Leapmotor has unveiled the C16 in China. While we will have its little brother, the C10, available here, this new large electric SUV is not currently part of the young manufacturer’s plans. Considered the fifteenth brand of the giant Stellantis, Leapmotor is about to enter our market, thanks to the support of the group led by Carlos Tavares. The first models, namely the T03 and C10, aim to compete with the Dacia Spring and the Tesla Model Y, respectively. While they prepare for this new offensive, the Chinese manufacturer has just introduced its new SUV C16 in its home country.
The C16 is essentially a larger version of the C10, with the same design elements and features. Measuring 4.92 meters long compared to the C10’s 4.74 meters, the C16 can accommodate up to six people on board, with two individual seats in the central row instead of a bench.
In China, the Leapmotor C16 is offered in a single version with an electric motor of 292 hp and an LFP battery with a capacity of 67.7 kWh, providing 520 km of range according to the Chinese CLTC homologation cycle. There is also a model with a range extender that includes a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 231 hp electric motor, and a 28.4 kWh battery.
While large SUVs like the C16 may not be popular in Europe, Leapmotor plans to start its European drive with a small city car and a more compact SUV. As of now, the C16 is exclusive to China, but if it were to export to Europe, it would compete with the likes of the Kia EV9.
It is important to note that Leapmotor has a clear strategy with four new electric models by 2027, in addition to the T03 and C10, where the new C16 is currently not included.