KUALA LUMPUR:  Since Stellantis Malaysia announced their plans to introduce the Leapmotor brand to the Malaysian market, we’ve closely monitored their moves. Given their decision not to bring in budget versions of their vehicles, the newly launched Leapmotor C16 seems like a perfect fit for their lineup. The Leapmotor C16 has officially debuted in the Chinese market, offering both fully electric and extended range versions just like  other Leapmotor models like the C01 and C11.

Leapmotor's extended range vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, using the engine to generate electricity or recharge the battery, thus extending the driving range beyond what the battery alone can provide. In contrast, their pure electric cars rely solely on electric motors powered by larger battery packs, offering a zero-emission driving experience but requiring external charging sources.

Utilizing Leap 's 3.0 architecture and CTC (cell-to-chassis) 2.0 design, the C16 measures 4,915mm in length, 1,905mm in width, and 1,770mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,825mm, which puts it around the size of a Toyota Fortuner or Mazda CX-9.

The fully electric models feature 800V technology, while higher-spec versions are equipped with the high definition long range 128-line lidar system from Hesai.

The exterior design includes through-type headlights and a closed grille, with a more muscular overall shape highlighted by 21-inch rims.

Inside, the car features a centrally mounted 14.6-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch instrument panel. The central screen is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, which controls functions such as the 360° camera and voice control. Additionally, there is facial ID recognition.

Rear passengers benefit from a 15.6-inch screen that folds down from the roof. The second-row passengers enjoy electrically adjustable captain seats with heating and ventilation functions.

A notable feature is the small tray table that folds from the back of the front seats and can be adjusted via voice control. The third-row passengers have a 120mm wide armrest and USB Type C charging ports.

In terms of power, the extended range version is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing a maximum power of 68kW. The electric motor mounted on the rear axle provides 231 PS of power and 320Nm of torque. The 28.4 kWh battery offers a pure electric range of 200 km (CLTC), with a combined range of 1,095 km. Fuel consumption is 6.19 l/100km (WLTC) and 5.4 l/100km (CLTC).

Photo Credit: carnewschina

The fully electric version has a 67.7 kWh battery and a more powerful motor generating 292 PS and 360Nm of torque, offering a maximum range of 520 km. Charging from 30% to 80% takes just 15 minutes.

Pricing of the Leapmotor C16 in China is as follows:

Extended Range Versions:

• Extended Range Smart Version: $21,450 (approximately RM101,247)
• Extended Range Premium Version: $22,400 (approximately RM105,728)
• Extended Range Intelligent Driving Version: $24,750 (approximately RM116,220)

Pure Electric Versions:

• Pure Electric Smart Version: $22,250 (approximately RM104,920)
• Pure Electric Premium Version: $23,250 (approximately RM109,800)
• Pure Electric Intelligent Driving Version: $25,600 (approximately RM120,832)

Deliveries will apparently start next month, with an initial target of 2,000 units, increasing to 5,000 units by August.

Also Read:  Malaysia Autoshow 2024: Leapmotor C10 EV makes ASEAN debut