Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Leapmotor said on Thursday it will officially launch its updated C16 SUV on June 18, marking a significant refresh for the model just a year after its initial debut. The new version promises over 70 major enhancements and will include both extended-range and battery electric options.
Leapmotor announced the launch date and accompanying product event via its official Weibo account, confirming that the 2026 C16 will be introduced during a live broadcast beginning at 2 p.m. Beijing Time. The SUV will feature notable upgrades, including extended driving range and improved cabin space, although the company has yet to disclose full technical specifications.
The C16 was first introduced on June 28, 2024, as a six-seat SUV available in both extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) formats. Earlier this year, Leapmotor expanded the lineup with two additional BEV variants. For the 2026 model year, the automaker is adding new five-seat variants, targeting a broader consumer base and offering more configuration flexibility.
Pre-sales for the updated C16 began on June 6, with a total of six trim options across the EREV and BEV categories. The EREV models are priced at RMB 169,800 ($23,640), RMB 179,800, and RMB 179,800. Meanwhile, the BEV trims are listed at RMB 179,800, RMB 189,800, and RMB 189,800, respectively. These prices place the C16 in direct competition with other mid-range electric SUVs in China’s crowded new energy vehicle (NEV) market.
The updated C16 is built on Leapmotor’s 800-volt high-voltage platform, offering significant improvements in efficiency and charging speed. The BEV versions provide a driving range of up to 630 kilometers, while the EREV variants are equipped with a 280-kilometer pure electric range. These enhancements represent a notable jump in usability for daily urban commuting and longer-distance travel.
Although Leapmotor has not confirmed whether the vehicle’s overall size has changed, the previous C16 measured 4,915 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,770 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,825 mm. The company said more details on the specifications and new features will be revealed at the launch event next week.