On June 18, the 2026 Leapmotor C16 officially debuted, featuring a range of enhancements and competitive pricing. The six-seat version comes in six trims, priced between $21,150 and $25,350. Meanwhile, the five-seat version is available in two trims: the range-extended model priced at $23,520 and the pure electric version at $24,920.
Special launch incentives include exclusive gifts and subsidies. Five-seat models come with a free movie gift set and four comfort headrests, while six-seat variants also receive four comfort headrests. Additional benefits include a $696 cash subsidy for existing Leapmotor users upgrading to the new C16, a $696 accessory fund, up to $696 in financing discounts, free personalized exterior color options worth $279, lifetime warranties on batteries, electric drive systems, and vehicle controls for the first non-commercial owner, plus a complimentary 7kW home charging station with installation. Customers also get lifetime free basic connectivity and two years of entertainment data (up to 20GB/month in the first year), as well as referral rewards valued at $111.
The first-generation Leapmotor C16 launched in June 2024 as the brand’s debut mid-to-large SUV, exclusively offering six seats. This 2026 model not only lowers the entry price but also introduces two five-seat trims, positioning itself to challenge competitors like the Li Auto L6.
**Enhanced Capabilities of the C16**
The 2026 Leapmotor C16 boasts several upgrades:
- **Powertrain and Chassis**: The pure electric variant utilizes an 800V silicon carbide high-voltage platform, extending CLTC range to 630 km (391 miles) and increasing motor output to 220 kW. This translates to improved endurance and performance.
- The range-extended version sees its CLTC pure electric range increase to 280 km (174 miles), while total range reaches 1,150 km (714 miles). DC fast charging from 30% to 80% has been reduced from 30 minutes to 19 minutes, further emphasizing its long-distance capabilities.
- Enhanced chassis features include FSD variable damping shock absorbers and LMC blowout stability control, improving comfort, safety, and reliability.
- **Interior Space**: The six-seat version has a widened central aisle in the second row, measuring up to 190 mm, and the third-row legroom and headroom have each increased by 20 mm. Despite being slightly smaller than the Li Auto L6, the C16 achieves a well-balanced design that maximizes interior space.
- Storage upgrades include an expanded central armrest box (from 6.4L to 9.4L) and additional compartments for enhanced utility.
- **Features and Technology**: New additions include an 8.1L cylindrical refrigerator and hidden electronic door handles. The vehicle adopts Leap 3.5 architecture for optimized compatibility between hardware and software, improving execution and safety redundancy.
- Advanced equipment includes a 128-line LiDAR system, Qualcomm 8650 supercomputing platform, and features like highway navigation-assisted driving (NAP), urban navigation assistance, parking memory, collision warnings, and adaptive cruise control.
- The intelligent cockpit features a Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8295P chip and Leap 4.0Plus system, offering improved audio-visual capabilities, enhanced voice interaction, and new apps like 3D vehicle models.
These upgrades make the 2026 Leapmotor C16 a strong contender against the Li Auto L6. While the L6 may excel in size and refinement, the C16 narrows the gap with improved affordability and high-value enhancements.
**Five-Seat Range-Extended Version Directly Targets Li Auto L6**
The new "280 LiDAR Prestige Five-Seat" trim of the C16 appears to directly compete with the Li Auto L6. Both are mid-to-large SUVs with five seats, but the C16’s $23,520 price tag undercuts the entry-level L6 Pro by $11,285.
The C16’s range-extended model features a 170 kW motor, 320 Nm peak torque, a 1.5L range extender, and a 38.7 kWh battery pack. It achieves a CLTC pure electric range of 280 km and a total range of 1,150 km, with a fuel consumption of just 5.5L/100 km.
By comparison, the Li Auto L6 Pro offers dual-motor AWD with 300 kW combined power, a peak torque of 529 Nm, and a 1.5T four-cylinder range extender. Its 36.8 kWh battery delivers a CLTC pure electric range of 212 km and total range of 1,390 km. Despite the L6’s stronger overall performance, the C16 offers competitive metrics at a lower price point.
Suspension systems differ as well, with the C16 utilizing a front MacPherson and rear five-link setup, enhanced by FSD damping. The L6 employs front double wishbone and rear five-link configurations with CDC continuous damping, offering a slight edge in refinement.
The C16 also stands out in features, offering rear-seat entertainment screens, a 21-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated seats with massage functions, and a built-in refrigerator. The L6 Pro, while offering comparable luxury, lacks key features such as rear entertainment systems and massage seats.
In terms of driver assistance, the C16 includes advanced features like urban navigation and enhanced memory parking. The L6 Pro’s AD Pro system, powered by Horizon Journey 6M chips, focuses primarily on highway driving, with fewer urban-oriented functions.
While the Li Auto L6 maintains its position as the market leader in mid-to-large new energy SUVs, the Leapmotor C16’s targeted upgrades and competitive pricing make it a formidable challenger. With improved five-seat options, faster charging, and stronger intelligence capabilities, the C16 is poised to attract more consumers and potentially disrupt the market.