Chinese brand Li Auto is entering the Middle East with three family SUVs. It launched its flagship L9 Livis on 3 September and the L8 and L6 will follow in December. They are all built around extended-range electric technology suited to long Gulf journeys.
Who is bringing Li Auto to the region?
Li Auto is arriving through Al Fahim Motors, part of the Abu Dhabi-based Al Fahim Group. The two companies signed their agreement on 25 April 2026, making Al Fahim Motors the exclusive distributor for the UAE. Li Auto has appointed Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors for Saudi Arabia. The rollout targets UAE buyers who want premium SUVs with electric driving and long-distance range.
The three models share Li Auto’s comfort-first approach. Moreover, each uses extended-range electric vehicle technology, known as EREV, rather than a conventional battery-only setup.
What makes the L9 Livis the flagship?
The L9 Livis leads the range as a six-seat SUV. According to the manufacturer’s estimate, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
It carries a 72.7kWh battery with 5C fast charging. Li Auto’s figures put pure-electric range at up to 350km and combined range at up to 1,370km under WLTC testing, which is a manufacturer estimate.
Inside, the L9 Livis offers four zero-gravity seats for long-distance comfort. Furthermore, it features a 29-inch 6K central display and a 33-speaker, 5,440W audio system. An 800V electrical architecture and active smart suspension round out the package.
For Gulf families, the combination suits both city runs and longer intercity travel. Its six-seat layout and premium cabin place it at the top of the range.
How does the L8 differ?
The L8 takes the same family focus into a five-seat SUV. As a result, buyers get a spacious alternative to the L9 Livis without a third row.
It measures 5,135mm in length and offers 819 litres of boot capacity. That gives it the practicality families expect while keeping a premium cabin.
The L8 also uses a 72.7kWh battery. Li Auto estimates up to 353km of pure-electric range and a combined range of up to 1,385km. Four zero-gravity seats come as standard, alongside a 27-speaker, 4,720W audio system.
Consequently, the L8 targets buyers who want space and technology but do not need seven seats.
Why does the L6 matter?
The L6 arrives with strong momentum from China. More than 400,000 units have been sold there in two years, making it one of Li Auto’s highest-volume models.
It has a more compact footprint and standard all-wheel drive. Additionally, it features a 4C fast-charging battery, though Li Auto has not specified its range or battery size for the region.
Its smart-driving hardware uses a self-developed chip rated at 1,280 TOPS of computing power. The cabin includes a 29-inch 6K display and a 21-speaker, 2,160W audio system. In effect, the L6 opens the range to a broader group of buyers.
What is EREV technology, and why does it suit the region?
Extended-range electric vehicle technology combines electric driving with a range-extending powertrain. Therefore the cars drive electrically while offering extra range for longer trips.
This matters in the Gulf, where drivers often travel long distances between cities. Moreover, it gives families flexibility by pairing electric capability with the reassurance of added range.
How are the cars adapted for Gulf conditions?
Li Auto has fitted features aimed at the region’s heat. These include heat- and UV-insulating glass, cabin refrigeration systems, and high-capacity air-conditioning and ventilation.
Such features suit markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where high temperatures and long daily driving strain climate control. In addition, Li Auto says it has localised charging compatibility, navigation and infotainment for overseas markets.
When can buyers see them?
The L9 Livis is available now. The L8 and L6 then follow in December, completing the three-model range.
Through Al Fahim Motors, Li Auto is bringing its family-focused philosophy and EREV powertrain to UAE customers. Overall, this marks an important step in the brand’s international expansion.
The trio gives buyers three distinct options within one family SUV philosophy. They range from the flagship six-seat L9 Livis to the five-seat L8 and the high-volume L6.
