This time, we test drive a pure electric compact sedan. Its name is unique: Yi·Songyan Daimei Collection Edition. This model builds on the regular Yi. It features significant changes in naming and design. Songyan Daimei refers to traditional Chinese ink used in painting and calligraphy. It comes from high-quality Heimo ink from ancient palaces, specifically from Shexian County. This ink has a rich color and a special fragrance. The Yi·Songyan Daimei Collection Edition deeply integrates this traditional culture with the Yi car.
The best way to blend is also the most intuitive way. It naturally applies the color of soot ink to the car body. This version features a unique body color—ink blue. A careful look reveals its distinctiveness, especially in strong light, where gray and blue intertwine. The car’s lines and shape closely resemble the standard model. The closed front face, along with the front and rear light groups, resembles the ancient weapon “ge.”
The dimensions match the standard version. The length, width, and height are 4675x1835x1480mm. The wheelbase measures 2750mm, which is long for a compact car. The side design appears youthful. The sloping roofline creates a coupe-like stance. The two-tone paint makes this car stand out.
The side features a unique badge. It shows a pine cone core. The design uses a black and gold color scheme. The rearview mirror and side skirts also have this color scheme. Many exclusive details inside and outside the car use black and gold as well.
The rear lights match the front headlights in style. The fastback shape stands out. Overall, this car has a good sporty look. The exclusive color feels high-quality. However, its size limits its presence a bit.
The interior design remains unchanged. Designers adjusted details and colors. They removed the previous sporty trim. The central console and interior panels feature large areas of exclusive blue, dark colors, and gold details.
The buttons, air vents, and stitching inside the car feature a black and gold color scheme. The light-colored materials in other areas enhance the interior’s upscale feel.
The central area features a simple design. The electronic gear lever offers good ergonomics. It feels comfortable to use. The lever uses suede material for better grip. All driving-related buttons align neatly on both sides of the lever.
The in-car system is conventional. The UI interface feels a bit conservative for the current market. However, its functionality is good. It integrates with iFlytek’s ecosystem. The voice control feature recognizes commands accurately.
Light-colored material with gold stitching requires attention during daily use. The seats offer good comfort. However, the seat position is a bit high.
The longer wheelbase benefits the second-row space. It offers a good standard of comfort. The seat cushions are long enough. It includes a middle armrest. The second-row seats fold down as a whole. However, the operation switch is in the trunk.
The car features dual motors at the front and rear. This setup is rare in compact electric vehicles. The front motor delivers a maximum power of 110 kW. The rear motor provides 60 kW. Both motors use permanent magnets and synchronous technology. The total power reaches 170 kW, equivalent to 231 horsepower. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 5.8 seconds. It is fast.
The actual acceleration feels strong. The data confirms it. The car delivers a noticeable push during hard acceleration. The power responds quickly. In sport mode, the power kicks in earlier. When I first saw this car, its name confused me. It embodies Chinese aesthetics with elegant tones. I expected a mild drive, but it feels lively. However, this changes in eco mode. The power output becomes much smoother.
Without considering the driving feel, the steering feels more like a family car. It has a delicate touch. It does not transmit much road feedback. There is no tightness, even when switching to sport mode.
The chassis is well-built. It handles road dips and rises effectively. The shock absorbers keep the body stable. There is no noticeable excess movement. The stability feels great. The brake pedal feels good for a family car. The travel is moderate. The braking force releases evenly. Pressing the brake deeper provides clear feedback.
