- What kind of car is it?
What we have here are the two levels of Ideal L series models – Flagship/Luxury. The Ideal L9 is a 6-seater flagship, while the Ideal L7 is a 5-seater flagship that has been designed specifically for families of three – every aspect of the driver/passenger experience has been taken into consideration.
- How does it feel to drive?
As an Ideal L9 owner, having driven the Ideal ONE 3000 km and having given the Ideal L8 several in-depth test drives, I can say that the Ideal L7 is the most dynamic of the three models. Of course, given that the chassis configuration of 789 is the same, the difference in driving experience is negligible. It’s just that the L7 is shorter and more sporty, which improves its driving and handling characteristics. Of course, all the adjustment is still geared towards comfort – after all, the second row is reserved for one’s beloved children and family leaders.
Because the Ideal L series supports three modes – Comfort, Standard, and Sport – based on driving experience, the Standard mode of the Ideal L9 is similar to the Comfort mode of the Ideal L7. Similarly, the Sport mode of the Ideal L9 is similar to the Standard mode of the Ideal L7, so the Sport mode of the Ideal L7 can provide a stronger sense of control and driving experience.
So overall, the driving experiences of the three models are as follows: L7 > L8 > L9, but the difference between them is negligible, and only slightly noticeable in lane-changing and turning scenarios.
- What is the level of the chassis configuration?
Based on the current configurations of L7 Pro and L7 Max, Magic Carpet chassis configuration is standard with single-chamber air suspension and CDC filter road bumps effectively, making it quite strong for the price range of 300,000 to 400,000 yuan.
In comparison, the XPeng G9 next door requires almost 400,000 yuan to be equipped with air suspension (dual-chamber), and its model size is one size smaller. Not to mention petrol vehicles, whose price ranges would have to go up significantly to be equipped with a similar option.
According to reliable sources, highly likely there will be an air suspension-free version of L7 and L8 whose prices will be even lower. After deep communication with driving coaches, the conclusion is that CDC can suppress about 60%-70% of road bumps, while air suspension can suppress about 30%-40%, so if the road situations you encounter in your daily life are relatively good, the standard version without air suspension can also be a worthwhile option.
- How does the second row feel?
The legroom of the second row surpasses that of the X5, the floor is completely flat, and there is a separately pressurized fan (the only five-seater global model alongside the KOLEOS), an independent B-pillar air outlet, and a maximum of 40° electric adjustment (the second place is the BMW 7 series’ 39°), with seat massage, ventilation, and heating. The right rear seat has a separate footrest, a very soft elbow rest, physical sunshades, Max versions have independent second-row entertainment screens (Lynk & Co China’s first car-mounted large screen approved for low-blue light, effectively protecting children’s eyes), and a central armrest that can be electrically adjusted with just one finger…When it comes to comfort, my son can move around freely in the second row during static experiences while during dynamic driving, adjusting to a 40-degree angle while the head of the family sits in the second row is really comfortable. The baby can sit on the safety seat and kick their feet around freely without hitting the backseat of the first row (ideally L8/9 can reach).
Of course, the second row is not perfect. Although the privacy glass can ensure privacy, the lack of window shades cannot prevent direct sunlight. The storage space is concentrated on the door panel, and there is no separate area for small items such as phones. Also, the second row does not have an independent small table (this is also a product trade-off. If there is a footrest, there is no room for a small table. However, you can buy a portable table in the aftermarket for use on the co-pilot seat).
If you want to adjust to the most comfortable seating experience in the second row, the backrest angle should be 40 degrees, and the co-pilot seat should be adjusted forward and the footrest opened. Although all are electrically adjustable, these steps are still quite complicated. Fortunately, LI has made the “Queen’s seat is turned on in one click” function available on the car screen or through the “LI assistant” to complete the process.
There is a small detail about the Queen’s seat. If the co-pilot headrest is removed, the reclining angle will be greater, which is more comfortable.
Regarding the footrest, the second row of the Li Xiang L9 is equipped with a leg rest, while the Li Xiang L7 is equipped with a footrest. In comparing the two experiences, the comfort of the footrest is much better than that of the leg rest because the legs are suspended with the leg rest, which can feel uncomfortable over time.
In fact, the backrest of the first row of the Li Xiang L series can be folded backward, so if I were to rank comfort, the first row laid flat > L7’s footrest > L9’s leg rest.
As a family car, I strongly recommend the 6-seat configuration. However, even with Li Xiang L9’s full-size model, the trunk space is cramped, especially when traveling with six passengers. Conversely, the trunk in the large five-seater L7 is astonishingly large, and it felt even bigger than the Tesla Model Y’s.There are many friends who are concerned about whether the second row can be folded down flat, and based on actual experience, it cannot be flat. However, from an inclined angle, it is only a little bit. I consulted the ideal product manager because many products are often a choice between two, in order to ensure the comfort of the second row.
Many friends want to lie flat and sleep in the car. In fact, the second row of the L7 can also sleep a person who is 170cm tall when folded down. Of course, for better comfort, the ideal also supports a large bed mode, which can connect the first and second rows, put a mattress on it, and make the experience even more comfortable.
This time, it is said that a refrigerator can be optionally installed, and I personally guess that it will be placed in the center armrest box behind the trunk, so that it is easy to take iced cola or warm milk powder while driving.
In addition, due to the tapered design of the rear of the car body, the area of the rear window glass is reduced. If the second-row entertainment screen is turned on, the obstructed view of the rearview mirror is more serious, and this detail will be more obvious when in dynamic driving.
- How is the overall exterior design?
The overall appearance of the ideal L series is similar, and the front of the ideal L7 is lower, and the treatment of the star-ring lights reduces the suspended feeling and makes it more rounded. As a mid-to-large-sized SUV with a family orientation, the rear of the vehicle body must have a certain degree of curvature. The overall appearance is more sporty than the L9/8, but more practical than the tapered SUV. Personally, from the appearance point of view, the ideal L9 is a well-rounded older brother, while the ideal L7 is a lively little brother.
In terms of characteristics, the star-ring lights are a family feature and are also the most distinctive feature that distinguishes them from other cars. The light-penetrating taillights, which are similar to the star-ring lights, along with the two-segment high-mount brake lights, have a high recognition in both the front and rear at night.
Therefore, I believe that the ideal L7 is a large five-seat SUV model that inherits the first-class configuration of the L8/9 in the first row, and has a unique space and comfort configuration in the same price range in the second row, and has stronger product power than the Model Y trunk.
Next are some purchasing suggestions. If you are interested in purchasing, you are welcome to use my recommendation to purchase, and I will help you discount the ideal mall’s products with my reward points.
- Choose gasoline, hybrid, or electric?
This question is actually a big one. Comparisons will be made with other cars in the same price range as the ideal L7.
“Gasoline car representative – Audi Q5 (same as Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3)”
The BBA brand still exists, and the price reduction is increasing. According to a friend, the low-end Audi Q5 can be purchased for as low as 360,000 yuan, and it should be said to have strong purchasing power because of its “face value”. Gasoline cars do not have the range anxiety of pure electric cars.## Comparison of Three Types of Cars
However, there are also some obvious disadvantages. Firstly, in terms of purchasing cars and after-sales experiences, as it adopts a dealer model, various issues such as bargaining and haggling might occur, making it challenging to ensure service quality.
Secondly, in terms of the cost of using the car, regular maintenance and oil consumption make it relatively expensive for daily use. Regarding space performance, the Audi Q5 has a body length of only 4770, while the ideal L7 is 5050, with the size of each car model differing by one level, not to mention the advantages brought by the pure flat platform of the electric car. Lastly, the level of intelligence is basically limited to CarPlay, with not much more than that.
Furthermore, fuel-powered cars need to apply for a license plate through a lottery system in first-tier cities, and the purchase tax is a significant cost. Secondly, as the penetration rate of new energy vehicles becomes increasingly higher, I believe that there will be fewer and fewer users who buy second-hand fuel cars. Therefore, the depreciation trend of fuel cars will become faster and faster.
『 Extended-Range Cars: ideal L7 』
The extended-range scheme, represented by the ideal L7, has the dual advantages of low cost of pure electric cars and oil consumption without mileage anxiety of fuel cars, as it adds a generator (extender) on the basis of pure electric cars.
Although the extended-range vehicle also requires regular maintenance every year, it can significantly reduce the cost of using the car because there is no gearbox, and transparent maintenance prices are available from direct after-sale agencies.
In addition, the direct-selling model of new forces, represented by ideal L7, makes it even more convenient for users with unified prices and even the ability to directly order cars online, just like shopping on JD.com.
At the same time, as an electric vehicle architecture, it can make the configuration of the vehicle more humane and intelligent regarding the comfort of the vehicle and intelligent technology. And it can also obtain green license plates except for Beijing/Shanghai and exempt from the cost of purchasing tax.
However, a disadvantage is that the extended-range car model is a “small battery” with a battery capacity of 42.8 kWh and pure electric endurance of 180 km. Therefore, if you have a parking space for home charging, you can replenish energy and charge every day. Those with parking spaces can use the car for as low as 1 cent per kilometer for daily charging and should have no hesitation.
Without a home charging pile, the driving experience is similar to that of hybrid cars, and the maximum advantage of the pure electric architecture cannot be fully utilized. Additionally, the brand influence of the ideal has not yet reached the level of BBA (although the car prices are already comparable), thus requiring a lot of time and effort to cultivate.
『 Pure Electric Cars: Tesla Model Y series 』
The advantages of pure electric car policies include green license plates and exemption of purchase tax. Some friends might think that the resale value of electric cars is too low. In my opinion, the resale value of the first-generation electric car is indeed not high, and the resale value will improve as the product maturity becomes higher.## Translated English Markdown Text with HTML Tags
Firstly, the overall cost of using a car should be considered, including daily use and resale value. Pure electric cars have the lowest cost for daily use, with almost no maintenance costs and little cost for charging at home, even with the use of superchargers, it costs less than 0.4 yuan/kilometer. Therefore, even if the resale value is not high, the cost of using a pure electric car is very low.
For example, Tesla has built its own supercharger network, which is better than other pure electric cars that can only use public chargers when it comes to charging experience outside of the home, coupled with Tesla’s advanced driving assistance technology (which is equivalent to other new forces in China as FSD has not been opened in China yet).
However, the disadvantages are still range anxiety, unstable charging speed, and waiting time for charging, which are not ideal if you are relying on public chargers, even in 2023 when more charging infrastructure will be more advanced. The charging process can be slow or the charging piles may be out of order, ultimately wasting a lot of time for families on the go.
Therefore, if you plan to buy a car in 2023 and are still considering buying a gasoline car, it might be helpful to have a look and test drive the BYD L7. If you have a fixed parking space at home, it is recommended to choose the plug-in hybrid vehicle to meet your daily travel needs and to alleviate range anxiety when taking long-distance road trips. Otherwise, pure electric would be the best choice.
- Is buying BYD L7 the right choice?
With a price range of 310,000-380,000 yuan, combined with the above three typical representatives, I believe everyone has their own answer. With Ideal’s monthly sales exceeding 20,000, Ideal maintains its market position in the long term. In terms of pricing, Ideal’s L7 still follows its excellent cost-performance route, and comprehensive analyzed, it is a car model without any “shortcomings” under the “Barrel Effect Principle.”
As for the designations of L7 versions, rumor has it that BYD L7 will have three versions: L7 (no air suspension version), L7 Pro, and L7 Max. Depending on the recommendation, it is suggested to consider the following:
Focus on cost-effectiveness and practicality- Select L7 (no air suspension version): the ultimate cost performance, suitable for city driving and offers NOA at high speed. Ideal for drivers who do not require off-road capabilities. Alternatively, if you are driving for road trips regularly and seeking better accessibility, you may consider L7 Pro, which is also practical without further extra frills.
Some friends may feel regretful for lacking a secondary entertainment screen, but it’s actually alright. If the baby is sitting in the safety seat, the co-pilot screen is enough. If the female owner wants to watch, she can lay the co-pilot seat flat and watch the co-pilot screen without any problems.
Focus on the charm brought by the technological configurations – choose L7 Max: by paying an extra 40,000 yuan, you can get two Orin X chips, one laser radar, one 8155 chip and a secondary entertainment screen as well as the city NOA assisted driving software and stronger safety performance. From this perspective, it is well worth the extra 40,000 yuan, so if you want full technological configurations, you can choose L7 Max without hesitation.
- What color should the ideal L7 be?
The ideal L7 exclusive body colors are white and orange red. The white car looks absolutely stunning, so if it were me, I would not hesitate to choose white, also because it is free.
The interior colors of the ideal L7 are white, orange and black. I would also recommend choosing white first, as the space and texture would be more comfortable. In addition, the pure black seats replaced the black-brown interior. If you want the black warrior style, this would be more thorough.
To sum up, the double white color scheme is the best choice, with high recognition and economic benefits, but we also look forward to the orange-red color scheme.
- Is the optional configuration of the ideal L7 worth it?
Electric pedals – worth it: For the version without air suspension, I strongly recommend choosing electric pedals. According to the test, even I, with a height of 170cm, need to tiptoe to get into the car. If you choose the air suspension version, considering the convenience of getting on and off the car, if your children are relatively large, you can consider not installing it. If you have elderly people or very young children in your family, it is still recommended to choose electric pedals for more convenient access.
Refrigerator – worth it: this is a guess. According to current news, there is a high probability of a refrigerator as an optional accessory. The ideal L7’s trunk is large enough, and adding a refrigerator can enrich the usage scenarios of the car, providing more space for long-distance travel, camping, etc.
- How should we view range extender technology?
Many people think that range extender is a transitional technology that will soon be eliminated. Firstly, this view is definitely problematic, because even if range extenders are eliminated, it will only happen after traditional fuel-burning cars are eliminated. That is why BYD decisively stopped producing fuel-burning cars and focused on DM-i and pure electric cars. Moreover, judging from the market performance, the larger the car, the more range extenders are bought, and the smaller the car, the more pure electric cars are bought.
Secondly, in terms of comprehensiveness, range extender technology has the strongest coverage of all scenarios. In addition, given the current high cost of batteries, using half of the battery money to exchange for a range extender + better comfort configuration + annual maintenance cost, I believe everyone can do this calculation.Please refer to the English Markdown text below, which preserves the HTML tags inside:
From a market performance perspective, it’s clear that Ideanomics has taken the lead in developing the domestic extended-range product line. With so many other pure electric vehicle companies following suit, it’s apparent that these companies have recognized the advantages of extended-range solutions. This is evident in the fact that Ideanomics plans to launch a new extended-range vehicle in 2023, and its high sales figures speak for themselves.
- How do we view intelligent driving?
Admittedly, the penetration rate of intelligent driving is currently very low. On the one hand, there are very few models with good intelligent driving capabilities. On the other hand, negative news surrounding various intelligent driving technologies has been far more intense than positive news, leading people to think that intelligent driving is unreliable and that driving themselves is more trustworthy.
At this stage, it’s obvious that electric vehicle customers still haven’t fully embraced intelligent driving as a core selling point. However, as technology continues to develop and mature, many Ideal L-series owners took advantage of the Lunar New Year holiday to embark on road trips with zero range anxiety.
“Intelligent driving changes the way we travel,” and this is the core value of intelligent driving that I have always believed in. Many car enthusiasts used to only be able to drive a few hundred kilometers on a single tank of gasoline. But after purchasing Ideal L8 or L9, being able to take advantage of the driver assistance system can greatly reduce driving fatigue. Some car enthusiasts can now drive over 1,000 kilometers in a day, and during the National Day holiday, I was able to drive 1,400 kilometers in a day and 3,900 kilometers overall. The joy of a road trip is much more comfortable than struggling to book tickets, experiencing flight delays or frequently changing vehicles, not to mention how enjoyable it can be traveling with family.
The Ideal L-series’ Pro and Max have strong intelligent driving hardware, and Ideal has already started self-developing intelligent driving software since the 2021 model of the Ideal ONE, with the L-Series being the second-generation product line. As technology matures, the Max version with its laser radar can reach city-level NOA by the end of 2023. Meanwhile, in low-light and backlit conditions, the active braking system AEB has stronger capabilities and is more effective in ensuring safe driving.
Therefore, intelligent driving is like a double-edged sword, with grasping the boundaries of assistance driving capabilities helping drivers to improve driving safety, but careless use of assistance driving, or even using certain shielding methods to evade system detection, may lead to unpredictable consequences.
Therefore, we hope that everyone can use intelligent driving reasonably and view it dialectically. As a user of advanced driver assistance systems, I also hope that car enthusiasts can actively embrace the arrival of the intelligent era, make the most of intelligent driving functions, improve their travel quality, and create a mobile home!
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.