Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto announced plans to introduce smart-driving upgrades for its L-series SUVs and the Li Mega MPV in May, while opting not to release 2025 model-year updates. The company’s decision has raised concerns among potential buyers about the longevity of their purchases amid evolving technology.
The upcoming enhancements will focus on advanced driver-assistance capabilities, with no changes to battery specifications, electric drive systems, or vehicle design. Li Auto’s update strategy comes in response to growing customer inquiries about potential facelifts for existing models.
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The automaker, known for its extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), currently sells the Li L6, Li L7, Li L8, and Li L9 SUVs, along with the all-electric Li Mega, which was launched in March 2024.
The key updates will center around improvements to Li Auto’s AD Max and AD Pro smart-driving systems. The AD Max system, previously powered by dual Nvidia Orin-X chips, will transition to a single Thor-U chip, increasing processing efficiency and supporting upcoming AI-driven navigation enhancements.
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The AD Pro system, which currently lacks LiDAR, will be upgraded with the technology, alongside a transition from Horizon Robotics’ Journey 5 chip to the J6M chip, bringing its active safety performance closer to the premium AD Max system.
Both AD Max and AD Pro will support over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing for continuous enhancements in assisted driving and highway NOA (Navigate on Autopilot) features. The improvements align with Li Auto’s broader push to integrate LiDAR across all new models introduced this year.
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Ahead of the smart-driving updates, Li Auto is offering limited-time incentives, including three years of zero-interest financing and cash subsidies for its L-Series and Li Mega models. These promotions will be scaled back once the updated models become available in May.
Meanwhile, Li Auto recently revealed its first all-electric SUV, the Li i8, providing initial images without confirming a launch timeline. The company is also set to report its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial results before U.S. markets open on March 14.