LiXiang L9 2024 top problems LiXiang L9 2024: is it worth the urgency to sell?

LiXiang L9 2024 problems worry owners and potential buyers of this premium Chinese hybrid. The 2025 LiXiang L9 remains in the top 10 brands in Russia, with 24,000 cars sold in 2024, but sales fell from 2105 in December 2024 to 955 in January 2025 due to quality complaints. Luxury crossover with a price from 6.1 to 9.3 million rubles promises comfort, technology and a range of 1,412 kilometres, but feedback from owners and experts reveals serious shortcomings. Is it worth getting rid of the L9 urgently or do its pluses outweigh its minuses? I'll break down the top 5 problems of the 2024 LiXiang L9 based on real-world experience and help you understand what owners should do.

Why is the LiXiang L9 causing controversy?

The LiXiang L9 2024's problems are related to its ambitious design and the realities of operating in Russia. The hybrid with a 52.3 kWh battery, two electric motors (449 hp) and acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds is positioned as a competitor to the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7. Owners praise the spacious interior, 16-point seat massage and Level 3 autopilot in the Ultra version. However, the lack of official Li Auto dealers in Russia, complicated repairs and Chinese electronics create difficulties. According to Avtostat, 8,049 L9s were registered in the first quarter of 2024, but negative reviews on forums such as Drom and on social networks are on the rise. The bottom line is that the L9 is a mix of innovation and risk.

Falling sales and reputation

In 2024 LiXiang sold 24,000 cars in Russia, overtaking Audi and Volvo, but by January 2025 sales had halved. Experts attribute this to quality problems: air suspension, electronics and service deter buyers. On X, users complain about the "degradation" of the L9 after 1000 kilometres of mileage, although such reviews are often exaggerated. The real picture is more complicated: L9 requires adaptation to Russian conditions, and owners require patience. Thus, understanding the problems will help to make an informed decision about selling.

Top 5 LiXiang L9 2024 problems

LiXiang L9 2024 problems are based on owner reviews from Drive2, Telegram groups and expert analysis. Here are the key flaws encountered in Russia.

1. Unreliable air suspension

The L9's air suspension, updated in the 2024 restyling, fails frequently. The compressor accumulates moisture, especially in winter, which leads to failure. Owners on "Drive2" report replacement of the compressor after 10,000-15,000 km, the cost is 50,000-100,000 rubles. The problem is aggravated by bad roads and reagents, for which the suspension is not designed. In China, where the roads are better, there are fewer such complaints.
Decision: regular diagnosis and drying of the compressor in the service.
Critical? For regions with harsh climates yes, for cities it is tolerable.

2. Electronics and firmware failures

L9 is a "tablet on wheels" with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip and OLED screens. But the electronics glitch: from multimedia failures to autopilot problems. In 2024, an owner on "Drive2" described a case where a 4.6.5 firmware update blocked the digital key due to a communication error with Chinese servers. Diagnostics and re-flashing cost 16,500-55,000 rubles, and access to Li Auto servers is limited in Russia.
Decision: installation of a Russian SIM card with BAND 1, 3, 7 support and reboot of the auto.
Critical? Depends on the skills of the owner and access to services.

3. SIM card and communication problems

L9 requires a SIM card for multimedia, navigation and updates, but Russian operators are not always compatible. The L9 works on Chinese 4G frequencies (BAND 1, 3, 7), and automatic network selection is often confused. Owners in Telegram groups complain that MTS or Beeline SIM cards lose signal, and traffic is limited to 20 GB per month. Installing the card takes 1.5 hours and costs 5,000 roubles.
Decision: manual network configuration and high-traffic tariff.
Critical? It's inconvenient, but solvable.

4. Expensive and complicated maintenance

The lack of official Li Auto dealers in Russia is the main pain. Spare parts take 2-3 months to arrive from China, and there are no warehouses in Russia. For example, replacing a gearbox oil seal costs 30,000 roubles, and a new internal combustion engine (if it breaks down due to bad fuel) costs 300,000 roubles. Services like ENService charge 16,500 rubles for diagnostics, and up to 55,000 rubles for firmware. In 2024, an expert on Drom noted that it is almost impossible to "revive" a control unit outside China.
Decision: look for unofficial services with experience in working with L9.
Critical? Yes, especially in the regions.

5. Legal and customs risks

L9s are imported into Russia as second-hand, although they are new, which creates legal risks. In 2024, there were discussed cases when cars were blocked at customs due to non-payment of duty. In 2025, the duty has increased to 340,000 rubles, and additional charges for customs clearance may amount to 1-2 million rubles. Owners on Drive2 advise checking the EPTS and SBCTS before buying.
Decision: buy only with full customs clearance and dealer warranty.
Critical? Depends on the paperwork of the particular car.

LiXiang L9 pros: why it's not all bad?

Despite the LiXiang L9 2024's problems, it has strengths:

Comfort: Nappa leather interior, 6 heated seats, fridge and 256-colour lighting.
Power reserve: 1412 km (with full tank and battery) - best in class.
Safety: 12 cushions, body on 75% high-strength steel, level 3 autopilot.
Cost-effectiveness: consumption 7-9 litres/100 km in hybrid mode.
Technologies: massage chairs, Dolby Atmos, 50W wireless charging.
Owners on Drive2 note that the L9 delivers a premium experience for less money than the GLS or X7. In the end, for those willing to put up with service nuances, the L9 remains attractive.

Should LiXiang L9 be sold urgently?

The decision to sell depends on your priorities, region and the condition of the car. Consider the key factors.

When it's smart to sell

High repair costs: if air suspension or electronics require frequent investments (100,000+ rubles per year), selling may be more favourable.
Regional operationIn cities without specialised services (e.g. in the Urals), maintenance is a headache.
Legal risks: if the EFTS or salvage is questionable, it is better to sell before the inspections.
Price drop: L9 loses 10-15% of value in the first year. In 2025, used L9s sell for 5.5-7 million rubles, and prices may fall further due to competition from Exeed and Geely.
A sale in 2025 would return up to 80% of value while demand for L9 persists.

When to leave the car

Urban operation: there are services like ENService in Moscow or St. Petersburg that solve 90% problems.
Dealer warranty: if the L9 is bought from Rolf or Autodom with a 2-year warranty, the risks are minimal.
Satisfaction with comfort: if you value power reserve and technology, and problems are rare, the L9 justifies itself.
Hybrid market growth: by 2030, the share of hybrids in Russia will grow to 10%, which will support the cost of the L9.
In the end, if the car is fine and there is access to service, you should not rush to sell it.

Current market and forecast

In April 2025, the L9 sells for 6.1-9.3 million rubles (new) and 5.5-7 million (used). Competitors, such as Exeed RX (from 5 million) or Haval H9 (from 4.5 million), are more reliable in maintenance, but inferior in technology. By 2030, Li Auto may open spare parts warehouses in Russia, simplifying repairs. However, the growth of scrappage duty and yuan exchange rate will make L9 more expensive by 10-15%. In the end, selling now is favourable if you are not ready for long-term risks.

How do you minimise the problems by keeping L9?

If you decide to keep your L9, follow these guidelines:

Diagnostics every 5000 km: check air suspension and electronics for 5,000-10,000 rubles.
Quality fuel: refuelling at trusted petrol stations to avoid engine breakdowns (RR 300,000 per replacement).
SIM card and firmware: set up a connection via Russian operators and follow the updates.
Unofficial services: find a handyman with L9 experience in your city.
Insurance: CASCO for 200,000-300,000 roubles a year will cover major breakdowns.
In the end, prevention will reduce costs and prolong the life of the auto.

Common mistakes made by owners

Ignoring the diagnosis: skipping maintenance for 42,500 rubles every 40,000 km leads to expensive breakdowns.
Substandard tuning: film or chip tuning for 40,000-100,000 rubles deteriorates paintwork and electronics.
Purchase without inspection: cars without full customs clearance are threatened with fines of up to 2 million roubles.
In 2024 the owner on X complained about the Zaporozhets after 1000 km, but the reason was bad fuel. In the end, a conscious approach saves from disappointments.

Forecast for 2025-2030

By 2030, the hybrid market will grow, but LiXiang L9 2024 problems will remain relevant without an official service. Possible scenarios:

Improved logistics: Li Auto may open warehouses in the Russian Federation, reducing the delivery time of spare parts to 1 month.
Increased competition: new models from Chery and Geely for 4-6 million rubles will push the L9 into the premium segment.
Loss of value: L9 will become 20-30% cheaper by 2027 due to battery depreciation.
Bottom line, keeping an L9 longer than 2-3 years is only beneficial with low mileage and good service.

Bottom line: LiXiang L9 2024 problems and the decision to sell it

LiXiang L9 2024's problems - air suspension, electronics, SIM cards, complicated service and legal risks - are real but not fatal for those who are ready to invest. Comfort, technology and power reserve make the L9 unique for 6-9 million rubles, but the lack of dealers and expensive spare parts require caution. You should sell it urgently if you are in the region without services, are afraid of expenses or doubt in documents. If the car is happy and there is access to repair, L9 can be left, following the prevention. Weigh your priorities and the 2025 market is the key to the right decision.