New competitors for Western automakers are coming from China. Li Auto wants to offer many cars at low prices. A look at some exciting SUVs might make the plan work.
Li Auto could pose a threat to VW and Co
The Chinese market is a very interesting and important market for European automakers. In particular, traditional German companies such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have always relied on the sale of high-end vehicles in the Far East. With China’s growing prosperity, they were able to make good profits in the luxury sector as well. This is the same for Li Auto. It now has luxury SUVs in its pipeline at very competitive prices.
The Li Auto with its range extender offers a very exciting and unique selling point. In a way, this is like a lifeline. The Li One is equipped with a gas tank and a suitable engine in case the vehicle runs out of battery. This is intended to bridge the gap to the next charging station and prevent vehicles from stalling on their route. This model should be very interesting, especially in regions like Germany, where the shortage of charging stations has not kept up with the number of electric vehicle registrations.
An SUV of epic scale
Strictly speaking, the Li One is not a fully electric vehicle, but a traditional hybrid vehicle. Given the SUV’s large dimensions, it is a serious competitor to bolides like the BMW X5. Both vehicles are similar in size, but differ significantly in price. For example, Li Auto has priced his SUV with two electric motors just under €45,000.
On the other hand, the base price of the BMW X5 in the People’s Republic is €82,000, almost double that. But the X5 is really only available as a classic hybrid, while the Li One provides power, aside from a small gas tank. The power of the electric motors is 100 kW and 140 kW. Unlike typical plug-in hybrids, the on-board battery has a range of more than 60 km. 180 km should be possible here.
Leaker is finally a second car
Chinese car brands are famous for their wide range of products, which are expanding particularly rapidly. For example, at CES 2023, BYD unveiled its next two new models, the U8 and U9, aiming to quickly overtake Toyota to become the world’s largest car brand. After all, Li Auto is quite different from its Chinese competitors in this respect. After all, he was the only model the company offered, and that Li One. Two and a half years. But now the manufacturer has finally unveiled his second vehicle, his L9.
It takes the form of a large SUV and is clearly reminiscent of the Li One in terms of technology. Here he also runs two electric motors, but slightly more powerful at 125 kW and 200 kW. They are supported by a range extender in the shape of an internal combustion engine. Its cruising range of 215 km is slightly longer than the Li One. But those brave enough to visit a petrol station won’t just be impressed by its range: a full tank of petrol and a full battery will give you around 1,300 km of range. This seemed to work for potential buyers as well. After all, the new car sold much better than the Li One.
German brands have no chance
Compared to the likes of BMW and Audi, the L9 also scores points mainly for its price. The giant vehicle costs just under 63,000 euros. Of course, that’s a lot of money. But looking at comparable German-made vehicles, it almost seems ridiculous. His BMW X7 of similar size costs at least €97,000. If this roughly matches the L9’s equipment, it easily ends up at just under €170,000.Many Chinese customers are no longer willing to pay for it. After all, for years it was simply the lack of alternatives that drove potential buyers to expensive German manufacturers. We are ahead in some respects.
Especially when it comes to electric mobility, Chinese brands are the world leaders. The L9 is joined by a slightly smaller SUV, the L8, priced at just under €54,000. There is also a range extender, which is supposed to offer a similar range. It is therefore not surprising that Western automakers are increasingly turning their attention to the important Chinese sales market. VW wasn’t the only one announcing a few days ago that it would change its China strategy slightly. In addition, Tesla and Mercedes-Benz have also cut prices for electric vehicles in China. The fear of being left behind in competition with the People’s Republic is too great.
