If we were to talk about the most attention-grabbing car model before and after the Guangzhou Auto Show, the Jetour X90 would definitely be on the list. Priced at 166,900 yuan (23530$), with a spacious size, attractive interior, and top-notch configuration, Jetour once again demonstrates the concept of “ultra-high cost performance” with the X90.
In our opinion, the reason why the Shanhai L9 is so popular is due to several factors: first, it is a plug-in hybrid vehicle and large enough, positioned as a family SUV, emphasizing comfort and spaciousness, which meets the needs of many people. Second, as a plug-in hybrid vehicle, its price is very competitive, starting at less than 170,000 yuan (23970$), offering great value for the money. It can be said that this is a major breakthrough for Jetour in the family plug-in hybrid SUV market. So, how many configurations does this car have? What are the similarities and differences between them? Which version is more worthwhile to purchase? In the following text, we will analyze and interpret each of these questions one by one.
The Shanhai L9 has a total of 8 models, with a price range of 166,900 to 192,900 yuan (27200$). The 8 configurations may seem overwhelming, but in reality, I can tell you that the Shanhai L9 actually only has 4 configurations, which are Air Light, Air, Pro, and Max. The 8 configurations are actually a combination of 4 5-seater versions and 4 7-seater versions. The only difference between these two versions is whether or not they have a third row of seats.
So whether to buy a 5-seater or a 7-seater really depends on your own needs. If you occasionally need to transport more than 5 people, then you can only buy the 7-seater version. If the number of people you transport is 4 or less, then the 5-seater version is enough. As for the 4 configurations, there is basically no difference in the basic part.
In terms of power, it is equipped with a 156-horsepower 1.5T plug-in hybrid engine, a 2-speed DHT transmission, and a front dual-motor configuration, with a comprehensive system power of 427 horsepower and a comprehensive torque of 395 Nm. In terms of basic configuration, Jetour’s cars have never disappointed us, with everything that should be there, of course, and even the L2 assisted driving system is standard. As for the luxury of the interior and the materials used for the seats, there is no compromise at all.
Taking the two 5-seater models of the Air as an example, the base model is priced at 166,900 RMB and the mid-range model is priced at 175,900 RMB. The differences in their configurations are as follows: the base model lacks front and rear head airbags, front and rear parking radar, and 360-degree reversing camera. It also does not have the transparent chassis and various radars and sensors that the mid-range model has.
In addition, the low configuration also does not have electric tailgate, sunroof, wireless charging for mobile phones, electric seat adjustment for the driver and front passenger, and heated and ventilated front seats. It can be said that the low configuration version lacks many practical features compared to the second lowest configuration version, considering that the price difference between the two versions is less than 10,000 yuan (1410$). We strongly recommend everyone to choose the second lowest configuration version, the Air version is sufficient, and the lowest configuration Air Light version is not recommended due to serious lack of features.
After discussing the two entry-level versions, let’s talk about the mid-range and high-end versions. The names of these two versions are quite straightforward, you can tell who is mid-range and who is high-end just by looking at the names. Taking the 5-seat version as an example, the two versions are the 179,900 RMB Pro version and the 188,900 RMB Max version. In these two versions, the mid-range version lacks door opening warning, rear collision warning, two millimeter wave radars, reverse side warning, lane keeping assist, foot-kick sensing rear trunk, front double-layer soundproof glass, rear privacy glass, and automatic anti-glare rearview mirror compared to the high-end version. Considering the close to 10,000 RMB price difference between the two configurations and the fact that, except for the practical double-layer soundproof glass, the other differences can be considered as “icing on the cake” configurations. Therefore, when considering purchasing one of these relatively high-end versions, we recommend considering the Pro version. When choosing between the Pro and Air versions, we also recommend prioritizing the Air version, as the Air version actually doesn’t have many configuration differences compared to the Pro version.
There are actually quite a few competitors for the Mountain and Sea L9, but there are three strict benchmark competitors, namely the BYD Tang DM, GAC GS8, and the slightly higher-priced Ford Edge L. Among them, the most direct competitor that strictly benchmarks the price and vehicle definition of the Mountain and Sea L9 is definitely the GS8 HEV. However, the starting price of the 24th GS8 HEV is 228,800 yuan (32260$), which is already more expensive than the top-of-the-line Mountain and Sea L9. The starting price of the Tang DM is even higher, with the lowest suggested price for the 24th DM-i Champion Edition being 249,800 yuan (35220$), and after dealer discounts, it will be around 241,800 yuan (34100$), which is also more expensive than the Mountain and Sea L9. The suggested price of the Edge L is 229,800 yuan (32400$), and the Edge L is also larger than the Mountain and Sea L9, but the problem is that the Edge L is a gasoline vehicle, so it cannot be directly compared to the Mountain and Sea L9 as a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
So who are the competitors of the same price range for Shanhai L9? The most direct competitor is the Shenlan S7i, with a suggested price starting at 149,900 yuan (21140$), which is cheaper than the Shanhai L9, and both are mid-size SUVs. However, the overall size of the S7i is smaller than the Shanhai L9, and in terms of interior luxury and various comfort configurations, to be honest, the difference between the S7i and the Shanhai L9 is quite obvious. These two cars cannot actually be considered as products of the same level.
So you have to find a car in the current market that strictly matches the pricing and product strength of the Shanhai L9, and you really can’t find one. This is also the reason why the Shanhai L9 is so popular. At the price of 170,000 yuan (23970$), it is almost the best choice currently available.
In fact, we can clearly see that JETOUR has been making great efforts in the second half of 2023. First, it gained unprecedented popularity and word-of-mouth with the Traveler, and then the release of the Mountain and Sea L9 further elevated the JETOUR brand to new heights. With the explosive product strategy, both models of JETOUR are very exciting, and we also believe that the “third course” that JETOUR will serve next will definitely be a “hard dish”.