The Leapmotor C16 gets a significant update as the brand delivers its 800,000 vehicle overall.
Leapmotor has officially surpassed a major production milestone, announcing the delivery of its 800,000th vehicle since its founding in 2015. The news comes as the company launches the updated 2026 Leapmotor C16 SUV in China, highlighting both the brand’s rapid growth and its ongoing commitment to high-tech innovation in the competitive new energy vehicle (NEV) segment.
Founded by Zhu Jiangming, Leapmotor has steadily grown to become a leading player among China’s NEV startups. The brand’s global momentum continues to build, with export volumes exceeding 17,200 units from January to May 2025 alone—putting Leapmotor ahead of its peers in international sales during that period. Monthly deliveries have also seen steady growth, with over 45,000 units delivered in May 2025 alone, marking a 148% year-on-year increase.
Central to Leapmotor’s recent success is the C16, a large SUV that now enters its second model year with 70 notable upgrades. Originally introduced in June 2024, the Leapmotor C16 is now available with updated features, improved battery performance, and a range of high-tech enhancements. The refreshed 2026 C16 is available in both all-electric (BEV) and range-extender (EREV) variants, with a price range starting at 151,800 yuan (approximately RM93,000 or USD 21,130).
Externally, the C16 retains its sleek minimalist design with thin LED strips, retractable door handles, and a bold front fascia. It measures 4,915 mm in length with a 2,825 mm wheelbase. Inside, buyers can choose between 6-seat (2+2+2) and 5-seat (2+3) configurations, with the 5-seat version offering enhanced rear seat comfort and up to 1,663 litres of cargo space.
New features include an 8.1-liter refrigerator with both cooling and heating, Snapdragon 8295-based infotainment, and advanced driver assistance tech supported by LiDAR, five radars, 12 cameras, and 12 parking sensors. The BEV model now uses an 800V platform with improved LFP batteries—ranging from 74.9 kWh to 81.9 kWh—for ranges between 580 and 630 km. Meanwhile, the EREV variants use a 1.5L generator and offer 200 to 280 km of electric range depending on the battery pack.
Notably, the Leapmotor C16 also demonstrated its capability during a recent overland expedition from Hangzhou to Johor Bahru—a 3,000-kilometre journey that showcased the model’s endurance and readiness for long-distance travel in Southeast Asian conditions. The journey underscored Leapmotor’s growing international ambitions, particularly in ASEAN markets where demand for large, tech-forward NEVs is on the rise.
Backed by Stellantis and publicly listed in Hong Kong since 2022, Leapmotor continues to diversify its product portfolio, which now includes six models: T03, C01, B10, C10, C11, and C16. With global ambitions and strong domestic momentum, Leapmotor is well-positioned to challenge traditional automakers both in China and overseas—especially with models like the C16 leading the charge.
