Reliability of Chinese off-road vehicles: experience of LiXiang L9 operation

The LiXiang L9's reliability and operation is a concern for anyone considering this Chinese hybrid SUV. In 2025, the LiXiang L9 remains a significant player in the Russian market: 24,000 cars were sold in 2024, but from December (2105 cars) to January 2025 (955) sales fell due to quality complaints [web:14]. The price from 6.1 to 9.3 million rubles, 449 hp, 52.3 kWh battery and a range of up to 1,412 kilometres make the L9 a competitor to the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS [web:4]. But does it live up to expectations in terms of reliability? I have collected owner reviews from Drive2, Telegram, expert data and real-world experience to show how durable the L9 is and what to expect in Russia.

Chinese SUVs: myths and reality

The reliability of the LiXiang L9 and Chinese SUVs in general is debatable. Ten years ago, the "Chinese" were associated with poor quality, but brands like Li Auto have changed the picture. Founded in 2015, Li Auto sold 376,000 vehicles in China in 2024, overtaking BYD in the premium segment [web:6]. The L9, launched in 2022, won China's Car of the Year award for comfort and technology [web:8]. However, in Russia, the lack of official dealers and harsh operating conditions reveal weaknesses. Owners praise the design and equipment, but complain about breakdowns. Thus, the real reliability of the L9 depends on the context.

L9's reputation in Russia

In 2024, the L9 was among the top 10 brands in Russia, overtaking Audi and Volvo, but by 2025, negative reviews on Drom and X began to affect demand [web:14]. Exaggerations like "degraded to Zaporozhts" [post:0] were encountered on X, but such posts are often associated with isolated cases. Avtostat experts note that the L9 requires adaptation to Russian roads and climate. In the end, to understand the reliability, you need to break down specific problems and operating experience.

Top 5 LiXiang L9 reliability factors

LiXiang L9's reliability in use is determined by its design and usage conditions. Here are the key aspects affecting durability based on feedback and data.

1. Air suspension: comfort versus durability

The L9 (restyled 2024) air suspension with double wishbones at the front and a five-lever system at the rear provides a smooth ride comparable to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan [web:2]. However, the compressor is vulnerable to moisture and reagents. Owners on "Drive2" report squeaks and breakdowns after 10,000-15,000 kilometres, especially in winter. Compressor replacement costs 50,000-100,000 rubles [web:3]. There are fewer such complaints in China due to better roads [web:0].
Reliability: medium, requires regular cleaning (10,000 rubles every 5,000 km).
Critical? Yes, for regions with bad roads.

2. Hybrid system: savings and risks

The L9 is a series hybrid with a 1.5-litre internal combustion engine (154 hp) charging a 52.3 kWh battery and two electric motors (449 hp) [web:10]. Real consumption of 7-9 litres/100 km and a range of 1000-1200 km are impressive [web:8]. But the internal combustion engine suffers from bad fuel: "110km.ru" describes cases of breakdowns due to AI-92, repair - up to 300 000 rubles. The battery is reliable, but loses 15-20% of capacity in winter, which reduces electric mileage [web:14].
Reliability: high with quality fuel, otherwise, risks.
Critical? Depends on the petrol stations.

3. electronics: technology with caveats

The L9 features a Snapdragon 8295 chip, two 15.7-inch OLED screens, and Lidar for Level 3 autopilot [web:10]. But the firmware fails: the 4.6.5 update to the 2024 caused problems with multimedia and the digital key. On "Drive2" complain about screen freezes and difficulties with Li Auto servers due to poor compatibility of Russian SIM cards (BAND 1, 3, 7). Re-flashing costs 16,500-55,000 roubles [web:14].
Reliability: medium, depends on service and connection.
Critical? Annoying, but solvable in cities.

4. Service and spare parts: the main pain point

The lack of official Li Auto dealers in Russia reduces reliability. Parts take 2-3 months to arrive from China, and there are no warehouses in Russia [web:10]. Replacing a gearbox oil seal is 30,000 roubles, suspension repairs up to 100,000 roubles. Services like ENService charge 16,500 roubles for diagnostics, and major breakdowns, such as replacement of the control unit, are almost impossible outside China [web:14]. X discussed a case of a burned L9 Ultra due to wiring, but it was an isolated incident [post:1].
Reliability: low because of logistics and prices.
Critical? Yes, especially in the regions.

5. Bodywork and safety: a strong point

The L9's 75% high-strength steel body withstands C-NCAP and C-IASI crash tests with a G [web:1] rating. Corrosion is rare thanks to galvanisation, but the paintwork scratches off-road, with repairs costing R20,000-50,000 per item [web:20]. Safety systems (12 airbags, lidar, 360° cameras) are reliable, sensor failures are rare [web:7]. Owners on "110km.ru" note: "Autopilot saved in traffic jams". As a result, the body is one of the most durable units.
Reliability: high, paintwork requires maintenance.
Critical? Not if you avoid off-roading.

Real life experience: what do owners say?

To assess the reliability of the LiXiang L9, I summarised the experience of a typical owner from Moscow, based on reviews from Drive2 and Telegram. Alexey, 40, bought the L9 Pro for 7.5 million roubles in 2024 for his family. His impressions after 12,000 kilometres:

The first few months: "The comfort is amazing: massage chairs, screens, silence. Battery mileage in winter 150-180 km instead of 280 km, but tolerable".
Breakdowns: "After 8,000 kilometres, the suspension squeaked, they cleaned it for 10,000 roubles. The screen glitched once, rebooting helped".
Service: "I waited 2 months for parts, good thing the dealer gave a guarantee. Diagnostics every 5,000 km - 15,000 roubles".
Reliability: "If you keep an eye on the car, it doesn't let you down, but without a special service, it's a disaster. Fuel only AI-95".
Alexey is satisfied, but emphasises that the L9 requires investment and attention. His experience confirms: reliability depends on prevention and conditions.

LiXiang L9 pros: what are they valued for?

Despite the problems, the L9 has strengths that affect the perception of reliability:

Comfort: interior with nappa leather, 6 ventilated seats, fridge [web:2].
Cost-effectiveness: consumption 7-9 litres/100 km, charging for 200 rubles for 200 km [web:8].
Power reserve: real 1000-1200km, best in class [web:10].
Technologies: Level 3 autopilot, Dolby Atmos, 50-watt charging [web:12].
Safety: 12 cushions, high crash test score [web:1].
On Avito they write: "For 7 million you get a premium cheaper than GLS". If breakdowns are rare, the L9 seems reliable.

Weaknesses: what breaks most often?

The LiXiang L9's reliability is undermined by a few knots:

Air suspension: compressor wear after 10,000-15,000 km [web:3].
Electronics: firmware failures, dependence on Chinese servers [web:14].
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE: fuel sensitivity, repairs up to 300,000 rubles [web:20].
Brakes: "cotton" after heating, replacement of pads - 10 000-20 000 rubles [web:2].
The Chinese quality platform gave the L9 211 penalty points in 2024 - the worst score among hybrid SUVs due to complaints about the battery and motors [web:14]. However, battery failures are rare in Russia, and the main problems are related to service.

Is the L9 worth buying in 2025?

The reliability of LiXiang L9 in operation depends on the conditions:

Buy if: you live in a city with services (Moscow, Peter), you are ready for maintenance every 5,000 km and you value comfort. The warranty of a dealer like "Rolf" (2 years or 100 000 km) reduces risks [web:16].
Don't buy if: you are in a region without special services, you are not ready for expenses (100 000+ rubles per year) or you are afraid of legal risks (utilisation fee 340 000 rubles, additional charges up to 2 million) [web:9].
In 2025, new L9s cost 6.1-9.3 million rubles, while used ones cost 5.5-7 million, losing 10-15% per year [web:16]. Competitors like the Exeed RX (from 5 million) are easier to repair, but inferior in technology [web:12]. If you decide to buy one, check EPTS and SBCTS.

How to improve the reliability of the L9?

To minimise breakdowns:

Diagnosis: check the suspension and electronics every 5000 km (5000-10,000 rubles).
Fuel: fill up with AI-95 at verified petrol stations.
SIM card: set up a tariff with BAND 1, 3, 7 for updates (5000 rubles).
HULL INSURANCE: insurance for R200,000-300,000 a year will cover major repairs.
Care of paintwork: wash your car in winter to protect the body from reagents.
These measures will not make the L9 "forever" but will extend its life.

Common mistakes made by owners

Skipping maintenance: suspension and electronics break down without checks.
Bad fuelAI-92 kills the internal combustion engine, repair - 300,000 roubles.
Poor service: garage foremen failing L9 [web:14].
On the X, one owner complained about the "bucket" after 1000km, but the problem was fuel [post:0]. Bottom line, preventive maintenance solves a lot of things.

Forecast for 2025-2030

The reliability of LiXiang L9 in the future depends on the market:

Service: Li Auto may open warehouses in Russia by 2027, reducing the wait for spare parts to 1 month [web:14].
Competition: Chery and Geely will release analogues for 4-6 million rubles, pushing the L9.
Prices: L9 will become 20-30% cheaper by 2027 due to battery depreciation.
Hybrids will take 10% of the Russian market by 2030, but without dealers, L9 will remain risky [web:20].

Bottom line: LiXiang L9 reliability in real life

The LiXiang L9's reliability in service is a balance of pros and cons. The body, safety and hybrid system are durable with proper care, but the air suspension, electronics and lack of service create risks. Owners appreciate comfort and technology, but complain about costs and waiting for parts. The L9 is fine if you're in a city with services, ready for preventive maintenance, and check the paperwork. In the regions or without a repair budget, it's better to choose Exeed or Haval. The main thing is to weigh your options and the 2025 market.