Leapmotor B01 saloon to debut at Auto Shanghai 2025

Leapmotor’s upcoming saloon, the B01, has been unveiled through its filing in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) latest catalog. It is based on the B10 compact SUV and will get a similarly low price in China, but a European debut is not promised.

Leapmotor is one of the more successful Chinese new-energy vehicle (NEV) start-ups, and is known in Europe thanks to its joint venture with Stellantis, which has brought the C10 SUV and the T03 city car to European markets through the Franco-Italian conglomerate’s distribution network.

Seventh model in the range

In its home market, however, Leapmotor’s model range has already grown to six different options. In addition to the two cars for sale in Europe, there’s also the C11 and C16 mid- to full-size SUVs, the C01 saloon, and the B10 compact SUV, which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2024.

Now, a second saloon is coming: the Leapmotor B01. This new mid-size saloon has just been unveiled in the MIIT’s regulatory filings, including most technical specifications.

The B01 measures 4,770 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm, making it 28 cm shorter than the C01.

Humble specs for a humble price

Like the B10 SUV and contrary to the C10, the B01 will only be sold as a battery-electric model and not with a range extender. Two motors and two batteries will be available: 132 kW (180 hp) or 160 kW (218 hp) and 56.2 kWh or 67.1 kWh, the same as in the B10. Thanks to a relatively low weight of 1,625 to 1,711 kg, expect a CLTC range of over 600 km for the largest battery option.

The B01 will integrate Leapmotor’s advanced innovative driving technology, including (optional) lidar and the 8650 chip, for autonomous navigation assistance in urban and high-speed scenarios. Other options include a panoramic glass roof and different light signatures.

The Leapmotor B01 will likely debut at Auto Shanghai 2025, which opens its doors on 23 April. We expect to see more info about pricing at that point, although a price range of 100,000 to 150,000 yuan is currently estimated (€12,000 to €18,000).

It is not yet clear if and when the B01 will come to Europe. The C01 was never launched in the West, but the B10 SUV (which shares its underpinnings with the B01) will likely journey to our shores.