The Leapmotor C01 is Leapmotor's first executive sedan, positioned as a "tech luxury executive sedan". Pre-sales commenced in May 2022 followed by an official launch in September that year, making it the sole sedan offering in the marque's product portfolio. Offered in both fully electric (EV) and range-extender (EREV) powertrain options, it adopts an aggressive strategy of offering an executive-sized (E-segment) saloon at a D-segment price point within the new energy vehicle (NEV) market. The latest 2025 Leapmotor C01 was officially launched in July 2025, tagged with an official price range of RM119,800 to RM158,800, while the 2024 model year retailed between RM136,800 and RM158,800. Serving as Leapmotor's flagship saloon, the C01 aims to democratise technology by breaking price barriers in the executive NEV segment, directly rivaling models like the BYD Han, XPENG P7, and Deepal SL03.
The Leapmotor C01 embraces the "Tech Natural Aesthetics" design philosophy, sporting a sleek, dynamic exterior that blends the futuristic cues of an EV with the stately presence of an executive saloon. Up front, it features a closed-off grille design (the range-extender variant gains a trapezoidal lower air intake), complemented by a full-width interactive LED light strip and three-section digital crystal headlamps that support customisable light animations for instant road presence. A fastback profile paired with 16 aerodynamic enhancements achieves an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.226 Cd, directly boosting electric range efficiency. In terms of dimensions, the saloon measures 5,050 mm in length, 1,902 mm in width, and 1,509 mm in height (1,515 mm for the range-extender), riding on a generous 2,930 mm wheelbase. It also features frameless doors and flush door handles. Inside, the cabin adopts a minimalist, contemporary ethos with an expansive wraparound cockpit design. The 2024 facelift introduced a new Camel Brown interior theme, appointed with extensive soft-touch materials and premium NAPPA leather (on the Premium variant).
The Leapmotor C01 is available with two powertrain options—all-electric (BEV) and range-extender (EREV)—both utilising a rear-motor, rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout (the dual-motor all-wheel drive BEV version was discontinued following the 2024 update).
Range-Extender (EREV): Powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle range extender that functions solely as an onboard generator with up to 96.5% generator efficiency. The rear electric motor churns out 200 kW (approximately 272 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, completing the 0–100 km/h century sprint in 7.6 to 7.8 seconds. Battery choices include a 30.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack and a 43.7 kWh ternary lithium pack, delivering pure electric ranges of 216 km and 316 km (CLTC), and combined ranges of 1,190 km and 1,276 km respectively. Official fuel consumption under depleted battery conditions is rated at 4.9 L/100 km.
Pure Electric (BEV): Driven by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor rated at 200 kW (approx. 272 PS) and 360 Nm, achieving a 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds. It is offered with 62.8 kWh and 78.5 kWh LFP battery packs, providing CLTC ranges of 525 km and 625 km respectively. Early-production models briefly included a 90 kWh ternary lithium Ultra-Long Range variant (717 km) and a Performance AWD variant (400 kW / 720 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 3.66 seconds), though both were phased out after the 2024 model year. For charging, the BEV supports DC fast charging, juicing from 30% to 80% state of charge in around 30 minutes.
The Leapmotor C01 stands out for its class-transcending underpinnings, equipped as standard with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link (five-link) independent suspension. It makes extensive use of aluminium alloy components to minimise unsprung mass—a premium setup rarely found at this price bracket. The front suspension incorporates a dual-ball-joint design to sharpen steering response and directional precision. Crucially, the C01 pioneered Leapmotor's proprietary Cell-To-Chassis (CTC) technology (upgraded to CTC 2.0 on the 2024 model), which integrates the battery pack directly into the floorpan structure, ditching the conventional top cover and using the floor itself as the battery enclosure. This structural integration improves torsional rigidity by 25% while maximising cabin headroom. Dynamically, the chassis tuning adeptly balances ride comfort with composure, soaking up surface irregularities without excessive secondary rebound, while keeping body roll well-checked during spirited cornering and rapid lane changes.
The C01’s smart cockpit has evolved from a three-screen setup to a modern floating-screen architecture. The 2022–2023 models utilised a T-layout triple display comprising a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch central infotainment screen, and a 10.25-inch front passenger display, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P processor with iFLYTEK 3.5 voice recognition, multi-screen sharing, dedicated passenger Bluetooth, and smartphone remote app functions. The 2024 facelift brought a substantial upgrade, standardising a 14.6-inch 2.5K floating central touchscreen across the lineup, with the Premium variant boasting the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset running Leap OS 4.0, alongside an upgraded 10.25-inch passenger screen. In-car audio is handled by a standard 12-speaker 7.1 surround sound system tuned by Arkamys. In terms of comfort, the 2024 Premium variant features ventilated, heated, and massaging front seats, a rear multifunction control screen, powered boot lid, an expansive 0.91 m² panoramic glass roof (double-laminated Low-E silver-coated, blocking 99% of UV rays), and NAPPA leather upholstery.
In terms of passive safety, the Leapmotor C01 is constructed with a high-strength safety cage structure, which, paired with the structural rigidity of its CTC architecture, provides robust occupant protection. On the active safety front, the 2024 model onwards comes standard with the Leapmotor Pilot advanced driver assistance suite. The Comfort variant features Level 2 driver aids (such as full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking), while the Premium variant adds automated parking, narrow road assistance, and driver fatigue monitoring. Early high-spec variants offered an even more advanced sensor suite boasting 28 to 30 hardware sensors—including 3 LiDAR units, 11 cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 5 millimetre-wave radars running Leapmotor Pilot 3.0—which supported urban Navigation on Autopilot (NOA) and automated highway lane-change overtaking. However, recent 2024–2025 Premium models have streamlined this hardware suite, omitting LiDAR. Standard safety equipment includes front airbags, front and rear curtain airbags (on selected variants), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Since its market introduction, the Leapmotor C01 has experienced contrasting fortunes. Initial BEV sales were modest, averaging only several hundred units monthly in 2023; however, the arrival of the EREV variant with its segment-leading 316 km electric range and 1,276 km total range briefly propelled monthly sales past the 10,000-unit milestone. Sales subsequently suffered a sharp downturn in 2025, recording a full-year volume of just 8,095 units, with September 2025 dipping to 109 units—representing a mere 0.32% of total brand sales. From January to April 2026, cumulative sales fell to only 26 units, sinking to a monthly low of just 1 unit. This performance stands in stark contrast to its SUV stablemates like the C10 and C11, which consistently maintain five-figure monthly sales figures. Consumer feedback remains positive regarding the C01’s cavernous rear legroom (up to 319 mm), sophisticated suspension setup (front double-wishbone and rear multi-link), and the real-world efficiency of the EV powertrain. Automotive reviews highlight that the C01 successfully packaged executive-class dimensions and premium suspension into the RM100,000 to RM150,000 price bracket, validating Leapmotor's "value-for-money tech" positioning. Nevertheless, brand equity in the competitive saloon segment continues to lag behind its successful SUV portfolio. Furthermore, the sharp drop in volume between late 2025 and early 2026 reflects model transition timing, fierce segment rivalry, and dealer channel realignment. As Leapmotor’s flagship saloon, the C01 remains an intriguing disruptor in the executive NEV segment on paper with its CTC chassis and dual-powertrain flexibility, though an uplift in commercial traction remains a pressing priority.
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