The Stellantis-backed Leapmotor C16 medium-to-large SUV with BEV and EREV powertrain options has now started reaching dealerships across China.

The C16 is expected to sell for less than CNY 200,000 (US$ 28,200). It aims to compete with the Aito M7 in China.

In April 2024, the latest Leapmotor model was exposed by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). It appeared to be the C16 crossover that aims to get the market share of Huawei's Aito M7.

The first batch of mass-produced C16 display models arrived at dealers across China. It's exterior styling aligns with the variant unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show.

It is a middle-to-large crossover with a minimalistic design. Its front end has smoked headlights joined by an LED strip, a closed bumper, and a trapeze-shaped air intake. From the back, the C16 adopts a single taillight strip. Other features are retractable door handles and a LiDAR sensor on the roof.

From the side, the Leapmotor C16 adopts classic proportions. It also has a flat roofline, a relatively high beltline, and slightly slanted D-pillars. Other features of the C16 crossover are roof racks, a long rear overhang, and R21 wheel options.

The C16 arrived at dealers with three body colour options: green, purple, and black. Its dimensions are 4915 mm length, 1905 mm width, 1770 mm height, with a wheelbase of 2825 mm. For clarity, it is 5 mm longer than the Aito M7.

Inside, the C16 has 6 seats in a 2 + 2 + 2 layout. Its interior styling stays in line with the C10 crossover. It has a two-spoke steering wheel with a gear shifter behind it and a thin LCD instrument cluster. The centre console of the C16 also has a large 14.6-inch floating screen.

The centre tunnel has a wireless phone charging pad, two cup holders, and a roomy compartment. Other features of the C16 are hidden air vents and speakers in the front pillars. The audio system of this SUV comprises 21 speakers.

Second row of Leapmotor's biggest crossover has two independent captain chairs with heating and ventilation functions. Another detail of the C16 is a ceiling-mounted screen. The second-row passengers also have an independent climate control screen and two USB interfaces. The back of the front right seat has a folding table. And the third row has two seats.

Leapmotor C16 powertrain

The C16 has two powertrain options. The first one is BEV with a single synchronous permanent magnet electric motor. Its peak power reaches 215 kW.

With this e-motor on board, the car can speed up to 160 km/h. The EREV variant has a 1.5-litre H15R self-aspirated ICE for 70 kW under the hood. It acts as a generator. It also has a single e-motor for 170 kW.

The C16 EREV variant has a 28.4-kWh LFP battery from CALB. According to MIIT filling, it can drive up to 134 km on a single charge. The battery capacity of the EV variant reaches 67 kWh. It is an LFP battery from Zenergy, suitable for 520 km of CLTC range.

The C16 will start sales in June. Its deliveries to customers will begin at the same time. Its starting price will be below CNY 200,000 (28,200 USD). Chinese media sources report its EREV variant will start from CNY 155,800 (22,000 USD).