Author: Master

Since the configuration and final price of the LINGPAI C11 was announced, the nickname “price butcher” has been with it all the time. Not only because it has a particularly rich configuration, but also because of the positioning of its medium-sized SUV and the selling price of only RMB 159,800 to RMB 199,800.

However, various configurations and large body have always been the characteristics of many Chinese brand models. In order to truly have comprehensive cross-class performance, its driving quality itself should also be good enough. So, does the LINGPAI C11 really have this strength? Through today’s test drive experience, I have got the answer.

Lived up to expectations

Let’s first introduce the powertrain section. The LINGPAI C11 provides three versions of models, among which the luxury version and the premium version use a rear-wheel drive layout, with a maximum power of 200 kW and a peak torque of 360 N·m. The acceleration time of 0-100 km/h is both 7.9 seconds, which is also the model tested this time.

The performance version, which will not be delivered until April next year, uses a four-wheel drive layout, equipped with two motors with a maximum power of 200 kW and a maximum torque of 360 N·m, and its 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 4.8 seconds.

200 kW is equivalent to 272 horsepower. When the accelerator pedal is fully pressed, the LINGPAI C11’s starting posture is very stable, without obvious lifting, and the 360 N·m torque does not make the tires slip. The 7.9-second acceleration time to 100 km is not violent compared to various new energy vehicles that can break 4 or 5 seconds, but if it is placed in a fuel-powered car, this level has already surpassed most luxury brands’ 2.0T medium-sized SUVs.

The LINGPAI C11 has light, sport, and custom driving modes. The custom mode can freely set power output, energy recovery, and steering assist, while the light and sport modes respectively adjust all three parameters to the far left and right.

Even if the power output is adjusted to sport mode, the LINGPAI C11’s accelerator pedal is still very linear and controllable. There is no jerky feeling when lightly pressing on the accelerator, and the nimble acceleration feeling is very friendly to ride comfort.

The three levels of energy recovery gradually increase, with the lowest level being similar to the feeling of a fuel car coasting in gear. Even at the highest level, it cannot provide the same deceleration feeling as a one-pedal mode. It would be even better if a one-pedal mode could be added.

The braking force is also outstanding and linear, with a distance of around 36 meters measured in multiple tests for 100-0 km/h braking. However, it should be noted that this result was achieved using the optional 255/45 R20 Maxxis UC6 tires.

The steering feel of the steering wheel is very good, and it basically isolates all vibrations from the road. The differences in weight between the three power-assisted modes are quite obvious, with the lightest mode being especially light and suitable for comfortable and leisurely driving.

Due to the good balance between handling and quietness of the tires themselves, combined with the standard double-layer soundproof glass for the front of the Zero Run C11, its quietness during low and medium speed driving is also quite impressive. However, after the speed exceeds 80 km/h, the overall wind noise will become more noticeable. After all, this is a medium-sized SUV that uses frameless windows.

The suspension performance of the Zero Run C11 is surprising. First of all, its isolation of fine road vibrations has a high-end feel. The entire car feels like it is floating on the road, with the seams of bridges and the lines on the road basically filtered out cleanly. However, its shock absorption is not blindly pursuing comfort.

When facing larger speed bumps or road damage, the suspension of the Zero Run C11 can even be said to be more sports-oriented. Basically, all undulations can be resolved in one compression-rebound action of the shock absorber, with basically no longitudinal residual vibration. The control of body roll and pitch is also very good, which can be said to highly balance luxury and handling.

## Overview

Overall, the driving quality of the Leading Ideal C11 demonstrates outstanding performance and even surpasses many models that are twice as expensive. Within a price range of less than 200,000 RMB, this kind of performance is definitely among the top tier.

Review of Static Parts

The Leading Ideal C11 is a midsize SUV with body dimensions of 4750/1905/1675 mm (length/width/height) and a wheelbase of 2930 mm. Currently, three models are available for sale, with only differences in the motor and battery capacity. All other safety features, comfort configurations, and advanced driver assistance systems are exactly the same.

The original configuration of the Leading Ideal C11 is already quite rich. In addition, with the Comfort Package upgrade of 10,000 RMB, you can also get a set of 255/45 R20 wheels, Nappa leather seats, 4-way electric adjustment of the driver’s seat, heated second-row seats on both sides, ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker high-end surround sound system, independent power amplifier DSP, electric tailgate, automatic anti-glare rearview mirror, power inverter output, rear privacy glass, and heated steering wheel.

The front face of the new car adopts a closed design, with the headlights connected by a smoky black decorative panel and integrated with LED light strips. There are a total of 23 lamp beads in the front headlight, and 46 in total for both sides, while the LED taillights use 118 lamp beads.

The interior is equipped with three symmetrical screens, which are the unique design of its class, and a lot of leather and Alcantara suede are used in the cabin. The Leading Ideal C11 calls it the “Deluxe Intelligent Living Room,” and the screen sizes are 10.25, 12.8, and 10.25 inches respectively. The entertainment screen for the front passenger seat can be operated independently, including screen content, audio and video output, intelligent voice recognition, and can also support phone mirroring. Additionally, the vehicle’s chip is currently the top-level Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 among vehicles of the same class.

The new generation of intelligent voice system, the iFLY 3.5 from iFlytek Corporation, used in Zero Run C11 has good accuracy and response speed in basic functions such as navigation, listening to music, and opening/closing car windows. It can realize voice interaction in dual-tone areas and supports functions such as wake-up-free and multi-round dialogue. In addition, the driver’s seat is equipped with a facial ID self-adaptive function, which can automatically remember the external rearview mirror, seat position, air conditioning settings, and even driving mode for different drivers. The only thing missing is an electrically adjustable steering wheel with memory.

In addition to the pre-installed iQiyi, Amap, and Kugou Music, Zero Run C11 also supports the Quick App Center, which can be used for various software without downloading. More Quick Apps will be added in the future.

The entertainment screen in the passenger seat can not only watch videos and listen to music but also perform simple system and navigation settings, which can be synchronized to the main screen.

A pair of Bluetooth earphones are included in the storage compartment at the bottom of the console, and there is a native charging/receiving slot. The passenger can use earphones to watch videos or listen to music, which will not interfere with the main screen playback. In addition, the interior of the storage compartment is also equipped with a foldable mobile phone holder. If you don’t want the wireless charging panel to make the phone heat up, you can directly fix the phone here.

The integrated seats also have some ingenious designs. The softness of the filling material in the middle and on both sides is different. The softer middle can make people sink slightly into the seat, while the harder sides can provide decent lateral support. However, the seats can only be adjusted for overall height and cannot be individually lifted at the front.

The filling material of the rear seats looks relatively thick, but the actual feeling is a bit hard. There is almost no sinking feeling on the cushion and backrest, which is not very comfortable for long-term riding. It is hoped that it can be optimized in the future, and it would be better if an angle adjustment of the backrest can be added.

As a mid-sized SUV, the passenger space of the LINGPARK C11 is not a problem. The front part of the rear seat cushion is tilted up at a large angle, which can effectively support the thighs.

The upper part of the rear seat belt has a large movable range, which can effectively relieve the “neck tightening” phenomenon when fastening the seat belt. This is a small detail that many cars overlook.

The storage space of the LINGPARK C11 is relatively large, and the capacity of the trunk can be switched between 427-892L. Some rarely used small tools can also be placed at the bottom of the cover panel or in the front luggage compartment.

The fast and slow charging interfaces are arranged on the right rear fender of the car body. By using DC fast charging, the battery can be charged to 80% in about 40 minutes.

Conclusion

LINGPARK’s approach to car manufacturing is quite different from other new forces. For most new forces, the mass-produced models they launch have already determined the segmented market and brand positioning for the next few years.

However, from the S01, a coupé sedan that was initially positioned as a niche market vehicle and not highly regarded, to the T03, an A00-level model that still has a relatively small audience, and finally to the C11, the three products follow three completely different styles.

But opportunity always favors the prepared. The launch of the T03 just happens to coincide with the rise of the mini car market and segmentation trend of the automotive industry, helping LINGPARK establish a foothold in the new force camp. The launch of the C11 coincides with the key period when the structure of the new energy market is transitioning from a “dumbbell shape” to a “spindle shape”.In October, the newly delivered C11 has received more than 4,000 orders. Since the start of pre-orders, the total number of orders has exceeded 11,000. With its strong product strength, it is only a matter of time before Leapmotor becomes a leading force in the new energy vehicle industry.

This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.