Comfort and drawbacks of the LiXiang L9 remain the hottest topic among owners and those considering this Chinese hybrid. In 2025 the LiXiang L9 is still a notable player on the Russian market: 24,000 units were sold in 2024, but sales dropped from 2,105 cars in December to 955 in January 2025 amid quality complaints. For 6.1–9.3 million rubles buyers get a roomy crossover with a 52.3 kWh battery, 449 hp and a claimed range of up to 1,412 km. But is it really as good as advertised? I’ve gathered owner reviews from Drive2, Telegram and expert data to show what the L9 actually delivers in terms of comfort, where its problems lie and what reviews often gloss over.
Comfort of the LiXiang L9: What Owners Praise
Comfort and drawbacks of the LiXiang L9 start with its strongest suit—genuine comfort. Positioned as a family SUV that rivals the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS, the L9 earns praise from owners and experts alike for several features that turn it into a “mobile living room.”
Spacious and Luxurious Cabin
The L9 offers a six-seat layout with captain’s chairs in the second row. Its dimensions (5,218 × 1,998 × 1,800 mm, 3,105 mm wheelbase) deliver generous space even in the third row, though taller passengers may find it a little tight because of the raised floor. Seats are trimmed in Nappa leather and come with heating, ventilation and 10-point massage for the first two rows. Drive2 owners rave about the plush feel and ergonomics: “It’s like sitting on a sofa—your back doesn’t get tired even after 500 km.” The second row’s leg rests and ceiling screen create a “rolling cinema.”
Who will appreciate it? Families with children and long-distance travelers.
Technology and Multimedia
Two 15.7-inch 3K OLED screens support Dolby Vision and Atmos. Voice and gesture controls simplify access once you get used to them. An 8-liter fridge under the center console keeps snacks fresh for picnics. Avito users note: “The kids love the screens, my wife loves the massage.” A 256-color ambient lighting system and 21-speaker audio add to the ambience. Real-world range of 1,000–1,200 km and 7–9 L/100 km fuel consumption mean fewer fuel stops.
Who will appreciate it? Tech enthusiasts and drivers who value autonomy.
Ride Comfort
Air suspension with double-wishbone front and five-link rear axles adapts to the road in milliseconds. In R-Comfort mode the L9 swallows bumps while keeping the cabin quiet. TopGear experts call it “almost Rolls-Royce Cullinan soft.” Telegram owners say: “It feels like a yacht on the highway—potholes barely register.” On poor roads, however, the suspension can start squeaking from road salt.
Who will appreciate it? Drivers seeking comfort on asphalt.
Safety
Twelve airbags, Level 3 autonomous driving (Ultra version), 360° cameras, lidar and adaptive cruise control are standard. The body is 75 % high-strength steel and meets C-NCAP and C-IASI standards. Owners on 110km.ru appreciate the peace of mind: “The system brakes before obstacles and has saved us a couple of times.” This makes the L9 a reassuring choice for family trips.
Who will appreciate it? Parents and cautious drivers.
Drawbacks of the LiXiang L9: What Reviews Often Hide
Comfort and drawbacks of the LiXiang L9 are inseparable: behind the luxury lie issues that reviews don’t always highlight. Here are the key downsides drawn from real-world experience.
Air-Suspension Problems
The very system that delivers comfort is vulnerable in Russia. The compressor collects moisture, especially in winter, leading to failures after 10,000–15,000 km. Replacement costs 50,000–100,000 rubles. Drive2 owners complain: “After winter the suspension started squeaking—service is only in Moscow.” Such issues are far less common in China thanks to better roads, a fact many reviews omit.
Critical? Yes, for regions with harsh winters.
Electronics Glitches
The L9 is a “tablet on wheels” powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, yet the software is buggy. The 4.6.5 update in 2024 caused autopilot and multimedia failures. One Drive2 owner wrote: “The screen froze on the highway—reboot took ten minutes.” Russian SIM cards (bands 1, 3, 7) struggle to connect to Chinese servers, limiting updates. Reflashing costs 16,500–55,000 rubles. Reviews rarely mention these quirks.
Critical? Depends on access to specialist service.
Service Challenges
The lack of official Li Auto dealers in Russia is the biggest pain point. Parts take two to three months to arrive from China and are rarely stocked locally. Replacing a differential seal costs 30,000 rubles; an engine can run up to 300,000 rubles if damaged by poor fuel. Diagnostics at shops like ENService start at 16,500 rubles. X users note: “Without a good specialist the L9 becomes a headache.” Many reviews downplay these risks while praising comfort.
Critical? Especially outside major cities.
Weak Brakes
Despite 0–100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, the brakes are often called “spongy.” TopGear notes: “After heating they become unpredictable.” Owners on 110km.ru report longer stopping distances on highways. This receives little attention in reviews focused on power and ride comfort. Pad replacement (every 30,000–70,000 km) costs 10,000–20,000 rubles.
Critical? For spirited driving—yes.
Legal Risks
Many L9s are imported as used cars even though they are new, creating customs headaches. In 2025 the recycling fee rose to 340,000 rubles, with additional charges reaching 1–2 million rubles. Drive2 users advise checking the EPTS and SBKTS documents, yet reviews rarely dwell on this while highlighting the price versus a GLS. Without full customs clearance there is a risk of confiscation.
Critical? Depends on the vehicle’s paperwork.
What Reviews Often Hide
Comfort and drawbacks of the LiXiang L9 are frequently presented one-sidedly. Positive posts on Avito and Telegram highlight the cabin, screens and range while glossing over real-world difficulties:
- Service costs: owners rarely mention that maintenance every 5,000 km runs 10,000–20,000 rubles, while major repairs (battery, for example) can reach 500,000 rubles.
- Condition dependence: air-suspension comfort disappears on bad roads where it wears faster, yet reviews rarely emphasize this.
- Emotional tone: X posts sometimes exaggerate (“it’s turned into a Zaporozhets”), though problems often stem from fuel or settings. Negative experiences are seldom detailed.
- Rare scenarios: the third row is tight for adults, but reviews simply praise “spaciousness” without specifics.
In short, reviews paint a polarised picture—either glowing or disappointed—while hiding the nuances of ownership.
Should You Buy a LiXiang L9 in 2025?
The decision depends on your priorities and circumstances:
- Buy if: you live in a city with specialist service (Moscow, St. Petersburg), value comfort and technology, and are prepared for maintenance costs. The L9 is ideal for family highway trips.
- Don’t buy if: you’re in a region without specialist workshops, unwilling to accept legal risks, or expect a trouble-free car. Rivals such as the Exeed RX (from 5 million rubles) are simpler to repair but less lavishly equipped.
In 2025 new L9s cost 6.1–9.3 million rubles; used examples go for 5.5–7 million and lose 10–15 % per year. By 2030 the hybrid segment is expected to reach 10 % of the market, yet without official dealers the L9 remains a risky choice. If you decide to buy, check the paperwork and choose dealers offering warranty, such as Rolf.
How to Minimise the Drawbacks
If you already own one or are planning to buy:
- Regular diagnostics: check the air suspension and electronics every 5,000 km (5,000–10,000 rubles).
- Quality fuel: use 95-octane at reputable stations to avoid engine damage.
- SIM-card setup: choose a tariff supporting bands 1, 3, 7 for stable updates (setup ~5,000 rubles).
- Comprehensive insurance: a policy costing 200,000–300,000 rubles per year covers major repairs.
- Avoid bad roads: air suspension dislikes dirt and road salt, so staying on good pavement extends its life.
These steps won’t eliminate every issue, but they will reduce costs and risks.
Common Owner Mistakes
- Skipping maintenance: missing scheduled checks makes repairs more expensive (compressor replacement, for example, costs 100,000 rubles).
- Buying without verification: cars without proper customs clearance can incur fines up to 2 million rubles.
- Unrealistic expectations: the L9 is a family SUV, not a sports car, yet some owners expect BMW-level dynamics.
One X user called the L9 “unsuitable for bad roads,” underscoring the importance of matching the car to your conditions.
Outlook for 2025–2030
Comfort and drawbacks of the LiXiang L9 will stay in the spotlight. By 2030:
- Service: Li Auto may open parts warehouses in Russia, cutting wait times to one month.
- Competition: Chery and Geely will launch rivals priced 4–6 million rubles, putting pressure on the L9.
- Prices: the L9 is expected to drop 20–30 % by 2027 as battery degradation becomes a factor.
If comfort matters more to you than anything else, the L9 remains a strong option provided you stay on top of maintenance.
Final Verdict: The Real Story of the LiXiang L9
Comfort and drawbacks of the LiXiang L9 create a mixed picture. The cabin, technology, ride quality and safety make it a “mobile home” for families at 6–9 million rubles. Yet air suspension, electronics, service, brakes and legal risks demand extra investment and patience. Reviews often hide running costs and complexities while either glorifying the luxury or exaggerating the flaws. The L9 suits buyers in cities with specialist service who are ready to maintain it proactively. Otherwise, consider the alternatives. Above all, verify the paperwork and weigh the risks before you buy.