Livan Auto 9

Model Overview

The Livan 9 is an all-electric D-segment SUV under Livan Auto. Established on 24 January 2022, Livan Auto is a battery-swapping EV mobility brand jointly formed by Geely Auto and Lifan Technology. The Livan 9 officially went on sale on 17 December 2022, marking Livan Auto's first battery-swappable SUV model. Built on Geely's GBRC Crystal architecture, the EV is marketed as a "pioneer in chargeable and swappable large SUVs". In November 2023, the line-up expanded with the Executive Edition, priced at RM197,900. The model is offered in six-seater (2+2+2) and seven-seater (2+3+2) seating configurations, with key rivals including segment peers such as the BYD Song PLUS EV.

Design Language

The Livan 9 adopts an "Urban Impressionism" design philosophy, characterised by a bold, boxy, and muscular aesthetic. Up front, it features a closed-off grille topped by a full-width LED light bar connecting the vertical "building-style" indicators on either side; the distinct triple-array nine-slat LED daytime running lights deliver high visual recognition; below are split headlamp units integrated into the bumper air curtains. Down the sides, sharp character lines and flared wheel arch contours create a muscular, wide-body stance, complemented by matte trim along the side skirts. The rear is highlighted by "lightsaber-style" full-width LED taillights paired with a rugged lower bumper. Dimensions measure 4,845 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,778 mm in height, with a 2,825 mm wheelbase. Its overall styling shares visible design cues with the Geely Haoyue L.

Inside, the Livan 9 features a two-tone blue and black cabin colour scheme, where the dashboard houses a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, supporting three-finger swipe screen-sharing gestures. The continuous air vent design visually broadens the cabin's perceived width. Drive selection is operated via a yacht-style electronic gear shifter, ahead of which sits a wireless smartphone charging pad and tactile climate control buttons. The interior is finished in a mix of suede and leather upholstery, creating a premium cabin ambience.

Powertrain and Performance

Across the range, the Livan 9 is powered by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous single motor, pushing out 150 kW (approx. 204 PS) and a peak torque of 310 Nm. Power is sent through a single-speed EV reduction gearbox, achieving a top speed of 163 km/h. Official 0-100 km/h acceleration figures have not been released.

For battery options and range, the Livan 9 offers a 52.56 kWh ternary lithium battery pack delivering a CLTC range of 380 km, alongside a 66.57 kWh ternary lithium pack (featuring CATL battery cells) providing a CLTC range of 470 km. Energy consumption is rated at 15.6 kWh/100 km. The vehicle comes backed by a four-year or 150,000 km manufacturer warranty.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Livan 9 features front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam semi-independent setup, driven via front-wheel drive (FWD). Steering is managed via a four-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. The braking system is equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). For rolling stock, 18-inch alloy wheels come standard (225/55 R18), while higher-spec variants ride on 19-inch wheels (235/50 R19). Minimum ground clearance has not been stated.

Cabin and Equipment

In the tech department, the Livan 9 is equipped with the Geely Galaxy OS infotainment system, supporting Amap navigation, Bluetooth telephony, voice recognition, 4G in-car connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Powered by Baidu's Honghu AI voice platform, occupants can converse with the "Livan Crystal" virtual assistant. Higher-spec variants add an 8-inch W-HUD head-up display, enabling a triple-screen interactive setup. Seating comes in either six-seater (2+2+2) or seven-seater (2+3+2) layouts, with all seats individually adjustable to configure up to 19 interior layouts. Seats are upholstered in leatherette or a suede-leather blend. A power-adjustable driver's seat is standard across the range, with mid-to-high variants adding a power front passenger seat, front seat heating/ventilation, and driver's seat memory. Boot capacity stands at 162 litres in standard guise, expanding to 628 litres with the third-row seats folded flat. A wireless smartphone charging pad is integrated into the centre console.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the Livan 9 incorporates a high-strength body structure. Passive safety includes dual front airbags as standard. On the active safety front, higher variants are equipped with Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), featuring front and rear collision warnings, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and more. A 360-degree surround-view camera is also onboard. In terms of battery safety, built on the GBRC Crystal architecture, the battery pack has successfully undergone extensive safety validations.

Market Performance and Reception

The Livan 9 has seen modest market traction. Total annual sales stood at roughly 1,034 units in 2023, 1,665 units in 2024, and just 1 unit in 2025. Nationwide registrations in October 2024 stood at only 19 units. The subdued demand stems from limited brand awareness, an underdeveloped battery-swapping ecosystem, and intense segment rivalry. In terms of market reception, critics noted that the Livan 9 successfully lowered the entry price of battery-swappable mid-size SUVs to the RM100,000 mark, with its 60-second ultra-fast battery-swapping capability serving as its standout USP. However, the separate battery-and-body purchase model also sparked debate among consumers. Overall, whilst the Livan 9 establishes a distinct niche in the D-segment electric SUV space with its GBRC Crystal platform, 60-second battery swaps, versatile 6-/7-seater practicality, and Level 2 ADAS, its market performance remains constrained by brand recognition, battery-swapping infrastructure maturity, and fierce competition, leaving ample room for growth.