We have been looking at the 7X performance for a few weeks now.its a bit nice, The ride is not exceptional though. I think update might come in December.

Yesterday we went to look at the Avatr 07 as it’s being advertised a lot. The guy said you can demo now if you want …we took it in traffic and on I think it’s called the Don Muaeng tollway.. didn’t go above 120 as just wanted to know the ride and NVH…didn’t think it’s anything special.

it had those non wing mirrors…they would take a lot of getting used to if ever. It’s a hugely wide car. I would definitely choose conventional mirrors.For me it’s just too stressful in traffic and I didn’t like the F1 shape steering wheel either.

So was considering waiting until December to see what there is. We don’t really need two cars but many times I think useful.

For travelling we have an old W221 S Class and the ride is really nice. But don’t use it for short journeys. Today I see the Zeekr X and it’s got mainly good reviews. The ride is supposedly to be a bit on the soft side which is a plus…anyone got one? It maybe could work for us and get rid of our aging PHEV…having some solar it’s silly not to have something to use it with.

55 minutes ago, PFMills said:

We have been looking at the 7X performance for a few weeks now.its a bit nice, The ride is not exceptional though. I think update might come in December.

Yesterday we went to look at the Avatr 07 as it’s being advertised a lot. The guy said you can demo now if you want …we took it in traffic and on I think it’s called the Don Muaeng tollway.. didn’t go above 120 as just wanted to know the ride and NVH…didn’t think it’s anything special.

it had those non wing mirrors…they would take a lot of getting used to if ever. It’s a hugely wide car. I would definitely choose conventional mirrors.For me it’s just too stressful in traffic and I didn’t like the F1 shape steering wheel either.

So was considering waiting until December to see what there is. We don’t really need two cars but many times I think useful.

For travelling we have an old W221 S Class and the ride is really nice. But don’t use it for short journeys. Today I see the Zeekr X and it’s got mainly good reviews. The ride is supposedly to be a bit on the soft side which is a plus…anyone got one? It maybe could work for us and get rid of our aging PHEV…having some solar it’s silly not to have something to use it with.

When you test drove the 7X AWD - what mode was the suspension in?

When we test drove it, I had her cycle through the different modes and the softest definitely is as soft as you probably want to go - we did not go an an elevated road for higher speeds, so cant say anything about the road handling at speeds 120+

I tested both normal and AWD?..in the softest suspension …needed the air suspension as performance has 21” wheels. I thought the normal 7X was hard and in the back seat wow. I didn’t get chance to get it on a decent road at high speed..I had arranged to go to a different dealer and test on a highway …but as yet not.

The 7X performance has acoustic tyres

..I didn’t check the tyre pressures.

Here’s something interesting .…I went back to Zeekr viibhavadi yesterday morning to sit in a showroom 7X and then in their ‘green with white seats’ demo model …. The seats in the demo were much softer …it had done about 4000kms.

Having in the past ordered a car at the motor show as the seats felt quite good only to find when I picked up the new car the seats were firmer.

It was only the Avatr 7 that I took on the overhead section … it didn’t have acoustic Tyres.

Seems the new Zeekr X won’t be available to see until the motor show…does anyone know any difference ….we got an invite to go on 24th …lucky ..

.

1 hour ago, PFMills said:

Here’s something interesting .…I went back to Zeekr viibhavadi yesterday morning to sit in a showroom 7X and then in their ‘green with white seats’ demo model …. The seats in the demo were much softer …it had done about 4000kms.

The 7X Standard and Long Range models have different seats from the AWD. The Standard/LR have "Soft PU" seats while the AWD has "NAPPA" seats (real leather). Additionally, the Standard model front seats do not have the "ventilation and massage" functions but the LR and AWD front seats do have ventilation and massage along with some additional seat adjustments the Standard model does not have.

Knowing exactly which model you were setting in could make a significant difference in how the seats feel. And I expect once the seats get broke-in a little they would feel somewhat different like how a demo model gets set-in a lot.

I prefer vegan leather over leather every time and fabric seats over that.

Leather looks great for the first 1 or 2 years but it deteriorates badly with use.

12 hours ago, Pib said:

The 7X Standard and Long Range models have different seats from the AWD. The Standard/LR have "Soft PU" seats while the AWD has "NAPPA" seats (real leather). Additionally, the Standard model front seats do not have the "ventilation and massage" functions but the LR and AWD front seats do have ventilation and massage along with some additional seat adjustments the Standard model does not have.

Knowing exactly which model you were setting in could make a significant difference in how the seats feel. And I expect once the seats get broke-in a little they would feel somewhat different like how a demo model gets set-in a lot.

Thanks PiB …actually we have both sat in two new AWDs and we agreed both were firmer than the demo…..also am told the X is on display at Emsphere until 23rd…anyone seen it.

New Japanese Pickup Truck

อีซูซุ D-Max EV เปิดราคาแล้ว 1,591,000 บาท กระบะไฟฟ้า 4WD คันแรก

https://mgronline.com/motoring/detail/9690000025867

10 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

New Japanese Pickup Truck

อีซูซุ D-Max EV เปิดราคาแล้ว 1,591,000 บาท กระบะไฟฟ้า 4WD คันแรก

https://mgronline.com/motoring/detail/9690000025867

Getting there, and good for those that like name recognition. But Riddara RD6 doesn't need to worry, about losing customers that shop specs first.

3 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

New Japanese Pickup Truck

อีซูซุ D-Max EV เปิดราคาแล้ว 1,591,000 บาท กระบะไฟฟ้า 4WD คันแรก

https://mgronline.com/motoring/detail/9690000025867

The D-Max EV costs a "lot" more than Isuzu ICE trucks.....like twice as much as a Isuzu ICE 4 door pickup at Bt749K. Expect only a few "gentleman" farmers and some cities folks will buy the D-Max EV since it costs so much more than an Isuzu ICE truck.

https://www.isuzu-tis.com/isuzu-x-series

I paid for a new BYD Sealion AWD yesterday, it’s coming on Monday or Tuesday.

18 hours ago, Pib said:

The D-Max EV costs a "lot" more than Isuzu ICE trucks.....like twice as much as a Isuzu ICE 4 door pickup at Bt749K. Expect only a few "gentleman" farmers and some cities folks will buy the D-Max EV since it costs so much more than an Isuzu ICE truck.

https://www.isuzu-tis.com/isuzu-x-series

You can't compare the price of the EV version to the other models except the V Cross 4x4. Because if I'm not mistaken, the lower range models don't have 4WD, but the EV has.

So you're talking about a price difference of roughly 600,000 THB. Still a lot. But for people who drive a lot or even have own solar panels, it could be cheaper in the long term

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

I paid for a new BYD Sealion AWD yesterday, it’s coming on Monday or Tuesday.

What made you do that?

One maybe 2 things dissapoint me with the SL7 (I really love it) was the maps info system. Think google maps is better.

The other thing which I pointed out straight away when zi picked it up....the gap between the front doors closing and the consul is a few mm wider on the driver's side. I was really peed off and wanted them to take it back, now a year later and I still think for a brand new car it's unacceptable.

15 minutes ago, carlyai said:

What made you do that?

One maybe 2 things dissapoint me with the SL7 (I really love it) was the maps info system. Think google maps is better.

The other thing which I pointed out straight away when zi picked it up....the gap between the front doors closing and the consul is a few mm wider on the driver's side. I was really peed off and wanted them to take it back, now a year later and I still think for a brand new car it's unacceptable.

It was impulse.

I ordered the Aion UT top a week or so ago, and I was going to go to the motorshow next Friday (bought the airline ticket Wednesday), to check out the Zeekr X. I won't now be going.

On the way to a coffee shop yesterday we got pulled over in a police checkpoint. We got a ticket in my daughter's Dolphin because it still hasn't been registered (bought 29/12/25) and didn't have red plates, our local dealer said if you get any tickets they would pay them. So we went to get a 2,000 baht refund and on the spur of the moment test drove the SL7 AWD.

I test drove one a while ago when I had my Seal Performance and the first thing I noticed was it was slower. But yesterday we went in a Dolphin and the SL7 felt both fast and comfortable.

On the Dolphin you can run Google maps in the GPack app, I'd be surprised if that's not possible on the SL7, it might need a software upgrade?

The policeman yesterday printed out the ticket with QR payment code on his portable terminal. I told him it was nice having no plates on the car because we could speed through the cameras which got a chuckle.

About the maps: yes there are work arounds and I have been tempted but don't know what it will do to the warranty.

Feyee charger will only charge at 15A per 3 phase, evidently limited by the SL7. Single phase 36A, but 3 phase is a bit quicker.

29 minutes ago, carlyai said:

About the maps: yes there are work arounds and I have been tempted but don't know what it will do to the warranty.

Feyee charger will only charge at 15A per 3 phase, evidently limited by the SL7. Single phase 36A, but 3 phase is a bit quicker.

The Dolphin comes with GPack and Google Maps direct from the dealer, we haven’t done anything to use Google Maps, same with YouTube.

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

It was impulse.

I ordered the Aion UT top a week or so ago, and I was going to go to the motorshow next Friday (bought the airline ticket Wednesday), to check out the Zeekr X. I won't now be going.

On the way to a coffee shop yesterday we got pulled over in a police checkpoint. We got a ticket in my daughter's Dolphin because it still hasn't been registered (bought 29/12/25) and didn't have red plates, our local dealer said if you get any tickets they would pay them. So we went to get a 2,000 baht refund and on the spur of the moment test drove the SL7 AWD.

I test drove one a while ago when I had my Seal Performance and the first thing I noticed was it was slower. But yesterday we went in a Dolphin and the SL7 felt both fast and comfortable.

On the Dolphin you can run Google maps in the GPack app, I'd be surprised if that's not possible on the SL7, it might need a software upgrade?

The policeman yesterday printed out the ticket with QR payment code on his portable terminal. I told him it was nice having no plates on the car because we could speed through the cameras which got a chuckle.

How can it not be registered by now? Weren't they required to register all vehicles by the end of January to receive the EV 3.0 subsidies?

Just now, matchar said:

How can it not be registered by now? Weren't they required to register all vehicles by the end of January to receive the EV 3.0 subsidies?

I chased them and made that very point. I am guessing they got a dispensation. They told me “The company has followed all the necessary procedures. If there were any delays, the company has already provided explanations, and it will not affect our customers.”

They have promised registration by the end of this month.

3 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

I chased them and made that very point. I am guessing they got a dispensation. They told me “The company has followed all the necessary procedures. If there were any delays, the company has already provided explanations, and it will not affect our customers.”

They have promised registration by the end of this month.

Sounds a bit fishy to be honest.

I'm still not convinced BYD completely fulfilled their domestic manufacturing quota under EV 3.0, and they could be negotiating to rollover any unfulfilled quota into the EV 3.5 scheme.

43 minutes ago, matchar said:

Sounds a bit fishy to be honest.

I'm still not convinced BYD completely fulfilled their domestic manufacturing quota under EV 3.0, and they could be negotiating to rollover any unfulfilled quota into the EV 3.5 scheme.

You could be right. As long as we get the registration by 23/4 when we’re back from Vietnam, I’ll be happy. They said this month but we leave on Friday next week

2 hours ago, carlyai said:

About the maps: yes there are work arounds and I have been tempted but don't know what it will do to the warranty.

Feyee charger will only charge at 15A per 3 phase, evidently limited by the SL7. Single phase 36A, but 3 phase is a bit quicker.

Yea, the SL7 onboard charger is a 11KW charger when using 3 phase (16A max per phase) or 7KW when using single phase (32A max).

Regarding the BYD maps, yea, it could be better. Unless something has changed you can only save a max of 20 Favorite locations, the zoom in and out returns to the default zoom level after about 30 seconds (this really bugs me as I like to select my zoom level), and just a variety of other things I don't like when compared to Google Maps.

I use Google Maps running under GPack on my Atto. Running Google Maps under Gpack (installed by BYD dealership) is better than running it under Android Auto/Apple CarPlay which seems to act like a handicapped Google Maps. Under Gpack Google Maps is just like running it on your smartphone....no limitations like when running under Android Auto/Apple Carplay. I prefer Google Maps to other map programs as I'm use to Google Maps, I have Google Maps on my smartphones, and when you switch vehicles as long as the vehicle has Google Maps once you log into your Google acct you now have your personalized Favorite map locations again. Plus, after X-amount of years the BYD map program will stop updating/will not show certain things like traffic jams/road conditions ahead of you unless you subscribe directly with the BYD map company. Yeap, Google Maps is the way to go.

5 hours ago, Pib said:

Plus, after X-amount of years the BYD map program will stop updating/will not show certain things like traffic jams/road conditions ahead of you unless you subscribe directly with the BYD map company.

That is true only if you use the native maps without internet. On our Seal, the internet data expired a few weeks ago, so I use my phone's hotspot and all the info we had before is back - quite cool actually. As a matter of fact, on a recent trip to the The City of Angels, I realized there is a lot more going on in the Nav with Internet on than without, so I highly recommend using the hotspot functionality.

8 hours ago, Pib said:

Yea, the SL7 onboard charger is a 11KW charger when using 3 phase (16A max per phase) or 7KW when using single phase (32A max).

Regarding the BYD maps, yea, it could be better. Unless something has changed you can only save a max of 20 Favorite locations, the zoom in and out returns to the default zoom level after about 30 seconds (this really bugs me as I like to select my zoom level), and just a variety of other things I don't like when compared to Google Maps.

I use Google Maps running under GPack on my Atto. Running Google Maps under Gpack (installed by BYD dealership) is better than running it under Android Auto/Apple CarPlay which seems to act like a handicapped Google Maps. Under Gpack Google Maps is just like running it on your smartphone....no limitations like when running under Android Auto/Apple Carplay. I prefer Google Maps to other map programs as I'm use to Google Maps, I have Google Maps on my smartphones, and when you switch vehicles as long as the vehicle has Google Maps once you log into your Google acct you now have your personalized Favorite map locations again. Plus, after X-amount of years the BYD map program will stop updating/will not show certain things like traffic jams/road conditions ahead of you unless you subscribe directly with the BYD map company. Yeap, Google Maps is the way to go.

A while ago now, but last time I asked BYD dealership in Mukdahan if they could install gpak plus Google maps they said no.

I'll try again. I can do it but would hate to be told somewhere down the track that I did an illegal install therefore warente void.

On a different matter with Mazds ICE desiel vehicle: Mazda recalled a bunch of desiel sedans as the engines blew up, but they didn't recall my grandaughters model and the engine blew up. Mazda said not their fault and refused to help, so she got the engine fixed for Aud 8000.

She just went to arbitration court on Thursday to get Mazda to accept responsibility and of course Mazda said 'we'll have to inspect the engine first' but it's already been repaired.

She found out that there is a class action by desiel owners who's cars engines have blown up as Mazda won't accept responsibility.

Why are huge companies like Mazada such a...holes?

6 hours ago, mistral53 said:

That is true only if you use the native maps without internet. On our Seal, the internet data expired a few weeks ago, so I use my phone's hotspot and all the info we had before is back - quite cool actually. As a matter of fact, on a recent trip to the The City of Angels, I realized there is a lot more going on in the Nav with Internet on than without, so I highly recommend using the hotspot functionality.

No, the end date of your monthly data allotment of 2GB which is 2 years (or 2 years 3 months if you got the updated SIM) after receiving your BYD and the end date of the BYD map software which is 3 years after receiving your BYD vehicle are two different animals....two different dates.

My monthly data allotment of 2GB expired several months and I've been using my phone hotspot function ever since for a vehicle data connection while driving. Actually I was suppose to get 2 years 3 months since I got the SIM update but the data allotment died after around 2 years or maybe 2 years 1 month. Without a data connection certain functions on Google Maps or BYD maps will not work like current traffic conditions, recommended routing, etc.

But with the BYD map there is another date to be concerned about....their "Connected Services Expiration" date which you can see by going into the "About" selection in the BYD map settings. After this expiration date "All connected services, including real-time traffic updates, online search, and online routing, will be unavailable....." See below snapshot I took this morning.

In my case the BYD map Connected Services Expiration date is 25 Oct 2026 which just happens to be exactly three years from the date I picked up my Atto in 25 Oct 2023. Now that exactly 3 years date could just be a coincidence but my bet it isn't....my bet is tried to the date you drove your new BYD vehicle home from the dealership.

And I also remember about a year ago when the BYD map software (by TeleNav Software) did a major update where its menus appearance/setting change significantly (t was an OTA update at home and "not" part of a vehicle OTA update....it was just an update of the BYD map software only) that the software provided a summary/comments at the end of the update that after the expiration date that a person would need to subscribe directly with TeleNav Software to retain full functionality like online real time updates, routing, etc.

Now I do not know if that "Connected Services Expiration" date might be extended when BYD does an OTA update to update "all" the software on the vehicle (no just a standalone map update)....or, if that BYD map Connected Services Expiration date is tied to the date you picked up your new BYD vehicle with a 3 year period for full BYD map services....kinda, like their Data Allotment period of 2 years worth of data...after that you have to use hotspot functionality.

16 hours ago, carlyai said:

About the maps: yes there are work arounds and I have been tempted but don't know what it will do to the warranty.

Feyee charger will only charge at 15A per 3 phase, evidently limited by the SL7. Single phase 36A, but 3 phase is a bit quicker.

Charge speed is related to voltage.

The car will adjust the amperage to a maximum of 16amp per phase (3 phase) or 32 amps (single phase).

If you have a weak supply, your nominal 230v might drop, and it may also drop as the car ramps up charging in the first few seconds if the voltage drops temporarily.

The same charger is typically sold on all cars destined for 220v to 240v countries, but if you run at 240v you will charge faster. If you have an Automatic Voltage Regulator (as I do), you may be able to wind the voltage up to 240v as I have done and charge faster. The actual power going to your car is Volts multiplied by Amps to give you Watts. So 220v at 15a 3p gives you 9.9Kw whereas at 240v it gives you 10.8Kw and should charge roughly 10% faster.

From AI below...

Standard Permissible Ranges

• IEC 60038 (International Standard):

  • Nominal: 220 V

  • Permissible range: +10% / −6%

  • That means 207 V to 242 V is acceptable.

• European Union (EN 50160):

  • Nominal: 230 V (but similar principle applies to 220 V systems)

  • Permissible range: ±10%

  • For 220 V, that would be 198 V to 242 V.

• Thailand grid practice (MEA/PEA):

  • Nominal supply is 220–230 V.

  • Tolerance typically ±10%.

  • So 198 V to 242 V is considered within normal limits.

19 minutes ago, Pib said:

No, the end date of your monthly data allotment of 2GB which is 2 years (or 2 years 3 months if you got the updated SIM) after receiving your BYD and the end date of the BYD map software which is 3 years after receiving your BYD vehicle are two different animals....two different dates.

My monthly data allotment of 2GB expired several months and I've been using my phone hotspot function ever since for a vehicle data connection while driving. Actually I was suppose to get 2 years 3 months since I got the SIM update but the data allotment died after around 2 years or maybe 2 years 1 month. Without a data connection certain functions on Google Maps or BYD maps will not work like current traffic conditions, recommended routing, etc.

But with the BYD map there is another date to be concerned about....their "Connected Services Expiration" date which you can see by going into the "About" selection in the BYD map settings. After this expiration date "All connected services, including real-time traffic updates, online search, and online routing, will be unavailable....." See below snapshot I took this morning.

In my case the BYD map Connected Services Expiration date is 25 Oct 2026 which just happens to be exactly three years from the date I picked up my Atto in 25 Oct 2023. Now that exactly 3 years date could just be a coincidence but my bet it isn't....my bet is tried to the date you drove your new BYD vehicle home from the dealership.

And I also remember about a year ago when the BYD map software (by TeleNav Software) did a major update where its menus appearance/setting change significantly (t was an OTA update at home and "not" part of a vehicle OTA update....it was just an update of the BYD map software only) that the software provided a summary/comments at the end of the update that after the expiration date that a person would need to subscribe directly with TeleNav Software to retain full functionality like online real time updates, routing, etc.

Now I do not know if that "Connected Services Expiration" date might be extended when BYD does an OTA update to update "all" the software on the vehicle (no just a standalone map update)....or, if that BYD map Connected Services Expiration date is tied to the date you picked up your new BYD vehicle with a 3 year period for full BYD map services....kinda, like their Data Allotment period of 2 years worth of data...after that you have to use hotspot functionality.

My 2 year + 3 month allotment of 2GB per month expired Feb 30th 2026 ( car picked up Nov 30th 2023 ) yet I receive messages via the app saying it will expire March 1st 2026 and now April 1st 2026, probably an automated recurring message that will repeat after the 1st of each month !

As stated before on here Rever are at a loss on how to progress with this sim expiration/subscription program and prefer to just let it slide. I see in the U.K. they are offered a yearly paid subscription ( £99 I think ) when their 1GB 2 year free subscription ended. Rever missed a trick there and could have been pulling in a fair amount of baht ( with a lower subscription fee of course ) if they had pulled their fingers out !!, not everyone is aware or willing to simply hotspot their phone.

On a slightly different, but related note, I am always surprised at how much cheaper things are here than rip off Britain.

I pay half the price for iCloud storage by using Thai location as opposed to the U.K. one.

I just paid £530 ( 22,900 baht or around 700 USD ) for a MacBook Neo delivered from the Thai Apple Store whereas the exact same thing would cost me £699 ( 934 USD !!) from the U.K. store.

Just reminding myself why i left the U.K. to live here !!

New MG 4 pricing. Only the top spec gets a new bigger LFP battery with faster charging although it seems slightly different to the UK version.

AION UT pricing increased Bt80K in mid January (1st image below)....but now in late March reduced Bt30K (2nd image below). That should PO those who bought since the mid Jan increase.

Up Bt80K in January

Down Bt30K in March.

BYD getting into the price cutting again....and definitely offering plenty of choices in the small SUV arena.

BYD Dolphin pricing....a BIG up to Bt120K price cut.

BYD Atto "1" pricing

BYD Atto "2" pricing

A little bit off-topic but for all those promotions, that could be seen at Motor Show this week, when you are interested, do you have to pay anything there directly ? Or just give your information and contact your local dealer later ? Can you change your mind later ?

17 minutes ago, khunphil said:

A little bit off-topic but for all those promotions, that could be seen at Motor Show this week, when you are interested, do you have to pay anything there directly ? Or just give your information and contact your local dealer later ? Can you change your mind later ?

The motor show promotions are almost always nation-wide at any dealership. You do not need to attend the show in Bangkok to get the same pricing/deal. Typically to reserve/buy a vehicle at the motor show you fill out the same paperwork and place a deposit of Bt3K to Bt10K "just like you would at your local dealership."

Backing out of the reservation can result in loss of the deposit...the deposit paperwork you sign will state the rules that can result in forfeiture of the deposit. Just because you make a reservation deposit does not lock you into completing the buy.