Leapmotor has launched its latest model in China: the B01 electric saloon. The 4.77-meter-long EV has a CLTC range of up to 650 km, is available with LiDAR-assisted semi-autonomous driving technology, and can be purchased in China for 105,800 RMB, or just under €12,600.
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 conglomerate’s distribution network.
Spacious electric saloon for a bargain price
In China, Leapmotor’s model range has now grown to seven different options with the launch of the B01 electric saloon, which is based on the also recently launched B10 compact SUV. 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. That puts it up against models like the Xpeng Mona M03.
Leapmotor has managed to undercut the Mona M03’s 119,800 yuan price tag, however. The B01 is available from just 105,800 yuan (€12,580) for the base model, which already boasts a 550 km CLTC range. In total, there are four model variants, with prices ranging from 135,800 yuan (€ 16,150) to 135,800 yuan (€16,150).
Up to 650 km CLTC
Every version of the Leapmotor B01 is equipped with a single rear motor, but the long-range version is more powerful. It features a 67.1 kWh LFP battery (compared to 56.2 kWh for the base model), giving it up to 650 km of CLTC range, while a 160 kW (218 hp) motor allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds (8.7 seconds for the 180-hp base model). Fast charging from 30 to 80% takes 18 minutes.
The long-range models also come equipped with a roof-mounted LiDAR system, with 27 sensors in total for semi-autonomous driver assistance. Inside, there’s an 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip that runs the Leapmotor OS 4.0 Plus operating system.
Coming to Europe?
The Leapmotor B01 may also be available in Europe. Its technical sibling, the B10 SUV, was unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, marking a clear intention to expand the European model range. However, SUVs are far more popular on Western shores than classic saloons, so the arrival of the B01 is not a given.
