Leapmotor’s D19 SUV Signals Move into China’s Premium EV Segment

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

On October 16, 2025, Leapmotor unveiled the D19 flagship SUV at its D-platform technology event, announcing its entry into China’s 250,000–300,000 CNY premium electric vehicle segment. The D19—the debut model of Leapmotor’s new D Series—is presented as a full-size, six-seat family SUV aimed at buyers seeking flagship range and hardware at a higher price tier than the brand’s existing mid-market line. 

A Strategic Move Upmarket

Leapmotor positions the D19 as the technological benchmark for its next phase of growth. Company founder, chairman, and CEO Zhu Jiangming described the D platform as the firm’s most advanced architecture to date, integrating ten years of research and development and serving as the foundation for its push beyond the brand’s 100,000–150,000 CNY core market. 

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Two powertrain choices: extended-range and pure battery-electric variants. 

• Extended-range model: 1.5 T generator, 400 kW combined output, 80.3 kWh battery and a 40 L fuel tank enabling over 500 km of pure-electric range. 

• Battery-electric model: CATL 115 kWh “super hybrid” cells, 1,000 V architecture, up to 720 km range and a 15-minute fast charge capability for 350 km of driving. 

• Vehicle dimensions and packaging: more than 5.2 m in length with a 3.1 m wheelbase, three-row six-seat layout, second-row 260 mm sliding rails and third-row legroom sized for adult passengers. 

Engineering and Cabin Technology

The D19 debuts a dual-Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 central compute unit delivering 1,280 TOPS for cockpit and driving fusion tasks, an architecture designed to lower latency and raise system stability. Chassis dynamics are handled by Leapmotor’s LMC 2.0, which includes dual-wheel burst control, a “smooth-ride” algorithm, and a tight 3.6 m turning radius for a vehicle of its size. 

Market Momentum and Positioning

The D19 launch comes as Leapmotor reports a surge in volume: nearly 400,000 units sold in the first nine months of 2025, a 128.8% year-on-year increase, with September deliveries at 66,700 units and a seven-month lead among China’s new-energy vehicle startups. Leapmotor has not disclosed official pricing or delivery schedules, but the company indicates the D19 may start below 300,000 CNY—positioning it to undercut rivals such as Li Auto, AITO and NIO in the same segment. 

Brand and Product Strategy

The D19 expands Leapmotor’s product lineup into four series (A, B, C, D), covering sedans, SUVs and MPVs, and the company has appointed actor Fei Xiang as brand ambassador to reinforce a “luxury for all” positioning. If priced aggressively below the 300,000 CNY threshold, Leapmotor’s combination of flagship range, hardware and competitive pricing could alter buying dynamics in the family-oriented premium SUV category. 

According to Next Move Strategy Consulting

Leapmotor’s D19 represents a clear strategic push to translate recent volume momentum into a higher-value EV Market presence. The model’s advanced platform, dual powertrain strategy and flagship-level range put Leapmotor in a position to challenge established players within the 250,000–300,000 CNY band—particularly if the company adopts an aggressive pricing posture. Success will hinge on execution: translating the D-platform’s technical strengths into consistent product quality, delivering on charging and range claims, and timing market availability to sustain the brand’s current sales trajectory. 

Source: GlobalChinaEV 

Prepared By: Next Move Strategy Consulting