It’s an honor to be invited to the L7 test drive event organized by Ideal in Huizhou, Guangdong from February 4 to February 6. As an owner of both Ideal ONE and L9, I would like to talk about the following points regarding the appearance (no photos can be shared due to the embargo before the press conference):
Exterior
Compared to L8 and L9, L7 has a more rounded shape. The star-ring light, which is Ideal’s signature design feature, is no longer suspended due to stricter regulations. As an L9 owner, I prefer the suspended design. Additionally, due to design restrictions, the eaves on both sides of the hood protrude outward. This is especially apparent on the white L7 model and looks like a manufacturing defect when viewed up close.
The height of the car body has been lowered, and the angle of the rear tilt has increased, making the streamlining more beautiful, which also fits the positioning of L7. During the road test, it rained, making the taillights of the car in front glow with a strong Porsche vibe through the mist. The fresh appearance color at the test drive event is white, which returns after being used on ONE, and it’s gorgeous. Even under dim light, the white color is very textured. I suggest that young people choose white as their first choice for L7!
Interior
Before the launch of L9, many people said they couldn’t accept the interior design without an instrument panel or gauges, as it looked too bare. With L9 and L8 deliveries, the HUD projection replaced the instrument panel, which received more positive reviews. Therefore, although there are no highlights in the interior design of L7, the technology style and rich content display will definitely not disappoint anyone.
The biggest highlight of L7 is the seat. The second-row seats are large and soft, and the backrest inclination even reaches 40 degrees. When the co-driver’s seat is in queen mode and the footrest is opened, it feels like lying on a sofa at home. Unfortunately, this mode can only belong to my wife because, at 183 centimeters, my feet can only be propped up, and I cannot fully extend my legs. However, it’s not a big deal since we purchased this position for little troublemakers and queens.
Dynamic Test Drive
The test drive route includes city roads, bumpy sections, and highways. The power is sufficient for daily use and even occasional intense driving, with a power reserve of 5.3 seconds on demand. I tried swaying from side to side and overtaking quickly. The suspension is harder than L9, and the body is more stable. L9 has more shaking, and L7’s tuning is definitely more athletic than L9.
Highlights
1: The second-row backrest of L7 Max version can be flattened to 40 degrees, providing an excellent watching position which L9 cannot compare.
2: Huge trunk space, which is envied by ONE, L8, and L9 owners. Monster loading space can easily fit in four large suitcases.
Shortcomings
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1: The so-called queen seat only has a footrest but no leg rest. It falls short of being a flagship five-seater. It would be more comfortable and create a higher degree of luxury if it had a leg support like the Maybach S.
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2: In order to accommodate five people and make the central armrest comfortable when put down, the fillings on both sides are very plump, resulting in the storage space being abandoned, which is usually done by cars. The design is only mediocre, lacking in creating a sense of luxury. After all, the visual sense can indirectly affect people’s perception.
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3: The second row of L7 cannot be completely flat when folded down, which is regrettable. Obviously, in order to ensure comfort, the cushion has been thickened, but this has also affected the longitudinal space. Even if an inflatable mattress is placed, a completely flat space still cannot be achieved.- 4: The huge storage space under the front armrests on L8 and L9 has been sacrificed for the air conditioning compressor.
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5: The biggest regret is not being able to bring the refrigerator and better seat massage from L9 to L7. With these two configurations, the slogan of “flagship five-seat SUV” can be increased by 10 decibels.
Easter Egg:
The red appearance photo has been exposed. This color should cater to female customers who buy L7. The exposed photo is blurry and difficult to see, and we are looking forward to seeing the red appearance of the real car.
How to Choose Between L7, L8, L9, Pro, and Max:
I believe many prospective car owners are hesitating between L7 and L8. For example, for a one-child family or someone who often drives alone, you should definitely buy L7 to enjoy the huge second-row space. If there are two or more children or you often travel with three generations, it is recommended to go for L9. Don’t think that the extra length will be difficult to drive. When the whole family travels happily and comfortably, everything will be worth it.
One child/low travel frequency → L7
Two or more children/high travel frequency → L9
As for choosing between the Pro and Max versions, if your wallet can afford it, choose Max. The ideal city NOA will be launched by the end of 2023. Since you have chosen a new energy vehicle, it proves that you are willing to accept new things. The development of technology can bring more travel convenience, and the powerful hardware and research and development of programs on the Max version will surely bring continuous surprises. For L7 Max version, it also has an additional rear screen. It’s a pity if you don’t watch a sound effects and seat vibration-linked movie while lying comfortably on a 40-degree reclining seat.
Wallet is sufficient → Max
As for L8, it is really awkward. The majority of car owners who choose ideal vehicles come from BBA. L9 is not considered expensive and has things that L8 doesn’t have such as a refrigerator, OLED screen, and more comfortable seat massage, etc. I predict that in the future, there will be more orders for L9 than for L8.## Driving Experience Reflection
This test drive has deeply felt how much attention Ideal Automobile gives to Ideal car owners and potential car owners. Every aspect was handled with great care, from preparing toys for children checking into the hotel, to the explanations provided to participants, to the organization of the event activities. We were like a big family. I also got a chance to meet Beif, Hardge, Lin Meimei, Xiao Yv, and other people. They were all very friendly. Later, I found out that the one who explained the details of the car to me was the head of Ideal Chassis Tuning Department. He was really down-to-earth and even helped me take my child to the restroom. Although I haven’t experienced NIO’s valet service, as an Ideal car owner for more than three years, I am quite satisfied with every aspect of Ideal.
Off-topic Chitchat
Since the day my wife picked up the L9, she has been labeling it with “The car is too big! It is difficult to park! It must be very difficult to drive!” until one or two months ago, when she was forced to drive it once while I was away on a business trip. She abandoned her Lexus ES300H for more than a month until the battery died and she couldn’t even open the door. As she put it, when picking up the child after school with the L9, she can drive comfortably with the air conditioning on, without having to endure the endless engine noise and vibration. As for the problem of the car being too big and difficult to park, she has not mentioned it again. When she drove her ES again, she only had endless complaints. She couldn’t turn on the air conditioner in advance, and when she tried to accelerate, she could only hear the engine roaring, and the acceleration was weak. Keep in mind that when we bought the ES300H years ago, it also cost us more than 400,000 yuan. Compared to the L9, it’s like night and day.
Our second child has been in my wife’s belly for more than seven months, and it will be “delivered” soon. The task after the test drive is to brainwash my wife and convince her to change the car, so that we can have a family of three cars with the Ideal ONE, L7, and L9 as soon as possible.
Conclusion
At first, the car’s role was to provide transportation, just like the call function of a mobile phone. With the advent of smartphones, the usage rate of phone calls gradually decreased, and work and entertainment took up the majority. And now, cars are also changing. The use of leisure and entertainment will become more and more frequent, bringing more convenience and joy to everyone.# About Chinese Domestic New Energy Vehicle Brands
For several leading domestic new energy vehicle brands, various rumors seem to be rampant on the Internet, and every “automobile expert” is criticizing them, degrading them to industrial waste comparable to color TV and refrigerators. However, car owners in real life love these brands, enjoying the happiness brought by their beloved cars. With great popularity comes great controversy, but the advantages of the idealistic brand capture one car owner after another who loves life and family, using practical sales to slap every detractor in the face.
2023 will undoubtedly be a leap year for Ideal Auto. With the L7 + L8 + L9 model already within reach, and the upcoming W pure electric series about to be launched, prospective car owners are sure to have a cost-effective and immersive experience.
Let’s go! For the perfect Ideal Auto!
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.