Li Auto Philippines recently invited us to experience their vehicles—Li L8, Li L9, and Li Mega—with an overnight drive to Batangas. Because Day 1 fell on a national holiday, getting to the early-morning meetup at the Li Auto showroom located in the Sennet Building in Bonifacio Global City BGC was hassle-free. The event promised a simulation of the “family adventures” one can have with the Li Auto vehicles. During the briefing, the day’s itinerary was laid out: a series of stops and test drives, culminating in an overnight stay at the Nawa Wellness Hotel in Calatagan, Batangas.
The Journey Begins: the road to Calatagan
One of the unique aspects of this event was the format—because there was only one unit each of the Li L7, Li L9, and Li Mega, the participants were divided into three groups. While one group had their turn experiencing one of the Li vehicles, the others were transported in vans.
The first destination was a cozy coffee shop located near the entrance of CALAX that served as an initial recharge and mingling point. Here, participants took in the scenery and exchanged impressions of the vehicles’ sleek and minimalist interiors. Unlike typical Chinese luxe offerings, Li’s interiors lean towards a modern, tech-loaded design that’s visually clean—sparse-looking, even—emphasizing functionality over unnecessary embellishments.
Gastronomic Delights and Smart Demonstrations
Continuing the journey, the next stop was at Mrs. Saldo’s in Silang, Cavite, for a gastronomic feast. At this location, the organizers briefly demonstrated Li Auto’s Auto Park Assist (APA) and Remote Parking (RPA) features, illustrating how these technologies simplify parking, particularly in tight spaces.
After the meal, the convoy made its way to our accommodations for the night, the Na-wa Wellness Hotel located in Calatagan, Batangas. The venue was a wonderful place to relax and commune with nature, although there really wasn’t any room in the compound to document/photograph the vehicles, much less to test-drive them. However, the participants did get the opportunity to share a meal with the Li Auto officers and familiarize themselves with the brand.
Chill and Wellness in Batangas
The following morning brought a refreshing change in the atmosphere. Light rain dampened the early hours, creating a cozy, calming atmosphere that paired well with the tranquil surroundings. After checking out, the group enjoyed a late lunch at Bag of Beans in Tagaytay, savoring flavorful food while soaking in the cool mountain air.
First Impressions of the Vehicles
Despite being mere passengers for the duration of the event and having very limited seat time. The vehicles still left a positive impression. What stood out was their interiors—clean, minimalist, yet packed with technology. It’s a departure from typical Chinese luxury, leaning instead toward a modern aesthetic that’s equally stylish and functional. The cars’ interiors are neat and uncluttered, which adds to their appeal for a demographic that values both tech and simplicity. Less is more. The ride quality, although heavily dependent on the person behind the wheel, was smooth and composed, especially for those seated in the second rows of the longer Li L9 and Li Mega. The seats were plush and powered, and the first four seats in the three vehicles had massage functions that could rival any Ogawa chair. The vehicles also had built-in cubbies with refrigeration to keep drinks cool. Both the Li L9 and Li Mega are equipped with auxiliary screens that allow rear passengers to access controls and enjoy their media of choice. We were told that each purchase came with either a microphone for in-car videoking or gaming controls for non-stop mobile gaming.
The group got back to BGC just before nightfall, and because none of us were able to get behind the wheel of any of the Li vehicles during the trip, we can’t wait to schedule a proper test drive of one in the near future.
Spotlight on the Models
Li L7: The flagship 5-seat SUV combines style and substance. Its Dual Motor 4WD system packs a punch, delivering impressive power and stability. With an extended range of up to 1,421 km, it’s designed for those who enjoy long, uninterrupted journeys. Inside, the cabin resembles a lounge, featuring a built-in warmer/refrigerator, second-row entertainment displays, and a premium audio system. The vehicle’s intelligent parking system and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology emphasize convenience and adaptability. The Li L7 has a starting price of P 3,890,000.
Li L9: Catering to families who need extra space without sacrificing elegance, the Li9 seats six comfortably. Its suite of smart driving technology, including Li Pilot Assistance with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR (Ultra variant), offers added safety and confidence on the road. Plush seating, entertainment features, and even a double air mattress turn mundane trips into extraordinary family adventures. The Li L9 has a starting price of P5,190,000.
Li Mega: The crown jewel of the lineup, the Li Mega transforms the MPV into a moving sanctuary. With a range of up to 710 km, its “Magic Carpet” air suspension and interior, customizable for lounging or entertainment, redefine luxury. Heated, massaging seats and a mighty 2,160W audio system make it perfect for road trips, celebrations, or just unwinding. The Li Mega indicative pricing is pegged at P 6,800,000.
Li Auto vehicles can be ordered with a security deposit of P100,000, with deliveries estimated 3-6 months after confirmation of order.