Leapmotor Expands into Premium SUV Market with Flagship D19 Model
Leapmotor, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle startup, has unveiled its first flagship model, the D19, a full-size sport utility vehicle aimed at the premium segment. The launch on October 16 follows a period of strong performance for the company, which reported its first-ever semi-annual net profit and delivered over 390,000 vehicles in the first nine months of 2025.
The D19 is the inaugural vehicle built on Leapmotor's new "D" platform, boasting a length of over 5.2 meters and a wheelbase exceeding 3.1 meters. It will be available in both extended-range (EREV) and pure battery-electric (BEV) versions.
The EREV model features a substantial 80.3 kWh battery pack, providing a pure electric range of 500 kilometers (CLTC). It is equipped with an 800V architecture that enables charging from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes. This version pioneers the use of cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology in an EREV, integrating the battery directly into the vehicle's frame to maximize space and efficiency.
The BEV variant utilizes a 1000V high-voltage platform and a tri-motor powertrain that produces 540 kW, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately three seconds. It is powered by a 115 kWh hybrid-cell battery from Contemporary Amperex Technology, which combines different chemistries to optimize performance and offers a range of 720 kilometers.
Both versions of the D19 include advanced chassis technology, such as a dual-chamber air suspension with adaptive dampers, a double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspension, and a sophisticated chassis control system. The vehicle's intelligent systems are powered by dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 chips, supporting an advanced driver-assistance system that enables automated functions from one parking space to another.
While Leapmotor has positioned the D19 in the RMB 300,000-class, founder Zhu Jiangming stated the model would follow the company's cost-based approach, offering "luxurious product, not luxurious price." This signals a competitive pricing strategy. Industry analysts speculate the vehicle will contend with rivals like the Galaxy M9 from Geely, which is priced from RMB 183,800 (approx. US$25,500) to RMB 248,800. It is anticipated that Leapmotor may introduce a version with a smaller battery to establish a starting price below RMB 200,000.