The launch of the Ideal car was exciting. At this moment, I believe everyone is most concerned about the differences between the L8 Pro (359,800 yuan), L8 Max (399,800 yuan), and L9 Max (459,800 yuan), three six-seater SUVs, and how to choose the most suitable model for themselves. The prices of these three cars have now been announced. Next, we will analyze them to help you choose the right model for you.
Luxury configurations that three models all have
As one of the first owners of the Ideal ONE and the first owner of the Ideal L9, I deeply feel the significant progress of Ideal in car model development over the past three years. In the Ideal L series, many configurations that need to be optional or found only in high-end models of other car companies are standard. Based on my experience with the Ideal L9, I will highlight some of the key configurations to give you a reference.
Range-extended Electric 2.0
Ideal’s Range-extended Electric 2.0 includes a 1.5T four-cylinder engine, a front five-in-one and rear three-in-one electric motor, and a battery pack designed exclusively for extented range. The experience is impeccable. During my one-month trial of the Ideal L9, the power was strong, the 0-100 km/h acceleration was linear in 5.3 seconds without any jolt. The L8 also performs well, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.5 seconds. In terms of NVH, it is very quiet whether driving at high speed or in low-electricity city areas. With the larger battery, daily commuting is not a problem with a range of 170 kilometers after full charge and starting the range extender. For a full-size SUV that is 5 meters and 2.5 tons, the electric driving consumption is 19 kWh/100 km, with a comprehensive fuel consumption of only 8L/100km. The more you use it, the more you appreciate the extended range.
Magic Carpet Air Suspension
This air suspension is based on a front double-wishbone and rear five-link chassis structure, with air springs and CDC continuously adjustable damping shock absorbers, which responds in milliseconds by analyzing road conditions in real-time using more than 20 sensors.
I am already very satisfied with the chassis of the Ideal L9, which is stable at high speed, flexible in the city, and has minimal body roll on bumpy roads. As a model with a similar chassis structure, the Ideal L8 performance is believed to be just as good.
Flawless Starry Sky-Light
Ideal’s Flawless Starry Sky-Light is indeed worthy of the word “flawless”. From a distance, whether it is day or night, as long as you see this star ring, you will know that it is the Ideal car model. Up close, it is like a work of art embedded in a display, truly exquisite.
All-car Noise Reduction Electric Suction Door
This configuration is standard on the L8, which I didn’t expect, given that electric suction doors on all four doors were really only available on million-dollar luxury cars in the past. When your child is sleeping soundly in the car, gently push the door to the electric suction to close it, and anyone who uses this feature knows how satisfying it can be.
Electric Adjustable Steering Wheel with Heating
The heated steering wheel is a must-have tool for warming your hands in the winter, while the electrically adjustable steering wheel makes it hard to go back to manual adjustment. This configuration is really high-end, and none of the cars I bought before had it. Now I no longer have to struggle to adjust the steering wheel, and with the seat welcome, the steering wheel automatically rises every time I get out of the car, adding to the sense of ceremony. This configuration is also available on the IDEAL L8.
Electrically Adjustable Seats for the First, Second, and Third Rows with Heating
All six seats in the car have seat heating, and I don’t know if there are any other SUVs with this feature. Even more importantly, the third-row electric release is standard on the IDEAL L8. From my experience using the IDEAL L9, it’s very convenient to open the trunk and the third row of seats will lift and lower at your command without you having to lean in or exert yourself. Moreover, the third row of seats can also be controlled on the central control screen, making it even more convenient!
Ventilated and Massaging Seats for the First and Second Rows
Seat ventilation is an essential tool in the summer, and lumbar massage helps to relieve fatigue on long trips. This is a feature that others charge for, but in IDEAL cars, it’s standard on all models.
Double-Layered Laminated Soundproof Glass
The glass is extremely thick and not at all flimsy, and I feel like double-sided laminated glass is a must-have standard feature on luxury cars for both its visual effects and its functional noise-reducing abilities.
Four-Screen Interactive System on the Front Row with HUD
The 13.35-inch full-color HUD is simply amazing and you won’t have any problems adapting to it after you get used to it. It’s full of technology and has a large, high-definition surface area that actually replaces the instrument panel. And, you’ll also have the steering wheel screen and two 15.7-inch dual screens to enjoy navigation and movies, which is just awesome.
7.3.4 Dolby Surround Sound Audio System“`markdown
7 surround channels + 3 subwoofers + 4 overhead channels make up this panoramic sound system, which is a high-end audio system that exceeds this price range. Moreover, the self-developed sound effects will be installed in the upcoming OTA 4.1 version, making the music and movie viewing experience even better. This sound system goes beyond expectations.
NOA Navigation-Assisted Driving
Other brands charge extra for this feature, while it comes as standard in the ideal L8. Ideal was the first to introduce free navigation-assisted driving software, although other brands have followed suit. Not only is it free, but the functional experience is also top-notch. It can be said that it gives users everything they need.
Having said that, the standard configuration of the ideal L8 is equivalent to the top configuration of other brands, with a price of 359,800 yuan, showing good faith. In fact, the above is just a part of the 100 luxury configurations, such as active air intake grille, fresh air system, 3.5kw external power output, and so on, which are not enumerated one by one.
Differences between Pro and Max versions
Starting from Ideal L8, the Pro and Max versions were introduced to meet the diverse needs of family users. The two versions mainly differ in terms of intelligent driving (Ideal AD) and intelligent space (Ideal SS), as shown in the picture.
In summary, the Pro version focuses on high-speed assisted driving and leading intelligent space experience, providing a comfortable long-distance driving experience and pleasant space interaction experience. The Max version focuses on full-scene assisted driving and extreme rear cabin entertainment experience, using more top-performing perception hardware such as LiDAR and higher computational chips. In the future, there will be higher length-to-width ratio, and the top technology of Ideal will also land on the Max version.
I believe the 40,000 yuan price difference is reasonable, and everyone can choose freely according to their degree of demand for intelligence.
Flagship Configurations Unique to Ideal L9
After news of the Ideal L8 release came out, Ideal L9 owners were wondering what the differences were between the two cars. Now, let’s discuss the flagship configurations unique to Ideal L9 and give you some reference if you are still hesitating.
Flagship-level strength
The full-size SUV’s strength is unique, and whether it’s driving or parking, anyone who passes by will exclaim, “This car is really strong.” Especially the lines on the side of the Ideal L9 body are very smooth, and I always take a few more looks every time I park.
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Faster acceleration, longer range
The Ideal L9 accelerates in 5.3 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the Ideal L8; WLTC pure electric range of the Ideal L9 is 180 kilometers, 5 kilometers more than the Ideal L8. Even a slight advantage is still an advantage, isn’t it?
Luxurious third-row space
If you have the ultimate pursuit of space, then choose Ideal L9. Whether it’s the second-row space or the third-row space, it can be described as luxurious, even larger than some MPVs. So this 180-square-meter flat villa is not a waste.
Ultra-thin OLED screen with extreme color reproduction
Ideal L9’s OLED screen is very immersive when watching a movie. The extreme color reproduction, delicate display effect, and unparalleled blackness all highlight the high-end feel of this screen. Moreover, the front seats have dual screens that are very thin, making the car’s screen top-notch.
Refrigerator with independent compression
If you treat the car as a mobile space, a refrigerator is an indispensable configuration, especially for milk dads and moms, a refrigerator can make them more creative. Warming milk in winter and cooling Coke in summer are routine operations. The refrigerator’s usage can be expanded as you like, and besides the screen, the refrigerator is definitely the favorite configuration for children.
SPA-level ten-point massage
I don’t remember when massage chairs started to appear in various scenarios, the kind that needs to be paid for. But I have tried so many massage chairs, and none of them are as comfortable as the SPA-level ten-point massage seats in the Ideal L9. A good massage chair costs more than ten thousand yuan, and the Ideal L9 has four of them. Isn’t that great?
Intelligent fragrance system
The highest level of fragrance must be the one that can be controlled through the car’s screen. Only those that come with the original factory will make people think it’s a flagship. Ideal L9’s three fragrances are also good. I like the ocean and vitality very much, and the agarwood fragrance is a little greasy.
Practical second-row small table
The addition of the small table board adds a lot of flexibility to the space of the second row. It is not only a place for mothers to put baby items, but can also be turned into a dining table or even a mobile office. It is perfect for placing a laptop, especially as the angle of the table board can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the front row seat. The combination of these features is truly outstanding.
Four-way Electrically Adjustable Leg Rest
The electrically adjustable leg rest of the second row VIP seat is very popular with women, as lifting the leg rest makes the sitting position more relaxed.
4D Shock-absorbing Seat
When watching a movie, the addition of the 4D shock-absorbing seat will make you more immersed. The shock-absorbing strength can be adjusted between weak and strong, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Whether it’s the sound of an explosion or a rumble, it will make you feel more realistic.
21-inch Wheel Rims
The most effective element to enhance the appearance of a vehicle is, in my opinion, big wheel rims. The 21-inch wheel rims make the Ideal L9 look even more imposing. If you are obsessed with appearance, the 21-inch wheel rims are a must.
The price difference between the Ideal L9 Max and the Ideal L8 Max is 60,000. After understanding so many flagship configurations, I believe this price difference is very reasonable. In summary, the L-series of Ideal cars is designed to meet the diverse needs of more families. Each model is very valuable, and which one to choose depends on your budget, the number of family members, and your intended usage scenario. We have provided the differences in model and price, and it is now up to you and your family to decide.
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.