Leapmotor B01 another Chinese sedan to worry Tesla et al
Leapmotor currently has two variants of the C10 SUV for sale here, one an EV, the other a PHEV. However, the Chinese firm is branching out into the saloon sector with the B01. And it should have up to six models by the end of 2027. On its way is an MG4-sized family hatch and a pair of SUVs, not to mention, this B01.
Expect sharp pricing for the B01, given the C10s are amongst the least expensive of the medium-sized electric SUVs available here at present. The likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are substantially more expensive.
Read our first drive item on Leapmotor C10 REEV
B01 design borrows heavily from the C10 and the upcoming B10 SUV. Examples are the thin headlights, clean surfacing, flush-fitting door handles and lightbar at the rear. A LiDar system on the roof signals the B01's in-built driver-assistance technology.
While technical details are few and far between, it will use the same Leap 3.5 platform as the B10. The smaller SUV is the first Leapmotor model to feature this technology. Therefore, the B01 sedan should also come with a 56kWh or 67kWh battery pack, offering 500km of range, or 600km, respectively, using the Chinese estimates. Make that more like 400 and 500km by the WLTP system. At the rear axle is either a 132kW motor or a 161kW version.
Whether or not the B01 arrives here is unclear, but the B10 will, given not everyone wants a medium-sized (4739mm) electric SUV. The B10 is just over 4.5m long.
It is expected to dot down here before the end of this year.
If the B01 doesn't – it is under consideration – then an electric hatch due out next year that competes against MG4 might well be on Auto Distributors' wishlist.
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