Li Auto has officially launched its new L9 flagship SUV in the UAE, marking an important step in the Chinese carmaker’s expansion into the Middle East. The six-seat extended-range electric SUV is now available from AED 319,900 through authorised UAE distributor Al Fahim Motors.
The Li Auto L9 UAE launch was announced on 4 September 2026 following a presentation at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai. The move gives Li Auto an official sales presence in one of the Gulf’s biggest premium SUV markets and follows the brand’s recent expansion across Central Asia and other international markets.
Li Auto L9 UAE prices start at AED 319,900
Li Auto is offering two versions of the L9 in the Emirates. Al Fahim Group, through Al Fahim Motors, is the brand’s exclusive general distributor in the UAE and will oversee the local sales and after-sales operation.
The confirmed UAE line-up is:
- Li L9 Ultra: From AED 319,900
- Li L9 Livis: From AED 359,900
- UAE distributor: Al Fahim Motors
Li Auto and Al Fahim also plan to establish more than two official retail and service centres across the country. The first official retail centre is scheduled to open in Downtown Dubai during September, although an exact opening date has not yet been announced.
What UAE buyers get with the new Li Auto L9
The L9 is Li Auto’s flagship six-seat SUV and uses the company’s latest extended-range electric vehicle, or EREV, technology. The system allows the vehicle to operate using its electric drivetrain while a petrol-powered range extender provides additional energy for longer journeys.
A 72.7 kWh battery and long-distance EREV range
For the UAE, Li Auto quotes figures under the WLTC testing cycle rather than relying solely on the higher CLTC figures commonly used for the Chinese market.
Key UAE-spec powertrain figures include:
- Battery capacity: 72.7 kWh
- WLTC electric range: 350 km
- WLTC combined range: 1,370 km
The battery supports Li Auto’s 5C charging technology, although the company notes that actual charging speeds depend on the availability of compatible high-power charging infrastructure. Real-world range will also vary according to temperature, air-conditioning use, road conditions and driving style.
That combination could be particularly relevant in the Gulf, where buyers regularly make longer inter-emirate journeys and may still have concerns about relying entirely on public charging infrastructure.
Six seats and flagship cabin technology
The L9 measures 5,255 mm long and has a 3,125 mm wheelbase, placing it firmly in the full-size SUV category. Its cabin is arranged around six seats, with a strong focus on passenger space and rear-seat entertainment.
Among the main features highlighted for the new model are:
- A 29-inch 6K panoramic front display
- A 21-inch 4K rear entertainment screen
- Steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering
- 800V active suspension technology
The SUV’s smart cockpit runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8797 platform, while Li Auto also highlights four zero-gravity seats and a range of family-focused comfort features.
UAE-specific changes target heat, dust and local charging
Rather than simply importing the Chinese-market vehicle unchanged, Li Auto says it has carried out specific calibration work for UAE conditions.
The company has confirmed several localisation measures:
- Charging and thermal management have been tuned for extreme heat and dusty conditions.
- The infotainment system includes an Arabic user interface.
- English voice interaction is currently supported, with Arabic voice support planned by the end of 2026.
- Local charging protocols and UAE-focused mapping data have been integrated.
These adaptations matter in the Emirates, where sustained summer temperatures can place heavy demands on batteries, cooling systems and cabin air-conditioning.
UAE launch opens the next stage of Li Auto’s Middle East push
The UAE is becoming an important part of Li Auto’s overseas strategy. The company began expanding more aggressively outside China in 2025, entering markets across Central Asia, the Caucasus and North Africa before bringing the latest L9 to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in 2026.
Its Gulf plans extend beyond the Emirates. Li Auto has also reached a distribution agreement with Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in Saudi Arabia, although a confirmed launch timetable for Saudi sales has not yet been announced.
For UAE buyers, the L9 arrives in a market where large six and seven-seat SUVs remain major family-car choices. Its extended-range powertrain gives Li Auto a different proposition from conventional petrol SUVs and fully electric alternatives, particularly for customers who want substantial electric-only capability without depending entirely on charging during longer trips.
What is still to come after the L9’s Dubai debut
The launch establishes the L9 as Li Auto’s first major official product push in the UAE, but several details are still to be clarified.
Li Auto has confirmed official warranty coverage, genuine parts, certified repair support and continued over-the-air software updates for vehicles bought through authorised channels. However, the cited launch announcement does not specify the exact warranty duration.
The precise opening date of the first Downtown Dubai retail centre, the timetable for additional UAE locations and any official Saudi Arabia launch date also remain unconfirmed.
With official local distribution, UAE-specific vehicle calibration and pricing now in place, the L9 gives Li Auto a formal entry point into the Gulf’s premium SUV market and a base from which to build its wider Middle East presence.
