Vehicle Model Profile: Leapmotor C16


By DongYixuan
9 min read
Vehicle Model Profile: Leapmotor C16
Vehicle Highlights
  1. Advantages in Space and Practical Configuration: Offers a flexible 6-seat layout with a trunk capacity ranging from 209 to 1022 liters, providing strong space expandability. It comes well-equipped with practical features as standard, including a 360-degree panoramic imaging system, power-adjustable seats for both front and second-row passengers, and six USB/Type-C ports (two in the front and four in the rear), delivering exceptional convenience and comfort.
  2. Charging and Power Performance: Features rapid charging that takes only 0.25 hours, leading its class in charging efficiency. With a maximum power output of 215 kW and peak torque of 360 N·m, it delivers strong performance, fully meeting power demands for both daily commutes and highway driving.
  3. Value for Money and Family Suitability: Starting at USD 21,440, this mid-to-large SUV stands out as a high-value choice for families with multiple children. Within the USD 21,000 to 28,000 price range, its 6-seat configuration, rich standard features, and efficient charging capability make it an ideal fit for family travel.
Please Note
  1. Chassis and Ride Quality: The chassis has insufficient damping and support, resulting in subpar comfort when driving over bumpy roads and noticeable body roll during high-speed cornering.
  2. Range and Real-World Performance: The actual driving range experiences significant reduction in scenarios such as highway driving, which may easily cause range anxiety; the top speed is 160 km/h, slightly lagging behind some competing models.
  3. Detail Configuration and Optimization: The fixed panoramic sunroof lacks practicality, and the third-row seating space is relatively cramped, providing poor accommodation for taller passengers.

Overview

The Leapmotor C16 is a strategic flagship model under Leapmotor, positioned as a mid-to-large-sized intelligent family SUV, offering both 5-seat and 6-seat versions.
The Leapmotor C16 achieved over 12,000 firm orders in its first month and reached 100,000 cumulative deliveries within 15 months of launch. Since 2025, it has maintained monthly sales above 8,000 units, ranking among the top three in the mid-to-large SUV segment, with a 70% market share in the 6-seat SUV sub-segment under USD 28,000.
The 2026 model offers battery electric (580 km CLTC) and range-extended (up to 1,150 km) versions, priced from USD 21,440 to USD 25,677, targeting multi-child families and value-conscious middle-class consumers.
You can explore the vehicle’s exterior and interior design in detail via: 

Basic Information

Configuration

Model: Leapmotor C16 2024 520 ZhiXiang Edition
Driving Range (km) (CLTC): 520
Driving Range (km) (WLTP): 426 (Reference: EV Range Converter)
Charging Time (hours): Fast charge 0.25 hours
100km Power Consumption (kWh/100km): 14.8
Battery Capacity (kWh): 67.7
Maximum Speed (km/h): 160
Vehicle Dimensions (mm): 4915x1905x1770

Maintenance Costs and Manufacturer Services

Charging Cost
Based on the global average residential electricity price of USD 0.17/kWh (Global Petrol Prices, 2025), the C16 consumes approximately 14.8 kWh per 100 km, resulting in a charging cost of about $2.5 per 100 km.
Maintenance Cost
The average annual maintenance cost for an electric vehicle is approximately 30%–40% that of a fuel-powered vehicle.
Manufacturer Services
The vehicle warranty period is 4 years or 120,000 km (DCAR, 2025).

Subsidies and Policies

Examples
Germany Motor tax exemption for EVs with less than 50g CO2/km emissions or at least 60km range (80km from 2025) until 2030. Privileges for electric cars on German roads, e.g. car parking and bus lane use. (Government of Germany, 2012)
Switzerland Legislative revision including support for recharging stations, an extension of tax exemptions for electric and hydrogen trucks until 2030. (Swiss Federal Government, 2023)
Thailand Tax reductions and exemptions for EVs to promote their deployment (Government of Thailand, 2022)
United Kingdom ZEV mandate: 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain will be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035. Around 300 000 public chargers expected as a minimum by 2030 (Government of the United Kingdom, 2023)
United States Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit offers tax credits up to 30% (up to USD 1 000 for residences or up to USD 100 000 for business) for the installation of alternative fuelling equipment in low-income communities or non-urban areas (Government of the United States, 2023)
Mexico Signatory to COP26 ZEV Declaration to work towards all sales of new cars and vans being zero emission globally by 2040. (Government of Mexico, 2022)
United Arab Emirates Increase EV charging stations to 10 000 in 2030 and 30 000 by 2050. (Government of Dubai, 2023)
Brazil National Green Mobility and Innovation Program ("MOVER") (Government of Brazil, 2024)
For more, please refer to Global EV Policy Explorer to check the EV policies in your location (Global EV Policy Explorer, 2025)

Competitive Comparison

We selected three models—Buick E5, EN008, and Livan 9—that are similarly positioned to the Leapmotor C16 and have price differences within $1,200 for an official parameter comparison. It was found that the Leapmotor C16 demonstrates significant advantages in space layout, power performance, and configuration richness.
  1. Range and Charging: The CLTC range of 520 km surpasses that of the Buick E5 (515 km) and Livan 9 (470 km), and is far superior to the extended-range model EN008 (202 km). Fast charging requires only 0.25 hours, tying with EN008 for the fastest charging time, significantly leading ahead of the Buick E5 (0.5 hours) and Livan 9 (0.67 hours), making it a leader in charging efficiency among its peers.
  2. Power Performance: With a maximum power output of 215 kW (292 Ps) and peak torque of 360 N·m, the Leapmotor C16 leads all compared models in these aspects, outperforming the Buick E5 (180 kW), EN008 (200 kW), and Livan 9 (150 kW), offering superior acceleration and power reserves.
  3. Space Practicality: Offering a 6-seat layout, the Leapmotor C16 stands alone as the only 6-seat option among the compared models. Its luggage compartment volume ranges from 209 to 1022 liters, providing better space expandability than the Buick E5 (fixed at 502 liters) and EN008 (fixed at 495 liters), though slightly less than Livan 9 (162-2360 liters), making it highly practical for multi-child family scenarios.
  4. Configuration Richness: Equipped with rear-view cameras, 360-degree panoramic imaging, and transparent imaging systems, the Leapmotor C16 matches EN008 in functionality completeness and surpasses the Buick E5 and Livan 9, which only feature rear-view and 360-degree cameras. Power-adjustable seats are available for the driver, front passenger, and second row, making it the only model among the comparisons to achieve full electric seat adjustments across three rows. It has six USB/Type-C ports (two in the front and four in the rear), far exceeding other models (all have four), maximizing vehicle convenience.
  5. Energy Consumption and Body Size: Energy consumption is 14.9 kWh per 100 km, better than Livan 9 (15.6 kWh), and slightly higher than Buick E5 (13.7 kWh), showcasing excellent energy control among 6-seat models. The body size of 4915x1905x1770 mm surpasses both Buick E5 and Livan 9, just slightly smaller than EN008, indicating more rational space planning.
Summary
The Leapmotor C16 excels in charging speed, power performance, 6-seat space, and configuration richness. Although it lags slightly behind some models in top speed (160 km/h), its comprehensive product strength is highly competitive in its class, making it especially suitable for large families seeking "spacious interiors, high configurations, and fast charging."
Model / Parameter Leapmotor C16 2024 520 ZhiXiang Edition Buick E5 2025 515KM Preferred Edition eπ008 2026 EREV Ultra-Wide Edition 5-Seater Geely Farizon 9 2023 Leading Edition
Basic Infomation
Driving Range (km)(CLTC) 520 515 202 470
Charging Time (hours) Fast charging 0.25 hours Fast charging 0.5 hours Fast charging 0.25 hours Fast charging 0.67 hours
Maximum Power (kW) 215(292Ps) 180(245Ps) 200(272Ps) 150(204Ps)
Maximum Torque (N·m) 360 330 340 310
Maximum Speed (km/h) 160 180 180 163
Body
Vehicle Dimensions (mm) 4915x1905x1770 4892x1905x1681 5002x1972x1732 4845x1890x1778
Number of Seats (units) 6 5 5 6
Trunk Capacity (L) 209-1022 502 495 162-2360
Battery
100km Power Consumption (kWh/100km) 14.9 13.7 19.5 15.6
Battery Capacity (kWh) 67.7 65 34.32 66.57
Additional Features
Auto Hold Standard Equipment Standard Equipment Standard Equipment Standard Equipment
Driver Assistance Camera ● Rearview Camera ● 360° Panoramic View ● Transparent Chassis View ● Rearview Camera ● 360° Panoramic View ● Transparent Chassis View ●Blind Spot Monitoring with Side Camera ● Rearview Camera ● 360° Panoramic View ● Transparent Chassis View ● Rearview Camera ● 360° Panoramic View
Sunroof Type Fixed Panoramic Sunroof No Segmented fixed Panoramic Sunroof Openable Panoramic Sunroof
Power Seats ● Driver Seat ● Passenger Seat ● Second Row ● Driver Seat ● Driver Seat ● Passenger Seat ● Second Row ● Driver Seat ● Passenger Seat
Drive Mode Selection ●Sport ●ECO/Economy ●Standard/Comfort ●Custom ●Sport ●Snow ●Custom ●Standard/Comfort ●Sport ●ECO/Economy ●Standard/Comfort ●Sport ●ECO/Economy ●Standard/Comfort
Power Windows Front and Rear Front and Rear Front and Rear Front and Rear
Number of USB/Type-C Ports 2 (Front) and 4 (Rear) 2 (Front) and 2 (Rear) 2 (Front) and 2 (Rear) 2 (Front) and 2 (Rear)
Data Source: (DCAR, 2025)

Real-world Review

Advantages:
  1. Balances power and range effectively, with the range-extended version achieving a total range of up to 1,150 km and the battery-electric version offering a CLTC range of 520 km. Supported by 800V high-voltage fast-charging technology, it can add 300 km of range in just 15 minutes.
  2. Rich intelligent features, including L2-level advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), automatic parking, and highway navigation assist, significantly enhancing driving convenience.
Areas for Improvement:
  1. Noticeable range reduction in low temperatures, with winter CLTC range achievement rate around 75%. Fuel consumption is relatively high under low battery conditions (the range-extended version consumes approximately 7.96L per 100 km). Careful energy planning is required.
  2. Refinements in user experience are needed—the rear entertainment screen requires manual adjustment, making operation less convenient. Some users report insufficient seat ventilation strength and limited massage function positions.
Test review from internal and third-party testing:
  1. For weekend trips, the 6-seat layout offers great flexibility. The second-row independent seats come with heating and ventilation functions, while the third row provides ample space. With the seats folded, the trunk capacity expands to 1,022 liters, easily accommodating camping gear, strollers, and more. Tri-zone independent climate control, a 15.6-inch ceiling-mounted screen, and a Dolby Atmos sound system collectively enhance travel comfort and enjoyment.
  2. On highways, the ACC adaptive cruise control system automatically maintains a safe distance. Supported by LiDAR, the highway intelligent navigation assist feature enables autonomous lane changes and overtaking, significantly reducing fatigue during long-distance driving.

Real User Reviews

To quantify the user experience of real car owners, we conducted a structured questionnaire survey of Leapmotor C16 owners at the highly influential DCAR Automotive Forum in 2025. A total of 355 valid responses were collected. Through qualitative analysis of the responses, we categorized them into 12 clear positive feedback dimensions, encompassing 232 specific statements, and 12 negative feedback dimensions, encompassing 123 specific statements (DCAR, 2025).

Positive Feedback

Excellent Overall Space

Summary: The 6-seat layout offers flexible space with ample storage and passenger room, easily meeting the needs of multi-child families for both travel and carrying equipment.
  1. "Traveling with six family members is completely stress-free. The third row can comfortably accommodate adults occasionally, and the trunk easily fits a stroller and camping gear."
  2. "The front trunk is very deep, capable of holding two carry-on suitcases. The rear seats fold completely flat, making it very convenient for transporting large items."

Rich and Practical Configuration

Summary: The configuration is comprehensive and well-aligned with daily usage scenarios, with infotainment and seating features that enhance convenience and comfort.
  1. "There are plenty of charging ports in both front and rear rows, so the whole family can charge without fighting for outlets. The infotainment system operates smoothly, and the voice control responds quickly."
  2. "Power-adjustable seats are available for the driver, front passenger, and second row, making it very easy for elderly family members and children to adjust their seating positions. The features are truly practical."

Negative Feedback

Poor Range Performance

Summary: There is a noticeable gap between actual and rated range, with significant range reduction in scenarios such as highway driving, easily causing range anxiety.
  1. "When driving on the highway with the air conditioning on in summer, the range drops quite fast—actual mileage is considerably less than the advertised figure."
  2. "The estimated remaining range isn't very accurate. Once, after a full charge it showed 520 km, but by the time I'd driven just over 400 km, the battery was already nearly depleted, which made me feel uneasy."

Subpar Chassis Performance

Summary: The chassis lacks sufficient damping and support, resulting in poor comfort when driving over rough roads and noticeable body roll during high-speed cornering.
  1. "When driving over speed bumps, the chassis feels a bit stiff, and the impact is directly transmitted into the cabin, negatively affecting ride comfort."
  2. "During high-speed cornering, the body leans noticeably. The chassis doesn't provide enough support, lacking a sense of stability and composure."

References

DCAR (2025). DCAR. Retrieved from https://www.dongchedi.com/auto/series/20041
EV Range converter (2025). EV Range converter. Retrieved from https://ev-range-standard-converter.web.app/
Global EV Policy Explorer (2025). Explore key policies and measures for EV deployment. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Global Petrol Prices (2025). World Average Electricity Prices, USD / kWh. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/electricity_prices/

 


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