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My Li Auto L9 Annual Review: Purchase Expectations, Driving Experience, and Costs

YuHan Guo

March 15, 2024

4 Comments

Auto Detailing, Car News

Li Auto L9 One-Year Summary

The Li Auto L9 has proven to be a comfortable and stylish vehicle, although it has sparked some debate online. As my Li Auto L9 approaches its one-year anniversary, I want to share my honest thoughts on my purchase expectations, driving experience, usage costs, and how it compares to other electric vehicles in terms of value retention. Today, I’ll start by discussing my purchase expectations.

A study shows that one satisfied customer can bring eight potential sales to a brand. Conversely, one dissatisfied customer can influence 25 people’s purchasing decisions. I believe a key factor in customer satisfaction is purchase expectations. For instance, before buying the Li Auto L9, I had four significant expectations.

Purchase Expectations

Meeting Family Travel Needs: My first expectation was that the car would meet the travel needs of my entire family, including my wife, children, parents, and sometimes a nanny. Safety is paramount, especially for infants and toddlers, so I needed a vehicle that could accommodate full-size, rear-facing car seats with ample side protection. In a 5-seater, installing such car seats makes it difficult to fit two additional adults in the back. Moreover, I needed space in the trunk for a stroller or a second child’s car seat. Thus, a 6-seater like the L9 was more practical.
Comfort for All Family Members: The second expectation was that the car would provide comfort for all family members. This is a well-known advantage of Li Auto vehicles. My wife was pregnant in August, and with her workplace and hospital quite far, I used the L9 daily to drive her to work and medical appointments. Two features stood out:
- Waiting at the Hospital: During long waits for ultrasounds and doctor check-ups, we could relax and watch shows in the car. The right rear seat with a leg rest was particularly useful, especially in the late stages of her pregnancy when getting in and out of the car became challenging. The L9’s electric running boards were incredibly practical.
- Temporary Home: Li Auto’s slogan is “a mobile home,” and the L9 lives up to this. As an engineering designer, I sometimes park by the roadside to modify blueprints using the small table in the back. The car also serves as a restful place when office naps are insufficient. With the camping mode and an alarm set, I can get quality sleep.
Versatile Usage: My third expectation was that the L9 could serve as a temporary home. The car lives up to Li Auto’s slogan, “a mobile home.” Being an engineering designer, I sometimes need to park and work on drawings using the small table in the back seat. Additionally, resting in the car is important since office naps aren’t always effective. Setting up the camping mode and an alarm improves sleep quality. I often play basketball with my brother and nephew, and the L9 parked by the court serves as a tap room where we can change clothes, discuss NBA, play PS5, and have drinks. The fridge is practical for storing beverages. As my baby grows, the L9 can also be a temporary nursery for nursing and changing diapers. The fridge doubles as a warmer to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Ready to Go Anytime: My fourth expectation was that the L9 would allow me to travel without range anxiety. In the city, it runs on electricity, maintaining cost-effectiveness. However, for family trips or long drives, I find refueling more convenient. Electric cars tend to consume more power at high speeds, resulting in higher time costs. Therefore, with time being a critical factor, fuel’s cost-performance ratio is higher. The less time spent on the road, the more stable the moods of the baby and the elderly.

Driving Experience

The Li Auto L9 has exceeded my expectations in several areas over the past year.

Performance: The L9’s electric powertrain offers smooth and instant acceleration, making city driving and highway cruising equally enjoyable. The 680-kilometer range has proven to be more than adequate for daily commutes and weekend getaways, reducing the need for frequent charging stops.
Comfort and Luxury: The interior of the L9 is both luxurious and spacious. The premium materials and ergonomic design provide a high level of comfort, whether on short trips or long journeys. The infotainment system is intuitive and feature-rich, keeping passengers entertained and connected.
Safety: Safety has been a standout feature. The adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning have been invaluable, especially during long drives across the UAE’s highways. The vehicle’s comprehensive safety suite provides peace of mind, knowing that my family is well-protected.

Costs

Over the past year, the costs associated with owning and operating the Li Auto L9 have been manageable and, in many cases, lower than expected.

Initial Purchase Cost:

AED 250,000, a competitive price considering the luxury and technology offered.

Operating Costs:

Electricity: With a residential electricity rate of 0.30 AED/kWh and an average consumption of 15 kWh/100 km, the cost per 100 km is approximately 4.50 AED. For a typical driving distance of 15,000 km/year, the total annual electricity cost is around 675 AED.
Maintenance: The electric powertrain requires less maintenance compared to traditional internal combustion engines, resulting in lower annual maintenance costs.
Insurance: Comprehensive insurance for the L9 is competitively priced, thanks to its robust safety features.

Total Annual Operating Cost:

Electricity: 675 AED
Maintenance and Insurance: Estimated at 3,000 AED combined.
Total: Approximately 3,675 AED annually.

Overall, I am highly satisfied with my Li Auto L9. It has lived up to its promises and met my purchase expectations. If there were any exaggerations in its marketing, I would have been disappointed. Therefore, I believe Li Auto should continue to focus on product details and genuine user experiences to earn consumer trust and loyalty.

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