- Leapmotor D19 is a new flagship SUV debuting globally on October 16.
- It will offer both fully electric and range-extender hybrid powertrains.
- The large SUV targets premium rivals with high-tech features and style.
Leapmotor, the Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, continues to expand its lineup into new segments. Fresh off the debut of the B05/Lafa 5 hatchback last month, the company is now teasing its new flagship SUV, the D19. Scheduled for an official debut on October 16, the D19 is promising to deliver premium features and cutting-edge tech at an accessible price point.
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The official teasers highlight the shape of the full-size SUV and its lighting signature, with slim DRLs up front and a full-width LED bar at the rear. That said, photos of the model have already surfaced on Chinese social media.
Big SUV Energy
In terms of proportions, the D19 lines up with other full-size electrified SUVs from China such as the Li Auto L9, Dongfeng Yipai 008, Chery Fulwin T11, GAC Trumpchi S9, Zeekr 9X, Nio Onvo L90, and Geely Galaxy M9.
One of the most distinctive design elements is the thick chrome trim that wraps around the side windows and obscures the D-pillar, giving it a Rolls-Royce Cullinan meets Mercedes-Maybach GLS vibe.
It also features split headlights, clean body surfacing, and chrome-finished disc wheels that further echo styling cues from Rolls-Royce and Maybach. At around 5.2 meters (204.7 inches) in length, the D19 is roughly the same size as a BMW X7 or a Mercedes GLS.
We haven’t seen the interior yet, but it’s expected to feature an advanced digital cockpit with a dedicated passenger display, along with high-quality materials throughout the cabin. The D19 will reportedly run on dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 chipsets, one handling infotainment, the other powering the ADAS suite. Leaked images also show a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor.
While full technical specifications haven’t been released, the D19 will be offered with both fully electric and range-extender hybrid powertrains. The battery-electric version is expected to offer a CLTC range of over 630 km (392 miles), while the extended-range version should cover more than 1,300 km (808 miles) between charging and refueling stops.
How Much Will It Cost?
Perhaps most noteworthy is the pricing. Leapmotor has suggested a starting price between ¥250,000 and ¥300,000, which converts to around $35,000 to $42,000. And yes, that figure sounds like a bargain for anyone trying to buy a car in the West these days.
In fact, that’s roughly what you’d pay for a hybrid Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V in the States, or, worse still, a mid-level Toyota Yaris Cross if you happen to live in Germany. And that’s not even getting into the more painful pricing realities in other parts of Europe.
Even so, you might be surprised to learn that the D19 won’t be the cheapest in its class. The Geely Galaxy M9 undercuts it with a current starting price of ¥173,800 ($24,400), thanks to discounts.
When it launches later this year, the D19 will sit above the T03, B01, B10, C01, C10, C11, and C16, making it the new range-topper in Leapmotor’s domestic lineup. Spy shots have also hinted at a flagship minivan currently in development, which may share the same platform as the D19.
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On September 25, Leapmotor announced that its one millionth vehicle had rolled off the production line. The automaker reaffirmed its commitment to “fully in-house R&D” and its goal of becoming a “respected, world-class smart electric vehicle company.”
Leapmotor
