Li Auto inaugurates first PH dealership, makes formal brand launch with two models
Another automotive brand has entered the Philippine market and this is one that we’ve been looking forward to for a couple of years now.
Joining the multiple Chinese brands currently selling and building a presence in our country is Li Auto which formally made its brand launch today, after a few months of marketing activities around Metro Manila.
Founded in 2015, Li Auto is a luxury electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Beijing, China. For the Philippines which is its first overseas market, it is under the management of HomeAuto, Inc. a direct subsidiary of Li Auto which will operate as Li Auto Philippines.
The brand launch is marked first by the inauguration and opening of its flagship dealership in the country, located on the ground floor of the Sennett Corporate Center, along 10th Avenue corner 38th Street, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. A second dealership is set to open soon at 9 Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Aseana City, Baclaran, Parañaque City.
As for their initial lineup, Li Auto Philippines will offer two plug-in hybrid crossovers. The first is the L7 five-seater midsize crossover which comes in two variants: Pro and Ultra, and a starting price of Php 3,890,000 for the Pro, and Php 4,490,000 for the Ultra.
Size-wise, it rides on a 3,055mm wheelbase and measures 5,050mm long, 1,995mm wide, and 1,750mm tall. It gets Li Auto’s signature Halo LED headlights and taillights giving it a sleek and futuristic appearance. Wheels measure at 20-inches in diameter for the Pro and Max, while the Ultra gets larger 21-inchers.
Inside is the place to be with Nappa leather upholstery for the seats which also gets soft headrests and “spa-grade” 10-point massage function in front.
The L7 gets a dual electric motor powertrain paired to a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing a combined 449 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque.
The Pro and Max variants get a 42.8kWh battery allowing for an all-electric range of 190km, and a combined driving range of 1,135km. The Ultra gets a 52.3kWh battery which allows for an all-electric and combined range of 240km and 1,421km, respectively.
Meanwhile, the L9 is a six-seater full-size crossover, also available in Pro and Ultra variants, with a starting price of Php 5,190,000 for the Pro, and Php 5,490,000 for the Ultra.
It wears similar styling as the L7 both on the outside and inside, albeit in a larger package. This one rides on a 3,105mm wheelbase, and measures 5,218mm long, 1,998mm wide, and 1,800mm tall.
Second row occupants will enjoy captain seats that come with “spa-grade” 16-point massage function. The right passenger will enjoy more luxury thanks to Queen Seat Mode which adds an electric foot and leg rest, and more recline.
As for its powertrain, the L9 gets the same setup as the L7. Both variants get a 52.3kWh battery as well which provides an all-electric range of 235km and a combined range of 1,176km.
Common to both are a trio of 15.7-inch screens for the infotainment system, front passenger entertainment, and rear entertainment; along with a 19-speaker audio system (21-speakers on the L7 Ultra and L9). There’s also a smart refrigerator/warmer box, tri-zone climate control, and interior ambient lighting.
The company will also be offering the Li Mega fully-electric MPV in the future. Interested buyers simply need to make a Php 100,000 deposit to pre-order this spaceship-like model.
With so much on offer from just two models, the entry of Li Auto in the Philippines surely looks promising. Would you choose these vehicles over more established luxury makes?
