Leapmotor is reimagining the electric vehicle landscape in Europe. Once a modest name on the market, the Chinese manufacturer is now accelerating its impact through its strategic partnership with Stellantis. The latest update? A completely revamped version of its popular EV—a model that storms into the scene with a fresh seating configuration and a drastically expanded luggage area.
A Bold Evolution in Design
First showcased at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2024, the renewed Leapmotor model, originally known as the C16, has undergone significant refinements to appeal to the discerning European consumer. In its previous configuration, this electric vehicle was available as a six-seater with modest cargo capacity. Now, Leapmotor has reengineered the interior: by replacing the rear third-row seats with a versatile bench, the vehicle transforms into a five-seater. This intuitive adjustment doesn’t merely improve passenger comfort—it creates a much larger trunk space of approximately 1,022 liters. For comparison, when the original third row was folded down, cargo space was a mere 209 liters. Such a change aligns with a growing trend among families and professionals who demand practicality without compromising on style or tech innovation.
Impeccable Dimensions and Refined Features
Despite the internal reconfiguration, the vehicle’s external proportions remain unchanged. Its dimensions—at 4.92 meters in length, 1.91 meters in width, and 1.77 meters in height—coupled with a generous 2.83-meter wheelbase, promise a spacious ride for all occupants. Beyond these physical attributes, the update incorporates subtle yet effective upgrades in technology and style. A newly integrated 8.1-liter refrigerator now finds a place onboard, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly and business-capable EV. Notably, this enhanced version does command a price adjustment—rising by somewhere between 9% and 11%. The entry-level variant is now marked at 169,800 Chinese yuan, roughly equating to about 20,710 euros with current exchange rates.
Comprehensive Comparison
To provide a clear overview of the transformation, consider the following table:
| Feature | Previous 6-Seater Version | New 5-Seater Version |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Configuration | 6 seats (with third row) | 5 seats (with bench) |
| Cargo Capacity | 209 liters (with seats folded) | 1,022 liters |
| Refrigerator Capacity | Standard | Enhanced – 8.1 liters |
| Price Adjustment | Baseline | +9-11% increase |
| Overall Dimensions | 4.92 m L x 1.91 m W x 1.77 m H | Unchanged |
| Wheelbase | 2.83 m | Unchanged |
This table highlights the strategic upgrades and the substantial focus on maximizing space and utility without altering the sleek design and comfort that have become synonymous with the Leapmotor brand.
Market Impact and Future Outlook
Leapmotor’s bold design updates reflect a wider trend in the electric mobility sector: evolving consumer needs for versatile and pragmatic vehicles that marry high-tech sophistication with real-world utility. With the support of Stellantis, Leapmotor is rapidly expanding its presence in Europe, marking an important milestone in its history. This newly enhanced model is poised not only to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts but also to meet the practical demands of families and business users alike.
The strategic partnership has enabled the brand to deploy state-of-the-art technology embedded in an attractive, functional form factor. Such innovation reinforces Leapmotor’s commitment to delivering modern, sustainable, and user-centric driving experiences that directly respond to the evolving landscape of urban mobility.
This version not only maintains essential details about Leapmotor’s enhanced model but also delivers a polished and engaging narrative designed for the UK market. In addition to the insightful specs and design dynamics, exploring how consumer trends drive such transformations can be a fascinating next step. For instance, how might future collaborations between emerging EV brands and established automotive giants further transform the marketplace? The discussion is just beginning.
