The Stellantis-backed Chinese EV maker Leapmotor will showcase its innovative and affordable electric mobility solutions at the 90th edition of the Paris Motor Show, one of the most prestigious international events in the automotive world.
The Chinese brand’s participation in the event comes just a few weeks after the European debut of the Leapmotor International joint venture in Milan and the opening of orders for the first models made available in Europe: the T03 city car and the C10 D-SUV.
The new B10, a C-SUV destined to compete on the global market, is set to make its world debut on the stand in Paris alongside the C16, which is making its first appearance at a European event. The Leapmotor stand will also include the C10, a fully equipped D-segment electric SUV designed for families, and the T03, a compact and spacious A-segment electric vehicle which is perfect for city driving.
The expansion strategy of Leapmotor International, the Stellantis-led 51:49 joint venture with Leapmotor, continues its steady march forward, as it focuses on increasing and expanding the high-tech, cost-efficient product sales outside of China. These key steps on its roadmap have been reached in just less than a year since it was formed, concurrent with Stellantis investing €1.5 billion to acquire approximately 21% of Leapmotor.
With the ability to count on Stellantis’ distribution channels, Leapmotor International is aiming to increase the number of sales points of Leapmotor vehicles to 350 by the end of 2024, of which 50 in the UK. Over the next three years, Leapmotor expects to release at least one model per year.
The first markets for Leapmotor vehicles in Europe will be Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. Leapmotor International will further expand distribution to the Middle East & Africa (Israel, French overseas territories and Turkey), Asia Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia, and Nepal), and South America (Brazil and Chile) from the fourth quarter this year.
The world debut of the B10
Making its debut in Paris, the new B10 C-SUV is ready to compete in the main European segment thanks to a unique partnership in the automotive industry. This highly anticipated model is the first model from Leapmotor’s B-series and marks a key milestone for the brand’s growth in Europe, as it offers state-of-the-art technology to an even wider public.
Equipped with the innovative LEAP 3.5 architecture, the B10 introduces cutting-edge smart technology tailored for a new generation of global consumers who are looking for more connected, more sustainable, and bolder new energy vehicles (NEV). Further new B-series vehicles are set to be launched in 2025.
The European debut of the C16
Starring alongside the B10 in Paris is the C16, designed to offer space in the cabin (up to 6 seats with a 2+2+2 seating configuration) and cater to the needs of families. The C16 features a high-voltage 800V silicon carbide (SiC) platform, which significantly improves overall vehicle efficiency and supports up to 180kW of charging power, enabling the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes. With a length of 4915mm and a wheelbase of 2825mm, the C16 ensures ample space for all passengers and a large boot which can expand to 1022L when the third row is folded.
With a clean exterior and a minimalist and premium interior design, the C16 includes a 15.6-inch rear HD display, 21 speakers with Dolby Atmos support, and AI-powered customisable sound modes. It also features the Leapmotor OS 4.0 smart infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof for an enhanced travel experience. When it comes to safety, the C16’s ring-cage body design, combined with CTC 2.0 battery integration technology, significantly enhances structural rigidity. Furthermore, it boasts torsional stiffness with 75% high-strength steel-aluminium mixed materials for enhanced durability and safety.
T03 city car
The public at the Paris Motor show is also sure to be drawn to the T03—the smart choice for the city. It is a compact, five-door, A-segment vehicle, with B-segment-like interior space. T03 is fun to drive and has a WLTP combined range of up to 165 miles. Furthermore, it placed first in the Initial Quality Study by JD Power in the compact-battery electric vehicle segment. In short, the T03 is the smart choice for the city as it combines compact dimensions, which make it agile for everyday driving, with the state of the art in electrical propulsion at a truly competitive price.
The C10 SUV
The C10 SUV is the first Leapmotor product created for the global market which meets international design and safety standards. Indeed, the C10 is the perfect choice for customers who want to “take the leap” towards battery electric mobility and need a real family vehicle. Stellantis’ distribution network ensures peace of mind for services and assistance offering family mobility at an affordable price. The new D-SUV offers everything that a family could ever want from a modern electric vehicle thanks to its best-in-class safety, an intelligent user experience, and superior comfort.
The C10 uses the LEAP 3.0 architecture developed by Leapmotor, which makes use of best-in-class intelligent electric technology, including a centrally integrated electronic configuration, the Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) 2.0 system, and the smart cockpit – Leapmotor’s true showpiece. The electric C10 SUV boasts D-segment dimensions and features, the best driving experience in the category, up to 261 miles of WLTP combined range and high-level safety standards.