In Li’s view, the new L9 is positioned as an “intelligent agent” that goes beyond passive command response, with the ability to perceive, understand, and proactively serve users. On February 5, Li Auto CEO Li Xiang responded on social media to questions about whether his “all-in AI” strategy risks neglecting the core automotive business, while for the first time systematically previewing the next-generation Li L9. In Li’s view, embodied intelligence is not an abstract concept detached from automobiles. Li Auto CEO Li Xiang teases the next-gen L9 on social media Instead, it must be rooted in a well-engineered vehicle to generate real value. This, he said, is why he still devotes roughly 70% of his time and energy to the car itself. Li defines a vehicle as a robot that moves through the physical world. Under this framework, the new L9 is no longer positioned as a passive means of transportation responding to user commands, but as an “intelligent agent” capable of perception, understanding, and proactive service. He described the vehicle as having complete “eyes, a brain, a heart, nerves, and hands and feet,” enabling it to recognize users, understand their needs, and respond at appropriate moments. Li Auto showroom This is the context behind his description of the L9 as Li Auto’s first true embodiment of an embodied intelligence robot. From a technology roadmap perspective, Li Auto has steadily advanced its in-house development system since 2018, spanning perception systems, operating systems, centralized domain controllers, chips, and the in-vehicle deployment of its VLA large model, gradually building a full-stack architecture. According to previous reporting by ChinaEV Home, the 2026 Li L9 will receive multiple hardware upgrades. It includes further increases in body size, a fully revamped chassis, and an extended-range battery with capacity exceeding 70 kWh, delivering an estimated pure electric range of more than 400 km. On the intelligent systems side, the new L9 will be the first to feature Li Auto’s self-developed M100 autonomous driving chip, while the cockpit processor will be upgraded to Qualcomm’s 8797. The vehicle will also adopt an entirely new design language. Current Li L9 With both configuration and positioning moving further upmarket, Li Auto aims to push the L9 into a higher price and segment range to consolidate its standing in the premium SUV market. Data show that in January 2026, Li Auto delivered 27,668 vehicles, down 37% month-on-month and 8% year-on-year. Full-year deliveries in 2025 reached 406,300 units, representing a year-on-year decline of 18.81%. Against mounting sales pressure, Li Auto is pinning its hopes on the new L9 to reignite brand momentum through a step change in technology and product capability.
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