Li i9 Launch Set for September 16 as BEV Lineup Expands

Li i9 Launch Set for September 16

Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI) will launch its flagship electric SUV, the Li i9, on September 16, expanding its premium battery-electric lineup with a larger vehicle and a cabin designed around space and comfort. The Chinese automaker said Wednesday, September 9, that the launch event will begin at 7:30 pm Beijing Time. Display vehicles will reach Li Auto stores starting September 11, giving customers an opportunity to view the new model ahead of its official debut. The six-seat SUV is positioned as a larger addition to the company's growing battery-electric range and introduces an interior concept centered on flexible seating, passenger interaction, and a home-inspired experience for families.

Home-Inspired Cabin Adds Flexible Seating

Li Auto founder, chairman and CEO Li Xiang showcased the flagship SUV's interior, highlighting rotating zero-gravity seats that allow occupants to sit facing each other. Li compared the Li Mega Home electric MPV to a suburban villa designed for large families and described the Li i9 Home as a luxury city-center apartment, emphasizing space efficiency, views, and comfort. The company will make the new SUV its second model to offer a Home version, following the Li Mega MPV. Li described the concept on Weibo by writing, "There has never been a car like this in the world, but the world really needs one," underscoring the model's focus on a differentiated passenger experience.

Li Auto Deliveries Return to Annual Growth

The launch arrives as Li Auto's vehicle deliveries begin showing renewed year-over-year growth. The company delivered 37,679 vehicles in August, an increase of 32.07% from the same month a year earlier, ending three consecutive months of annual declines. During the first eight months of the year, Li Auto delivered 261,619 vehicles, which remained 0.60% below the comparable period a year earlier. The August improvement therefore represents an important change in the company's recent delivery trend, although cumulative deliveries through August were still slightly lower year over year. New battery-electric models, including the flagship SUV, are expected to contribute to the company's sales mix during the second half.

Li Auto Monthly Deliveries Through August 2026

The delivery data show a notable shift in Li Auto's monthly performance between 2025 and 2026. August 2026 deliveries reached 37,679 vehicles, compared with 28,529 in August 2025 and 48,122 in August 2024. March 2026 was the strongest month through August, at 41,053 vehicles, while January recorded 27,668. The figures also show that 2026 monthly deliveries remained below several corresponding 2024 levels, including June, July, and August. The table provides the monthly figures supplied for 2024 through 2026 and shows how the August rebound fits into the company's broader delivery trajectory.

Flagship SUV Expands Li Auto's BEV Range

The new model will further expand Li Auto's battery-electric vehicle lineup, which currently includes the Li Mega and two SUVs, the Li i8 and Li i6. Regulatory filings released in July identify the flagship SUV as a six-seat vehicle measuring 5,225 mm in length with a 3,168 mm wheelbase, making it the company's largest SUV yet. The Li i8 measures 5,085 mm in length and has a 3,050 mm wheelbase. The additional dimensions support the larger model's emphasis on family-oriented interior space. The product strategy therefore extends Li Auto's BEV portfolio upward in size while maintaining a focus on passenger capacity and cabin usability.

400 kW Dual-Motor Powertrain

Regulatory filings also detail a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system for the flagship SUV, with maximum output of 150 kW at the front and 250 kW at the rear. Combined maximum output is 400 kW. The powertrain specification gives the model a substantially defined performance architecture ahead of its launch, while the larger body dimensions support its positioning as a family-focused premium SUV. The technical configuration is part of a broader product expansion as Li Auto increases the number of battery-electric vehicles available within its lineup. The vehicle's launch will provide the next opportunity to see how these specifications are translated into the company's premium BEV offering.

Battery Supply Will Transition in Phases

Battery sourcing for the new SUV will change as Li Auto increases production of its internally developed battery technology. The company said on September 7 that initial deliveries will use 5C ternary lithium batteries supplied by CATL (HKEX: 3750). After production of Li Auto's in-house batteries ramps up, the vehicle will switch entirely to that option, while the company plans to gradually extend its in-house batteries across all models. On September 8, Li Auto clarified that it develops and manufactures battery packs itself, while internally developed battery cells are manufactured by partners. The company said it leads battery product definition, performance specifications, quality standards, and system integration, with partners responsible for manufacturing and other tasks.

Vehicle Margin Remains a Key Financial Consideration

The product and technology investments also come as Li Auto seeks to improve financial performance. Vehicle margin was 9.4% in the second quarter, compared with 19.4% a year earlier, indicating a significant year-over-year decline in the profitability measure. Management said during the company's August earnings call that battery-electric vehicles are expected to represent a larger share of sales during the second half as new models arrive. The flagship SUV is therefore entering the market at a time when Li Auto is expanding its BEV portfolio while also seeking to improve financial performance. Its launch will add another vehicle to the product mix management expects to support the company's second-half sales strategy.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The launch strengthens Li Auto's position in China's premium battery-electric SUV segment by adding a larger six-seat model with a differentiated cabin concept, a 400 kW dual-motor system, and a planned transition toward internally developed batteries. For the company, the most immediate priorities will be the September 16 launch, subsequent vehicle availability, and the execution of battery production ramp-up. The broader significance will depend on how effectively the new model supports the shift toward BEVs and contributes to sales and vehicle-margin performance. The development also highlights the importance of battery technology, product differentiation, and large-family vehicle design as Li Auto expands its electric portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Li Auto launch its new flagship electric SUV?
Li Auto will officially launch its new flagship electric SUV on September 16 at 7:30 pm Beijing Time, following the company's September 9 announcement. Display vehicles will be available at stores starting September 11, allowing customers to see the model before the launch event. The six-seat SUV expands Li Auto's battery-electric lineup with a larger body, a home-inspired cabin, rotating zero-gravity seats, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Its launch also comes as the company's August deliveries returned to year-over-year growth after three consecutive months of annual declines, while management expects BEVs to account for a larger share of sales in the second half.