Leapmotor C01 History

Mid-size car · 2022–present

Sample hero image — replace with real model photography.

History

The C01 debuted at a launch event on May 10, 2022, with pre-sales opening the same day. Built on the same platform as the C11 crossover, the C01 is a mid-size saloon with an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.226 Cd — exceptional for the class. It was initially offered in BEV guise, competing with cars like the Nio ET5 in the premium Chinese electric-sedan segment.

In September 2023, Leapmotor launched an EREV version of the C01, using a 1.5-litre petrol engine sourced from Seres Group (producing 70 kW/94 hp as a generator) to extend range. The EREV C01 was positioned as a solution for buyers concerned about charging availability, and it expanded the model's addressable market. The C01 continues in production as Leapmotor's top-of-range saloon.

Generations

First generation · C01 (2022–present)

Photo: “File:Leapmotor C01 at Auto Guangzhou 2023 20231126.jpg” by Tim Wu / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Leapmotor's flagship mid-size saloon, unveiled May 2022 on the C11's platform, with an EREV range-extender variant added in September 2023.
- 2023
  Photo: “File:Leapmotor C01 IAA 2023 1X7A0672.jpg” by Alexander-93 / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.