A new player will be entering the Philippine automotive market this year, specifically in the luxury segment for SUVs and MPVs. Hailing from China, Li Auto is currently making its rounds around Metro Manila to make some noise before its big debut.
That debut is slated between April and May this year, which means that the brand will not be present at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show. Instead, Li Auto is focused on constructing its flagship showroom in Uptown Bonifacio, setting up shop next to another newcomer in the Philippines—Tesla.
While the brand is still establishing its roots here, back in its motherland, Li Auto has already made a name for itself in manufacturing luxury vehicles for families. Several markets around the world have already gotten a taste of what Li Auto has to offer, and soon, it will be the Philippines’ turn. Interestingly, the Philippines is Li Auto’s first venture into the ASEAN region. This is likely due to our family-oriented culture, which Li Auto may be banking on to sell its cars.
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And what exactly are these cars? Li Auto has its L7 and L9 PHEV SUVs on display at The Podium in Ortigas, and we got a chance to take a look inside the pair.
Firstly, both vehicles feature very comfortable interiors with massaging seats and plush headrests on the first and second rows, a 12-camera system with sentry mode and LiDar technology, and two extremely huge screens up front for infotainment and vehicle control.
There is also a heating and cooling box behind the center console, the second-row passengers get footrests, and a head-up display with an additional screen on the steering wheel. There are simply too many features to mention, all embedded within a minimalist interior dressed in soft leather.
Li Auto will have three variants of the L7, namely, the Pro, Max, and Ultra. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? And no, there are no SE or Mini versions. The more powerful L9 will only get a base variant Pro and a top-spec’d Ultra upon release.
All these variants will receive the features that were previously mentioned, and performance will be more-or-less similar. Both the L7 and L9 pack in dual-motor, AWD systems that produce 443hp, 620Nm of torque, and a driving distance of around 1,400km. Li Auto is also adding adaptive air suspension to all variants of the L7 and L9. Talk about feature-loaded, huh?
The main upgrades between variants will be noticed via additional screens for entertainment, better audio systems, and more automated functions for parking. Prices have yet to be announced, but these are currently up for reservation for a fee of P50,000.
The Li L7 is laid out as a five-seater, while the bigger L9 can comfortably seat six passengers with two seats on each of its three rows.
A bigger MPV, aptly named the Li Mega, is also expected to hit the Philippine market with these SUVs. However, the Mega is a fully electric car that can fit seven passengers, likely sliding in between the L7 and L9 in size.
Has Li Auto piqued your interest? Or does the brand need more oomph to turn your head and fight for your consideration? If you want to get a closer look, Li Auto will be on display at The Podium until April 3, 2025.
