Leapmotor is making waves, and their upcoming B01 electric sedan looks set to follow in the tyre tracks of their incredibly successful B10 SUV. If the B10’s performance is anything to go by, the B01 could be a real disruptor in the mid-range electric sedan market. Just 13 days after launch, the B10 had already seen over 8,000 factory deliveries, with production aiming for 10,000 by the end of April. This phenomenal start is thanks to the B10’s appealing combination of a 510km range, LiDAR technology, and a Qualcomm 8650 autonomous driving chip paired with an 8295 cockpit processor.
Sleek Looks and Clever Design
Unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the B01 boasts a sophisticated design. Leapmotor themselves are calling it “the most beautiful intelligent sedan in the 150,000 yuan (21,000 USD) class”. It’s built on their LEAP 3.5 electrical architecture and has dimensions of 4770mm/1880/1490 (l/w/h) with a 2735mm wheelbase, putting it in the same ballpark as the Xpeng Mona 03 and GAC Aion RT.
The Leapmotor B01 features a fluid design with a sleek 17.2° fastback angle, achieving an impressive 0.197 Cd drag coefficient – even better than a Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S! The exterior is further enhanced by a continuous front light strip, split daytime running lights, and plenty of piano black trim. You’ll even have eight body colour options, including a rather striking “Morgan Pink” with manganese elements for a dynamic shimmer in sunlight.
However, not everyone is completely sold on the design, with one source noting it might look “rather bland” compared to other new sedans. Despite this, the resemblance to the larger B10 SUV is clear.
Interior Comfort and Tech That Punches Above Its Weight
Step inside, and you might think you’re in a vehicle costing significantly more, with the B01’s interior rivalling cars in the 200,000 yuan (27,600 USD) range. There’s an impressive 88% soft-touch coverage throughout the cabin, available in purple or grey with cloud-textured leather and chrome accents. Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either, with an 86% “space efficiency rate,” rear seats that recline to 28° and split 60:40, and a trunk offering 460 litres of standard capacity, expandable by around 70 litres with an adjustable partition.
Tech-wise, you get a 14.6-inch 2.5K high-definition central control screen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, likely powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155/8295 chips. Expect advanced driver assistance systems similar to the B10, with mid-range and higher trims likely featuring LiDAR and Qualcomm 8650 chips.
Battery options should deliver ranges of approximately 500km and 600km. Both versions of the sedan will use lithium-iron phosphate battery packs. The entry-level model will have a 177 hp (132 kW) electric motor, while the flagship will boast a 214 hp (160 kW) motor.
The Price Tag That Could Shake Things Up
Leapmotor seems to have hit a sweet spot by prioritising aesthetics followed by features, understanding what younger buyers want. They’ve identified a gap in the 150,000 yuan (21,000 USD) electric sedan market. While officially positioned in this class, industry whispers suggest the B01’s starting price could actually fall below the B10’s entry point of 99,800 yuan (13,600 USD).
Some analysts even predict a starting price as low as 88,800 yuan (12,200 USD), which would put significant pressure on competitors. Local reports suggest a price range of 100,000 to 150,000 yuan (roughly $13,600 to $20,400). Production is slated to kick off in July.
Keep an eye out for the Leapmotor B01 – it looks like it could be a serious contender!
