Do You Really Have to Buy an Expensive Car?
There’s a peculiar trend in the automotive world today: only expensive, high-end cars seem to be considered good cars. In reality, the quality of a car isn't determined by its price but by whether it meets the user's needs. A highly cost-effective, affordable car can often be a better choice than so-called "luxury cars."
When it comes to cars, mechanics, who spend their days repairing various models, probably have the most say. They know the ins and outs of car structures, so they naturally understand which cars are genuinely durable and practical. Recently, an experienced mechanic friend gave an honest evaluation of the BYD Song Plus and Leapmotor C11. offering some valuable insights.
Without a doubt, the Song Plus, as an economical and practical urban commuter car, excels at low-cost travel. Whether it’s the all-electric or hybrid version, daily commuting can almost always be done in pure electric mode, with a cost of about 0.2 RMB per kilometer. Even when the battery is low, the fuel consumption is only 0.35 RMB per kilometer, making it far more economical than its gasoline-powered counterparts. Additionally, the quietness of pure electric driving enhances the overall comfort of the ride.
Another major advantage of the Song Plus on long highway trips is its long wheelbase. The mechanic tested it on rural roads without issues—the chassis feels solid, effectively absorbing road vibrations, and the stability is impressive. However, fuel consumption does increase slightly on highways, ranging between 5-6 liters per 100 kilometers, but it’s still more fuel-efficient than most gasoline cars.
Clearly, for consumers with limited financial means who primarily use their vehicles for urban commuting or occasional short trips, the Song Plus is a highly worthwhile, budget-friendly choice. Its low cost, quiet and comfortable ride, and reliability on highways fulfill the basic needs of this segment of consumers.
That said, compared to the high-end Leapmotor C11. the Song Plus has its shortcomings. Owners have reported issues like a strong odor in new cars, limited trunk space, outdated infotainment systems, and subpar smart driving experiences. From a mechanic's professional perspective, these flaws aren't deal-breakers, but they do affect the overall user experience.
In contrast, the Leapmotor C11 showcases a more comprehensive product capability.
It boasts an impressive 30 smart hardware features, including a roof-mounted LiDAR and a top-tier NVIDIA chip, providing 24 driver assistance functions—far more advanced than the Song Plus. The 14.6-inch 2.5K high-resolution display offers an in-car connectivity experience comparable to flagship models. The latest voice control system not only supports continuous dialogue but also recognizes dialects, allowing hands-free control with ease.
The luxurious interior of the Leapmotor C11 is another standout feature. The seats are made from top-grade Nappa leather and come with ventilation and heating options. The rear seats also have heating, and the 12-speaker sound system fulfills all the dreams of an audiophile. Even in the base model, the Leapmotor C11 offers a standard of luxury that rivals top-tier vehicles.
Regarding range, the Leapmotor C11 is equally impressive. The extended-range version offers a theoretical range of 300 kilometers, while the all-electric version boasts 580 kilometers, fully meeting the needs of most long-distance travelers. Coupled with a luxury suspension system featuring front double wishbones and rear five-link setups, along with FSD adaptive damping, the overall driving experience is excellent.
In summary, with its smart technology, luxurious interior, impressive range, and superior driving experience, the Leapmotor C11 has successfully elevated its product capabilities to a level comparable to joint-venture brands. It effectively addresses all the shortcomings of the Song Plus.
From this mechanic’s hands-on analysis, it’s clear that the two cars differ greatly in terms of value. The Song Plus maximizes affordability, meeting the needs of a large group of consumers seeking low-cost transportation. On the other hand, the Leapmotor C11 is a high-tech product, approaching the top standards of mid-to-high-end models in terms of smart features, luxury experience, and pure performance.
While the Song Plus is a modest and unassuming vehicle, it certainly doesn't lack kingly charm. Given such polarized product positioning, consumers should find it easy to make the right choice. If you have a budget of around 200.000 RMB and mainly need an economical urban commuter, the Song Plus is definitely the better choice. But if you seek smart technology, luxury experience, and plan for long-distance travel, and your financial situation allows, the Leapmotor C11 will undoubtedly offer more satisfaction.
Your lifestyle needs should dictate your product choices. The most sensible way to spend is to meet your needs with the least cost. Hopefully, more consumers will develop their own insights, just like the mechanic, break free from outdated notions of price discrimination, and choose the car that best meets their needs, rather than simply equating high cost with high quality.
