I have bought quite a few cars due to my family’s business. After getting my driver’s license, I first drove the old BMW 740 from home, then switched to a Mercedes-Benz S400, V260, GLB, GLC, CLA, SLK, Porsche Panamera, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Toyota Alphard, Tesla Model X, 3, Idead ONE, and some cheap cars like Honda and Toyota. The experience of changing so many cars has made me very specific about my car requirements.
Before having children, I was most satisfied with the Tesla Model 3 P. It had precise and rapid handling, fast acceleration, and was not too big, making it very enjoyable to drive.
After having children, I needed a bigger car. My requirements were very clear:
- Seating for six or more people.
- Does not block other passengers from getting in and out with two baby seats installed.
- Has decent trunk space with two baby strollers even with full occupancy.
- Has advanced driver assistance capabilities.
- Ideally has a TV and a durable battery.
Initially, I chose a modified Mercedes-Benz V, which was very beautiful and satisfying at first, but as I used it more, I found that it had many problems. The materials used in the modifications were actually very poor, and I don’t think they were even up to car standards. The car would break down very often and repairs were difficult and had to be done at designated locations. The backseat charging port emitted a strong burnt smell after just two uses, making it unusable. The driving quality was very average and felt like driving a small truck. The interior quality was also poor and not up to close inspection. However, choosing an unmodified car just wasn’t up to my standards. Also, do you know what it’s like to drive a car with a broken suspension? The body bounces and jerks around, making everything jolt and rattle.Afterwards, I bought an Alphard, but the space was too small to use. Considering the safety of the car itself, I dare not put the baby seat in the third row, but after putting it in the second row, people cannot reach the third row. The trunk space is also very small, even putting a carry-on suitcase is difficult. The driving experience is also mediocre, and the noise is even worse than the Model 3. In addition, the platform of the car itself is relatively old and there are only a few charging ports. But to be honest, the second row is really comfortable.
Since there was no satisfactory car, I have been using the ideal ONE to cope with it. This car still has many inconveniences, but it is already the best solution. Later, I heard that the new forces were planning to make an MPV, so I have been waiting. Electric MPVs have many natural advantages, such as space and intelligence. There is also a use case for MPVs that is not mentioned much, which is resting or working inside the car. Traditional cars need to keep the engine idling while in use, and you are always worried about fuel consumption, engine idle loss, battery discharge loss, and sometimes tailpipe emissions in an indoor garage. Electric cars do not have these concerns and you can use air conditioning, charge, watch TV or do whatever you want.
The new forces have actually released several MPVs, but I have been hesitant due to various reasons. It made me feel like I could wait longer. Until the release of 009, it exceeded my expectations in all aspects, so I immediately placed an order and I am eagerly looking forward to its delivery.By the way, about the issue of Elfa’s circle of friends and face. My feeling is: no feeling at all. This was even more evident during the time I owned a Rolls-Royce. Because when you own a luxury car, you really want everyone to know what you drive. However, whether it was going out to eat, going sightseeing, or going to a meeting, the car was always parked in a parking lot. I couldn’t tell people with my mouth what kind of car I drove. After owning a Land Cruiser for a year and Elfa for a few months, only a few close partners knew I owned a good car, but they didn’t need a luxury car to know my financial status. The only time I experienced any perceived difference was at the hotel and car wash. On the road, it was harder to tell whether I needed to give someone else the right of way, because there were so many electric bicycles in some places, which made me feel a bit anxious. This article was published simultaneously on Geek Car, Garage 42, and Xiaote.
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.