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Li Auto launches D19 — a full-size flagship that surprises the market
Li Auto, the Chinese automaker with a stake held by Stellantis, has unveiled its new flagship SUV, the D19. Positioned in the full-size luxury segment and measuring roughly 5.2 meters long — similar in footprint to the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS — the D19 arrives with an aggressive price strategy that will turn heads: a base price around RMB 250–300k (roughly $35,000–$42,000), comparable to a Toyota RAV4 in the U.S. market.
Why the D19 matters
The D19 isn't just another large SUV. It signals Li Auto's ambition to compete with established global brands by offering premium scale, high tech and long driving ranges at mainstream prices. The company, which recently celebrated the production of its one-millionth vehicle, plans to use the D19 as a statement model to anchor its place in the smart electric vehicle arena.
Powertrains and range
Li Auto will offer the D19 with two powertrain options: a full battery-electric variant and an extended-range hybrid. According to company figures:
- The electric variant targets over 630 km of range on the CLTC cycle.
- The extended-range hybrid promises a combined driving range exceeding 1,300 km on a single fuel fill and one battery charge.
These range figures, particularly for the hybrid, are positioned to ease long-distance travel worries and broaden the SUV's appeal for markets where charging infrastructure is uneven.
Design and exterior features
Visually the D19 borrows cues from ultra-luxury SUVs, drawing comparisons to Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Mercedes-Maybach GLS. Notable design elements include split front headlights, a full-width LED lightbar at the rear, a pronounced chrome D-pillar accent, and large chrome disc-style wheels that enhance its premium stance.
Interior tech and driver aids
Interior photos have not been officially released, but Li Auto says the D19 will feature a high-tech cabin with an advanced digital instrument cluster, a dedicated passenger display, and a rooftop LiDAR unit to support advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Twin Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 chips are expected to run the infotainment and ADAS software, pointing to strong computing capability for over-the-air updates and smart features.
Highlights:
- Flagship positioning above existing Li Auto models
- Luxury design at a mainstream price point
- Dual focus on electric and extended-range hybrid powertrains
Quote: 'D19 marks Li Auto's intent to play at the premium table without the premium ticket price,' industry watchers note.
Whether the D19 will disrupt the global luxury-SUV hierarchy remains to be seen, but its combination of size, technology and aggressive pricing makes it one of the most interesting SUV launches to watch in the coming months.
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