Leapmotor D19: The Chinese Electric SUV Promising 1,000 km Range

Are you trying to understand what the Leapmotor D19 is really about? This Chinese electric SUV has been making headlines since its unveiling in October 2025 due to its impressive 1,000 km range. Produced by Leapmotor and backed by Stellantis, this large-format SUV (over five meters long) is offered in two versions: a 100% electric model or a range-extended version (EREV) developed alongside the German equipment manufacturer ZF. Its main selling point: a range that exceeds almost all electric SUVs currently sold in Europe, at a starting price significantly lower than German or Korean equivalents. For European drivers and travelers, one central question remains: will the D19 ever hit our roads, and at what actual price?

Leapmotor D19: Stellantis’ New Chinese Flagship

The Leapmotor D19 marks a turning point for the Chinese brand. Unveiled on October 16, 2025, it inaugurates the “D series,” Leapmotor’s high-end lineup. Until now, the brand was primarily known in Europe for more accessible city cars and compacts like the T03 or B10. With the D19, Leapmotor is targeting a completely different segment: premium large family SUVs—territory historically occupied by the Audi Q7, BMW X5, or Volvo XC90.

This positioning is largely driven by the alliance between Leapmotor and Stellantis. The European automotive giant, which holds a stake in Leapmotor and already distributes several of its models through the Leapmotor International joint venture, is looking to expand its premium electric offering without the heavy R&D costs of developing an in-house model. The D19 fits this strategy perfectly: leveraging a competitive Chinese technical base while utilizing a distribution network already established in about thirty European countries.

The vehicle is produced in China, where sales began in April 2026 with a starting price of 219,800 yuan. This Chinese launch serves as a real-world test before a potential expansion to other markets. The SUV comes in two distinct powertrain options: a fully electric version (BEV) and a range-extended version (EREV, for Extended-Range Electric Vehicle), which combines an electric motor with a small internal combustion engine that acts solely as a generator. This dual offering allows Leapmotor to appeal to both pure EV enthusiasts and those still hesitant due to range anxiety on long trips.

1,000 km Range: The Secret of the ZF Range Extender

This is the standout feature of the D19’s technical specs: a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, with some figures even suggesting up to 1,200 or 1,300 km depending on the version and the measurement cycle used. This score places this Chinese SUV among the longest-range electrified vehicles on the global market, far ahead of the majority of premium electric SUVs sold in Europe.

This performance relies on two complementary approaches. The 100% electric version features a battery capacity of up to 115 kWh—a massive capacity that far exceeds the usual European standards, which generally range between 75 and 100 kWh for large electric SUVs. This battery size alone explains a comfortable real-world range, even though CLTC (Chinese test cycle) figures are traditionally more optimistic than the European WLTP cycle.

The EREV version goes even further by combining this large battery with a range extender developed in partnership with ZF, a German supplier renowned for its expertise in transmissions and hybrid systems. In practice, this system uses a small internal combustion engine that never directly drives the wheels; it serves only as a generator to recharge the battery when it runs low, thus extending the vehicle’s range without the constraints of traditional charging. It is this combination that allows the D19 EREV to claim a total range of over 1,000 km (including fuel), a figure that provides peace of mind for long trips, such as road trips or traveling across multiple countries.

For travelers considering renting an electric vehicle for an extended stay in Europe, this type of range is a game-changer: fewer charging stops, less route planning around available stations, and peace of mind similar to that of a traditional combustion vehicle.

Leapmotor D19 Price: What Budget to Expect?

The price of the Leapmotor D19 varies significantly depending on the source, reflecting the uncertainty regarding exchange rates and future commercial adaptations for Europe. In China, the announced starting price is 219,800 yuan, which places it in the range of approximately €28,000 to €36,000 depending on the exchange rate and the equipment included in the entry-level version.

Several French automotive media outlets suggest a positioning around €35,000 to €36,000 for a future European launch. This would remain highly competitive compared to the €70,000 to €90,000 charged for an equivalent German premium large electric SUV in terms of size and power. This price gap is Leapmotor’s primary commercial argument: offering features comparable to a Western premium SUV on a budget closer to that of a mainstream family SUV.

However, caution is advised regarding these estimates until an official European price is announced. Chinese manufacturers generally adjust their prices upward for the European market to account for customs duties, shipping costs, specific homologation standards, and distribution margins through the Stellantis network. The final price at a French dealership, if the model ever arrives, could therefore differ significantly from the Chinese price.

Leapmotor D19 in France and Europe: When and How?

This is the question most frequently asked by D19 enthusiasts: will this SUV one day be sold in France? At this stage, no official European launch date or confirmation has been provided by Leapmotor or Stellantis. Several specialized automotive press reports even suggest that a European launch is not guaranteed, as the D19 does not fully align with the brand’s current positioning on the continent, which is more focused on accessible and urban models.

Nevertheless, two factors could work in favor of the D19 arriving in Europe. First, the Leapmotor International distribution network, supported by Stellantis, is already well-established and could welcome a more premium model to expand its range and attract a different clientele. Second, the presence of a range extender developed by ZF, a German company, could facilitate the vehicle’s acceptance by a European public that remains wary of purely Chinese battery technologies.

While waiting for potential homologation, European motorists and travelers looking for this type of large-format, long-range SUV should look toward other models already available for rent or purchase on the European market. If the launch does materialize, it will likely occur after a commercial testing phase in the Chinese market, followed by adaptation to European safety and homologation standards—a process that typically takes between twelve and twenty-four months for a Chinese manufacturer entering this market.

Dimensions and Interior Space: A Truly XXL SUV

The Leapmotor D19 does not play in the same league as the brand’s usual electric compacts. It is a full-size SUV exceeding five meters in length, a size comparable to the largest premium SUVs on the market like the Audi Q7 or the BMW X7. This generous size translates directly into a particularly spacious cabin, designed to accommodate up to six occupants depending on the chosen configuration.

This 6-seat configuration, rather than a classic 7-seat setup, reflects a deliberate choice by Leapmotor: prioritizing individual comfort for each passenger over maximum capacity. As a result, the second and third rows benefit from generous legroom—a major selling point for large families or groups of travelers looking for a vehicle capable of handling long journeys without compromising on comfort.

The long wheelbase associated with this exceptional length also benefits trunk volume, a key factor for road trips, moving, or simply family holidays with significant luggage. The dedicated electric platform, which lacks a bulky internal combustion engine at the front in the BEV version, further optimizes interior space compared to a combustion SUV of a similar size.

Power, Technology, and Onboard Equipment

In terms of performance, the Leapmotor D19 does not hold back. Some configurations boast up to 724 hp, a power level that places it in the same category as much more expensive premium sports SUVs. This power is paired with a high-voltage electric architecture, featuring an optional 1000V ultra-fast charging option on the BEV version, theoretically allowing users to regain a significant portion of their range in just a few minutes at a compatible station.

Regarding onboard technology, the D19 relies on equipment worthy of a premium model: air suspension for a driving comfort suited to long trips, and an integrated LiDAR sensor for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The presence of this type of sensor, still rare on vehicles at this price point, illustrates Leapmotor’s strategy of democratizing technologies usually reserved for the most expensive models on the market.

This “low price, premium equipment” approach is the trademark of Chinese manufacturers seeking to establish themselves in Europe. It partly explains the growing appeal of these brands among a public increasingly attentive to the value-for-money ratio, including among vehicle rental companies looking to refresh their fleets with long-range electric models without exploding their acquisition budgets.

A 1,000 km Electric Chinese SUV: What’s the Benefit for Travelers?

Beyond the technical specs, the Leapmotor D19 illustrates a major trend that directly interests European tourists and travelers: the arrival of Chinese electric SUVs capable of rivaling, or even exceeding, the range of traditional combustion vehicles. For a road trip through several countries, this 1,000+ km range translates to less dependence on the charging station network, which is still uneven across different European regions.

This type of large-format SUV, capable of carrying six passengers and their luggage over long distances, perfectly matches the profile sought by families or groups of friends on holiday, especially for itineraries that combine multiple destinations without returning to a fixed starting point. If the D19 were to be offered for rent in Europe, it would represent a credible alternative to the large combustion or hybrid SUVs traditionally preferred for such trips.

That said, the driving experience of a large-format Chinese electric vehicle on European roads, with its specific size and urban maneuverability, deserves to be tested before committing to a long journey. Travelers interested in this segment of long-range electric SUVs can, in the meantime, compare models already available on the rental market to identify the vehicle best suited to their itinerary and budget.

Sources

• Wikipedia – Leapmotor D19
• Electrive – Leapmotor presents new flagship SUV
• Auto Plus – Leapmotor D19, le paquebot électrique chinois
• Frandroid – Leapmotor D19, plus de 1000 km d’autonomie
• Actu Automobile – Leapmotor D19, un Q7 électrique venu de Chine

About the author

Viktor

Passionate about travel and cars, Viktor shares his tips on renting a car in France, choosing the right vehicle, planning your journeys, and making the most of the road, whether driving in the city, at the airport, or on a road trip.

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