Li Auto L9 Specs And EREV Powertrain
The Li Auto L9 uses a third-generation extended-range electric powertrain with dual electric motors and intelligent all-wheel drive. The system produces a combined 420kW, equivalent to approximately 563hp, and 710Nm of torque. Li Auto quotes a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds, while the latest published technical information lists a 200km/h electronically limited top speed.
The SUV combines its electric drivetrain with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that works as a range extender. This configuration allows the L9 to operate primarily through electric propulsion while retaining a combustion engine for generating electricity during longer journeys.
Powertrain: Extended-range electric vehicle (EREV)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol range extender
Electric motors: Dual-motor all-wheel drive
Maximum power: 420kW / approximately 563hp
Maximum torque: 710Nm
Battery: 72.7kWh
Electric range: Up to 420km CLTC
Combined range: Up to 1,650km CLTC
0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Li Auto's published technical information also lists 5C fast-charging capability for the 72.7kWh battery. The company says the battery can add a substantial amount of driving range during a short charging stop, although actual charging performance will depend on the available charging infrastructure and operating conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Li L9 Dimensions And Exterior Design
The Li L9 is a large SUV designed around a spacious three-row cabin. It measures 5,255mm long, 2,000mm wide and 1,810mm high, with a 3,125mm wheelbase. These dimensions place it firmly in the full-size SUV category and give the L9 the footprint expected from a premium family vehicle aimed at long-distance travel.
Li Auto uses a deliberately minimalist exterior design. The front features a full-width lighting signature, while the sides use clean surfacing rather than aggressive character lines. A matching full-width light element appears at the rear, creating a consistent visual identity across the vehicle.
The L9 rides on 22-inch wheels, while the Livis can be identified by additional trim details and exclusive two-tone exterior colour combinations. The overall design prioritises a clean, technology-oriented appearance rather than the heavily sculpted styling found on some traditional luxury SUVs.
The large dimensions also matter for the UAE market, where full-size SUVs remain popular for family use and long highway journeys between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
Li L9 Interior And Technology
The Li L9 uses a 2+2+2 seating arrangement, giving each of its six occupants access to a dedicated seat. The second row uses captain-style seats, while Li Auto has designed the cabin around large screens, advanced climate control and passenger-focused technology. The Livis adds further computing and chassis technology to this already technology-heavy interior.
One of the cabin's most prominent features is its 29-inch 6K panoramic display positioned across the front section of the dashboard. Rear passengers receive a separate 21-inch 4K entertainment screen, creating a cabin environment that puts considerable emphasis on digital content and passenger comfort.
The L9 also features four zero-gravity seats and seven-zone climate control. A 10-litre refrigerator can cool or heat its contents, with the cooling function reaching temperatures as low as -6°C according to the launch specifications.
An extensive audio system forms another major part of the cabin technology package. The system uses 29 speakers together with four headrest speakers and is rated at up to 5,440W of output.
Li Auto has also localised the vehicle for UAE customers. The UAE specification includes an Arabic-language interface, localised map data and compatibility with regional charging requirements. Arabic voice interaction is planned through a software update later in 2026, adding another layer of local adaptation to the vehicle's software platform.
Li L9 Ultra Vs Li L9 Livis: What Is Different?
The main distinction between the Li L9 Ultra and L9 Livis lies in their chassis and computing technology rather than their basic electric powertrain. Both versions use the same 420kW dual-motor system, but the Livis adds an 800V active suspension system, additional computing capability and a more comprehensive sensor package.
The L9 Ultra comes with steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering and Li Auto's third-generation Magic Carpet air suspension. The rear-wheel-steering system can turn the rear wheels by up to around seven degrees and helps reduce the SUV's turning circle to approximately 5.3 metres.
The Livis takes the chassis concept further with an 800V active suspension system capable of independently controlling suspension behaviour at each wheel. It also uses a more extensive drive-by-wire system, allowing more of the vehicle's major dynamic functions to operate electronically.
Li Auto also equips the Livis with two proprietary M100 assisted-driving chips rather than one, alongside four LiDAR sensors. The additional computing and sensing hardware gives the flagship version a more advanced foundation for its driver-assistance and intelligent-driving systems. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Li L9 Driver Assistance And Safety Technology
The Li L9 combines cameras, radar, LiDAR and other sensing hardware to support its driver-assistance functions. The Livis receives the more extensive sensor configuration, including four LiDAR units positioned around the vehicle. The SUV also incorporates 11 airbags and a reinforced body structure using ultra-high-strength materials.
The additional sensing hardware on the Livis reflects Li Auto's wider approach to vehicle intelligence. Rather than treating driver assistance as a standalone feature, the company integrates the sensors with the vehicle's central computing architecture and electronic chassis systems.
Li Auto's published information highlights the Livis's dual M100 computing setup and advanced electronic control systems. These systems are designed to provide the processing capability required for the SUV's intelligent-driving functions while also supporting its electronically controlled chassis.
As with any advanced driver-assistance system, these technologies are intended to support the driver rather than replace driver attention and control.
How Has Li Auto Adapted The L9 For UAE Conditions?
Li Auto says the UAE version of the L9 has been specifically calibrated for the country's road conditions, extreme summer temperatures, dusty and sandy environments and local charging standards. The company has therefore made the UAE launch more than a straightforward import of the Chinese-market vehicle, with changes aimed at the conditions the SUV will encounter in the Gulf.
Heat management is particularly relevant for an EREV because the vehicle combines a large battery, electric motors, high-voltage charging hardware and a petrol-powered range extender. Li Auto says it has adapted thermal-management and charging systems for the UAE environment.
The changes are also relevant to highway use. The L9's long-distance EREV configuration allows the vehicle to rely on electric propulsion while using its petrol range extender when additional energy is required, potentially making the architecture suitable for longer UAE and GCC road trips without depending entirely on charging infrastructure.
The company has also incorporated regional software and charging requirements, while Arabic interface support provides another element of localisation for UAE customers. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Li Auto UAE Availability And Expansion Plans
The Li Auto L9 is now officially available in the UAE through Al Fahim Motors, with the company establishing the brand's official sales and service operation. The first retail location is planned for Dubai, while Li Auto and Al Fahim Motors have announced plans for more than two official retail and service centres in the UAE.
This local infrastructure is important because the UAE launch represents Li Auto's first official Gulf-market sales operation. The company is entering a market with strong demand for large premium SUVs, making the L9 a logical first product for its regional expansion.
Al Fahim Motors and Li Auto formally established their partnership in April 2026. Al Fahim Group says the partnership is intended to bring Li Auto's premium new-energy vehicles to the UAE, while the automaker continues to expand its international presence. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
For buyers researching alternatives and upcoming models, YallaMotor's UAE car news section provides coverage of new launches, while the new cars section covers current models, prices and specifications.
Why The Li L9 Matters For The UAE And GCC
The Li L9 enters the UAE with a combination that is still relatively unusual in the premium SUV segment: full-size dimensions, six-seat practicality, electric propulsion and a petrol range extender. Its technology-heavy specification also puts it directly into the growing competition between established luxury SUVs and new Chinese premium-energy vehicles.
Its UAE launch could be particularly relevant to technology-focused buyers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where premium SUV demand and interest in new-energy vehicles continue to overlap. The L9 also fits the region's preference for long-distance highway travel, where an EREV can offer electric driving while retaining a petrol-powered energy source for extended journeys.
The model's positioning at AED 319,900 for the Ultra and AED 359,900 for the Livis places it in a premium part of the UAE market. Whether the L9 can establish itself alongside established European, Japanese and American luxury SUVs will depend on how customers respond to its unfamiliar brand, EREV architecture and technology-led cabin.
For the broader GCC market, the UAE launch also provides an early indication of how Li Auto could position its premium SUVs across the region. The brand's combination of large SUVs, long claimed range and advanced chassis technology gives it a distinct proposition as Chinese manufacturers continue moving further into the premium segment.
Li Auto L9 UAE: Verdict
The Li Auto L9 UAE launch introduces a distinctive new contender to the premium full-size SUV segment. With 563hp, 710Nm, dual-motor all-wheel drive, a claimed 420km CLTC electric range and up to 1,650km of combined CLTC range, the L9 combines strong performance with the flexibility of an extended-range electric powertrain.
The more expensive L9 Livis adds an 800V active suspension, four LiDAR sensors, dual M100 computing chips and more extensive electronic chassis technology. Both versions also focus heavily on cabin technology, with a six-seat layout, large-format displays and extensive passenger comfort equipment.
For the UAE, the most important part of the launch may be the fact that Li Auto has not simply introduced an imported specification. The company says it has calibrated the L9 for local heat, road and environmental conditions and adapted its software and charging systems for the market.
With official distribution through Al Fahim Motors and prices starting at AED 319,900, the Li Auto L9 now gives UAE buyers another premium SUV option as Chinese brands increasingly compete for space in the country's high-end automotive market.
FAQs
How much does the Li Auto L9 cost in the UAE?
The Li Auto L9 starts at AED 319,900 for the Ultra version. The higher-specification L9 Livis starts at AED 359,900 in the UAE.
How much horsepower does the Li Auto L9 have?
The UAE-specification Li Auto L9 produces 420kW, equivalent to approximately 563hp, from its dual electric motors. The system also produces 710Nm of torque.
What is the Li Auto L9 electric range?
The UAE launch specification has a claimed electric range of up to 420km under the CLTC testing cycle. Li Auto quotes a combined CLTC range of up to 1,650km when using the battery and range-extender system.
Is the Li Auto L9 fully electric?
No. The L9 is an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). Its wheels are driven by electric motors, while a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine acts as a range extender and generates electricity.
How fast is the Li Auto L9?
The Li Auto L9 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Published technical specifications list a top speed of 200km/h, electronically limited.
How many seats does the Li Auto L9 have?
The Li Auto L9 is a six-seat SUV with a 2+2+2 configuration. The second row uses individual captain-style seats.
What is the difference between the Li L9 Ultra and Livis?
The two variants share the same basic powertrain, but the Livis adds an 800V active suspension, more advanced electronic chassis technology, two M100 assisted-driving chips and four LiDAR sensors.
Who sells Li Auto in the UAE?
Al Fahim Motors is Li Auto's exclusive distributor and representative in the UAE. The partnership covers the brand's official sales and service operations in the country.
