Trek LT 7 Plus or Trek LT 9.7 - is the upgrade worth it?

[mr_reality]

I am looking to pickup my first eMTB. Considering a Trek LT 7 Plus or Trek LT 9.7. Is the carbon 9.7 bike worth the upgrade? Want to purchase from my local bike shop and only the Trek dealer has much experience with ebikes (even has a large rental fleet of ebikes). The specs look similar on the bikes. Has anyone ridden both and have an opinion on them? Located in the United States. Thanks for your help?