About the Ideal L7, Let’s Talk About Three Points by Big D
- Is the Ideal L7 easy to drive?
Compared to my own L9, I don’t see much difference between the two in normal mode, and both are SUVs focused on comfortable driving. However, when the power/suspension/steering is set to sport mode, the L7 is noticeably easier to drive. Under the same sport settings, I would feel a significant difference with my L9, but not with the L7. This is probably due to the weight reduction in the tail and stronger rear suspension support.
In terms of appearance, the L7 is clearly smaller than the 8, and I personally think the 9 looks better than the 7, which looks better than the 8. This is not up for debate. ^0^
- Is the Ideal L7’s space convenient to use?
Compared to the L9/8, the only difference in the first row is that the L7 has no open storage compartment below the center console. I would be willing to sacrifice the air outlet behind the B-pillar of the second row for this storage space. The L7’s center console depth is similar to that of the L8 and deeper than that of the L9.
I personally don’t think the space in the second row is as large as advertised, and later found out that it was compared to the X5L or more expensive large five-seat SUVs, which aren’t that large. Some friends in the group asked, since the L7 based on the L9/8 has removed the third row, shouldn’t the second row space be invincible? Actually, for vehicles using the same platform, the maximum space that can be arranged in the second row is basically determined by the wheelbase (because the presence of the rear wheel arch means that the second-row seats cannot be arranged too far backwards; the L7’s chassis fuel tank position has shifted ten centimeters back compared to the L8.). In reality, with normal sitting posture in the first row, the second-row space of the Ideal L7 is larger than that of the second row of the L8 fully extended, similar to that of the L9 fully extended, and the overall space feeling is similar to that of the X5L second row, which I think is completely adequate. The downside is that the seat cushion is slightly shorter; if the legrest of the L9 is lowered to the queen’s seat, it should be more comfortable.
Even if the backrest of the second row is reclined to the maximum, the trunk space is still very spacious and can be used casually. The downside is that there is no place to put small items on a daily basis, as there are no net pockets on either side (I strongly suggest adding a net pocket on the right side, or if any accessory merchant can make a practical accessory, I’ll help promote it for free). The space under the trunk cover plate can accommodate the original sunshade, but there is almost no additional small item storage space.
- Is the Ideal L7 worth buying?
In my opinion, we group friends don’t need to compare it with cross-level products like BMW X5 as promoted by the manufacturer. It depends on what can be purchased for 350,000 CNY, and most likely only the mid- to low-specs of the Mercedes-Benz GLC/BMW X3/Audi Q5L can be bought for this price on oil-powered SUVs, which are clearly inferior in product strength. For comparison, we don’t need to say more, do we?
Among the new energy vehicles within the 350,000 CNY price range, only the XPeng G9 two-wheel drive, the Nio old ES6, the AITO M7, the BYD Tang, the Zeekr 001 (barely an SUV), and the Voyah Free have comparable sales numbers. These vehicles have smaller space, and I think we can compare the XPeng G9 two-wheel drive and Zeekr 001 in product strength.
I hope that my friends in the group can also share their journey of choosing a car with everyone.
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.