Leapmotor officially announced on June 6 that pre-sales for its 2026 C16 model have begun. This pre-sale includes a total of 6 configuration variants, with prices ranging from 169,800 yuan to 189,800 yuan. For reference, the currently available 2024 Leapmotor C16 starts at 155,800 yuan. As a mid-to-large SUV product under Leapmotor's LEAP 3.0 technology architecture, the new C16 continues the existing design language while focusing on improvements in functionality and configuration.
The core changes of this annual facelift are reflected at multiple levels. First, in terms of exterior, the new car retains the current model's signature closed front fascia, continuous front and rear light clusters, and hidden door handles, maintaining a coherent and unified overall style. In terms of spatial layout, while retaining the original 2+2+2 six-seat configuration, the new car adds a five-seat version option. This adjustment significantly enhances the flexibility and practicality of rear space, providing users with different needs a richer choice.
Second, in terms of intelligent configuration, the 2026 C16 has achieved important upgrades. All variants come standard with a 128-line LiDAR and are equipped with the new-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8650 assisted driving chip. The company states that this hardware combination is intended to support more advanced "end-to-end" intelligent driving assistance functions, aiming to better align with users' daily driving habits. In terms of improving ride comfort, the new car has also made multiple improvements. The driver's seat adds lumbar support adjustment, while both the front row and second row seats add massage functions, effectively enhancing comfort on long journeys. Particularly noteworthy is the addition of an 8.1-liter dual-purpose temperature-controlled compartment (refrigerator) in the cabin, further enriching usage scenarios. In addition, technology and convenience features including a 14.6-inch central control screen, a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel, a 15.6-inch rear entertainment screen, a 21-speaker audio system, 360-degree panoramic camera, and wireless fast charging continue to be offered on the new model.
The powertrain still offers two choices: pure electric and extended-range, with performance parameters improved across the board. The extended-range version continues to use a 1.5-liter range extender, but its CLTC pure electric range has increased from 200 kilometers to 280 kilometers, with a combined maximum system power of 170 kW and maximum torque of 320 N·m. The CLTC range of the pure electric version has been uniformly increased to 630 kilometers (previously 520 kilometers or 580 kilometers), and the drive motor's maximum power has also been raised to 220 kW, while maximum torque remains at 360 N·m.
Overall, the annual facelift of the 2026 Leapmotor C16 focuses on improving the actual user experience, with targeted upgrades in key dimensions such as spatial flexibility, intelligent driving hardware, ride comfort, and powertrain range. Although the pre-sale starting price is slightly higher than the current model, considering its newly added configurations and performance improvements, the vehicle still has a certain competitiveness in the mid-to-large new energy SUV segment. Consumers with high requirements for space, intelligent technology, and comfort may pay attention to subsequent official launch information.
