Leapmotor's second brand coming in 2027, based on new LEAP 5.0 architecture

Leapmotor has unveiled a new vehicle architecture and three major technologies that will underpin its next generation of products. The company made the announcement at its 2026 Technology Day on 16 September, where it also confirmed that its second brand will launch in 2027.

The new technologies include LWM intelligent driving, MM-i multi-mode hybrid electric drive and CTC 3.0 high- and low-voltage integrated battery technology.

The Technology Day presentation offered a closer look at how the new architecture and systems will be used in Leapmotor's future models. Here are the key points from LEAP 5.0 and the three new technologies.

LEAP 5.0

The LEAP 5.0 architecture is designed to support the new products planned for Leapmotor's second brand, with a focus on cabin space and vehicle intelligence.

By making better use of the vehicle's length, width and height, Leapmotor says LEAP 5.0 can achieve more than 100% cabin space utilisation, or space efficiency. The aim is to turn the cabin into a comfortable mobile space, with more room than expected for the vehicle's class.

The system uses a 5.0 central domain controller to bring vehicle functions together under a central control system, rather than relying on separate domain controllers mainly for execution.

Leapmotor says this also cuts the total length of the vehicle's wiring harnesses to less than 500 metres, helping improve response times and system stability.

LWM intelligent driving

Leapmotor's new LWM (Leapmotor World Model) intelligent driving system moves away from the traditional reliance on BEV-based perception and manually written rules.

Through cloud-based simulation and closed-loop training on the vehicle, Leapmotor says its intelligent driving system will not rely solely on OTA updates for new capabilities. Instead, it can continue to learn and improve through use.

Leapmotor says algorithm development has allowed it to move into the industry's top tier while supporting multiple computing platforms, allowing models priced below RMB 100,000 (around RM 61k) to offer advanced driver-assistance features.

The company has also promised to upgrade 350,000 vehicles with LiDAR to the World Model intelligent driving system free of charge.

MM-i hybrid electric drive

With global demand for plug-in hybrid and range-extender vehicles expected to remain strong over the next five to 10 years, Leapmotor is now expanding further into the plug-in hybrid market.

The MM-i system combines continuous generator reuse, a coaxial dual-clutch transmission and intelligent dual-motor control.

Compared with plug-in hybrid systems in the same class, the system is 40% lighter, 28% more powerful and 25% smaller. This combination brings together some of the characteristics of both extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

CTC 3.0 integrated battery

Leapmotor has also introduced a different approach to battery design with its CTC 3.0 high- and low-voltage integrated battery technology.

CTC 3.0 removes the standalone low-voltage battery traditionally used in cars and integrates its function into the main battery pack. The low-voltage battery capacity is increased by seven times, and the integrated system requires no maintenance for the life of the vehicle.

The company estimates that this could save owners more than RMB 2,000 (around RM 1,300) in maintenance costs over the vehicle's ownership period.

Leapmotor also says it will open-source the technology's patents to the wider automotive industry, with the aim of reducing global battery waste and pollution.

Summary

While Leapmotor has yet to reveal pricing or a detailed launch schedule for the new models, the Technology Day presentation gives a picture of what is coming next.

The new LEAP 5.0 architecture, together with its three core technologies covering electrification and intelligent driving, will be used for the second brand's first products in 2027.

Back to Malaysia, Leapmotor now offers two models locally:

Leapmotor B10: from RM 107,800

Leapmotor C10: from RM 149,005