Leapmotor has added a roomy, well-equipped contender to its lineup with the Leapmotor C16, a 5-/6-seater midsize SUV positioned as a family-focused alternative that blends electric driving with practical range flexibility. The brand, which recently set an internal delivery record of 50,000 units in one month, offers the Leapmotor C16 in both a full-electric variant and an extended-range (E-Rev) version that uses a petrol engine as an onboard generator. The C16 pairs generous interior packaging with modern driver-assist hardware and an aggressive equipment list, all at a notably low entry price.
Leapmotor C16 Specifications
- Powertrains: Full EV and Extended-Range (E-Rev) options.
- Notable power figures (E-Rev): 170 kW (≈228 hp) and 320 Nm; 0–100 km/h in 8.6 s.
- Notable power figures (EV): 220 kW (≈295 hp) and 360 Nm; 0–100 km/h in 6.48 s.
- Batteries & range: E-Rev: 38.7 kWh LFP battery, 280 km CLTC EV range; WLTC EV-only 182 km + combined range 970 km. Full EV: 630 km CLTC (manufacturer figure).
- Charging: 30–80% in 19 minutes (E-Rev) / 18 minutes (EV) (fast-charge figures quoted by manufacturer).
- Interior volume: Up to 687 L boot with seats up; 1,663 L with rear seats folded.
- Leapmotor C16 Price (China): ¥168,800 RMB (E-Rev) and ¥178,800 RMB (EV) — roughly US$18k–22k (manufacturer pricing).
- Notable equipment: 192-line LiDAR + radar suite, Snapdragon-based infotainment, 21-speaker audio, massaging/ventilated/heated Nappa leather seats, 14.6″ center display.
- Ground clearance: 205 mm.
- Safety: six airbags; C16 expected to mirror the C10’s strong crash credentials.
Design and packaging
The Leapmotor C16 takes a rounded, soft-edged approach to exterior design: a bulbous, flowing silhouette that prioritizes interior volume and a large rear overhang. The C16 is available in five- or six-seat layouts; the reviewed car is the five-seater with a second-row adjustable three-seat bench.
Exterior highlights include:
- 21-inch alloy wheels on the reviewed car that improve stance and proportions.
- Distinctive daytime running light signatures and “angel wing” headlamps.
- Practical details such as roof rails and pop-out door handles.
- The E-Rev features an open lower grille, while the battery EV uses an active shutter grille for aerodynamic management.
The vehicle measures under 5 meters overall yet offers an exceptionally large, square cargo area, a deliberate part of the packaging strategy.
Interior: family-first comfort and convenience
Leapmotor outfits the C16 with a family-oriented, feature-heavy cabin that emphasizes comfort and versatility rather than outright luxury:
- Seating & materials: Nappa leather as standard on the reviewed model. Front seats are 10-way adjustable with heating, ventilation and massage; the two outer rear seats also offer heating/ventilation and massage.
- Cabin controls & screens: A 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch 2.5K center touchscreen powered by a Snapdragon 8295-class chipset. The infotainment system supports split-screen operation and a customizable quick-access toolbar.
- Practical features: 687 L of cargo space (seats up), 1,663 L with the 40/60 seats folded flat. Built-in 8.1 L fridge, multiple USB-C/USB-A outlets, 50 W wireless ventilated charger, and up to six cup holders.
- Comfort details: Trizone climate control, extensive rear adjustability (up to 140° recline), a rear 15.6-inch entertainment screen, and double-glazed soundproofing on front and rear windows for a quiet cabin.
- Caveats: Small glove box, deep/buried ISOFIX mounts that complicate child seat installation, and certain climate controls buried in menus rather than instant access on the main UI.
Powertrains, performance and efficiency
Leapmotor offers two primary approaches:
Extended-Range (E-Rev)
- Motor: 170 kW (≈228 hp), 320 Nm torque (rear-wheel drive in this spec).
- Battery: 38.7 kWh LFP pack (EV-only usable capacity for short trips).
- Performance: 0–100 km/h in 8.6 s; top speed 170 km/h.
- Real-world note: In review driving, the measured fuel use over 279 km was 8.2 L/100 km, higher than some manufacturer CLTC claims (5.5 L/100 km under CLTC).
- Charging: 30–80% fast-charge in 19 minutes (manufacturer figure).
- Fuel tank: 50 L.
Full Battery Electric (EV)
- Motor: 220 kW (≈295 hp), 360 Nm torque.
- Performance: 0–100 km/h in 6.48 s; top speed 190 km/h.
- Range claim: 630 km CLTC (manufacturer). Real-world range will likely be lower; CLTC figures tend to be optimistic versus WLTC/real driving.
Both variants drive like electric cars (linear torque delivery and quiet operation). The Leapmotor C16 emphasizes smoothness and comfort rather than sharp handling; steering is described as composed but not highly communicative, and energy recuperation is moderate in feel.
ADAS, sensors and charging features
Leapmotor has equipped the Leapmotor C16 with a comprehensive sensor suite aimed at higher-level driver assistance:
- 192-line LiDAR combined with millimeter-wave radars (one front, two sides), multiple cameras and ultrasonic sensors.
- Qualcomm-class compute for autonomous features (review cites Qualcomm 8650 for driving compute).
- Available highway-level autonomous driving with automatic lane change; full urban autonomy is region-dependent and may be rolled out in major cities first.
- V2L / discharge: 3.3 kW output for powering appliances, camping gear and small tools.
Safety and equipment
- Airbags: Six (front, side and curtain).
- Driver aids: Advanced sensor suite (lidar + radar + cameras), highway autonomous features, parking assistance and a robust suite of sensors expected to support high-level driver assistance where local regulations and mapping allow.
- Comfort & audio: A 21-speaker audio system, extensive seat functions, and family-friendly storage and entertainment features.
Leapmotor positions the C16 as a well-equipped family SUV; early indications point to strong passive and active safety, and the C10 sibling previously achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, suggesting the Leapmotor C16 could perform similarly in independent tests.
Leapmotor C16 Pricing and market prospects
Manufacturer list pricing in China puts the E-Rev at ¥168,800 RMB and the full EV at ¥178,800 RMB, approximate international equivalents of US$18,000–22,000 depending on exchange rates and local taxes. Given the value-for-money specification, Leapmotor is reportedly preparing the C16 for international distribution, with likely markets including Australia, the UK and Europe in the near term.
Verdict: Who the Leapmotor C16 is for
The Leapmotor C16 targets buyers seeking a spacious, tech-rich family SUV at a competitive price point. It is not designed to be a sporty driver’s car; rather, it prioritizes:
- Interior space and cargo versatility (ideal for families, leisure use and light utility),
- Comprehensive comfort equipment (massaging, ventilated seats and entertainment screens),
- Dual powertrain choice to suit buyers who want full electric driving or an electric driving experience with extended range confidence (E-Rev).
If you value practicality, technology and exceptional specification for price, the C16 is a compelling option. Buyers prioritizing cutting-edge driving dynamics or maximum energy efficiency may look to rival fully electric models for a more engaging or economical experience.
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