Leapmotor Aims at Young Drivers with Stylish New Electric Car
Leapmotor, a Chinese electric car maker working with Stellantis, has just shown off a new electric saloon car that targets younger buyers. It’s called the Leapmotor B01, and it’s built to stand out with cool looks, long range, and a low price, starting from just £10,400 in China.
The B01 is about the same size as the Mercedes-Benz CLA and shares a platform with the upcoming Leapmotor B10, a crossover similar in size to the Kia Sportage. The B10 is expected in UK showrooms later this year, but the B01 may not be coming to the UK. Leapmotor says it’s still deciding if small saloons are right for the European market since fewer people are buying them nowadays.
Even though full technical details haven’t been shared yet, Leapmotor says the B01 will offer a range of 404 miles (650km) using the CLTC test cycle. That number will likely drop a bit under European WLTP testing, probably to the mid-350-mile range.
One of the reasons the B01 can go so far on a charge is its smooth shape. The car has a very low drag coefficient of 0.197, making it even more aerodynamic than a Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S.
At the car’s reveal during the Shanghai motor show, Cao Li, Leapmotor’s senior vice-president, said the B01 was made for young people who want more than just basic transport.
“For young people who perceive taste,” he said, “the current offering of similarly sized and priced alternatives in China, predominantly aimed at ride-hailing services, is currently not enough.”
“They want good features and quality, they want it all!” he added.
The B01 comes with some eye-catching features:
- Black trim and sporty alloy wheels
- Two interior color options
- A 14.6-inch touchscreen with over-the-air software updates
- Chrome parts from “suppliers of the same level as Mercedes-Benz”
- A fun 256-color ambient lighting system
- A hidden 70-litre storage space under the boot
- A tissue box behind the center console, showing focus on passenger comfort
The boot itself holds 460 litres, making it practical as well as stylish.
Leapmotor has confirmed that the B01 will have rear-wheel drive, powered by a single motor on the back axle. Full specs, including battery type and motor power, will be shared closer to launch.
If the B01 does come to Europe, it would likely cost around £25,000 and compete with electric models like the Citroën ë-C4, Renault 5, and MG 4.
For now, though, the Leapmotor B01 looks set to make a big impression in China, especially among young drivers who want a fun, fashionable EV without breaking the bank.
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