The Stellantis-baked Leapmotor C16 medium-to-large SUV with BEV and EREV powertrain options has started reaching dealerships across China. Previously, this NEV (new energy vehicle) received almost 12,000 preorders 24 hours after pre-sales began. The C16 is expected to sell for less than 200,000 yuan (28,200 USD). It aims to compete with the Aito M7 in China.
Briefly on Leapmotor
Our regular readers know that Leapmotor is a Chinese brand founded in 2015. Its first model was a small electric roadster. Nowadays, its model line comprises four cars: C10 and C11 crossovers, C01 sedan, and T03 hatchback. Last year, Leapmotor made headlines by signing a strategic cooperation agreement with Stellantis, the fourth-biggest world automaker. They have jointly created a joint venture, Leapmotor International. Leapmotor aims to sell its cars in Europe, South America, and South-East Asia.
In Aril 2024, the latest Leapmotor model was exposed by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). It appeared to be the C16 crossover that aims to get the market share of Huawei’s Aito M7, which suddenly shot to almost 70,000 units sold in Q1 2023.
Leapmotor C16 arrived at dealers in China
The first batch of mass-produced Leapmotor C16 display models arrived at dealers across China. Its exterior styling aligns with the variant unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show. It is a middle-to-large crossover with a minimalistic design. Its front end has smoked headlights joined by an LED strip, a closed bumper, and a trapeze-shaped air intake. From the back, the C16 adopts a single taillight strip. Other features are retractable door handles and a LiDAR sensor on the roof.
From the side, the Leapmotor C16 adopts classic proportions. It also has a flat roofline, a relatively high beltline, and slightly slanted D-pillars. Other features of the C16 crossover are roof racks, a long rear overhang, and R21 wheel options. The Leapmotor C16 arrived at dealers with three body color options: green, purple, and black. Its dimensions are 4915/1905/1770 mm, with a wheelbase of 2825 mm. For clarity, it is 5 mm longer than the Aito M7.
Inside, the Leapmotor C16 has 6 seats in a 2 + 2 + 2 layout. Its interior styling stays in line with the C10 crossover. It has a two-spoke steering wheel with a gear shifter behind it and a thin LCD instrument cluster. The center console of the C16 also has a large 14.6-inch floating screen. The center tunnel has a wireless phone charging pad, two cup holders, and a roomy compartment. Other features of the C16 are hidden air vents and speakers in the front pillars. The audio system of this SUV comprises 21 speakers.
The second row of Leapmotor’s biggest crossover has two independent captain chairs with heating and ventilation functions. Another detail of the C16 is a ceiling-mounted screen. The second-row passengers also have an independent climate control screen and two USB interfaces. The back of the front right seat has a folding table. And the third row has two seats.
Leapmotor C16 powertrain
The Leapmotor C16 has two powertrain options. The first one is BEV with a single synchronous permanent magnet electric motor (TZ220XY008). Its peak power reaches 215 kW (288 hp). With this e-motor on board, the Leapmotor C16 can speed up to 160 km/h. The EREV variant has a 1.5-liter H15R self-aspirated ICE for 70 kW under the hood. It acts as a generator. It also has a single e-motor for 170 kW (228 hp).
The Leapmotor C16 EREV variant has a 28.4-kWh LFP battery from CALB. According to MIIT filling, it can drive up to 134 km on a single charge. The battery capacity of the EV variant reaches 67 kWh. It is an LFP battery from Zenergy, suitable for 520 km of CLTC range.
The Leapmotor C16 will start sales in June. Its deliveries to customers will begin at the same time. Its starting price will be below 200,000 yuan (28,200 USD). Chinese sources report its EREV variant will start from 155,800 yuan (22,000 USD).
Source: Weibo
