Leapmotor, the Stellantis-backed Chinese automaker, is expanding its portfolio once again, this time entering the minivan segment with its first fully electric people-mover.
Known as the Leapmotor D99, the model is being offered in both a full battery-electric configuration and a range-extender variant, immediately positioning it as a serious contender against established and upcoming rivals such as the Xpeng X9, Zeekr 009, and Li Auto Mega.
The D99 was officially revealed during a special event marking Leapmotor’s 10th anniversary, underscoring the importance of this launch for the brand.
Visually, the D99 follows Leapmotor’s evolving design language, favoring simplicity and fluidity over excessive ornamentation. Up front, the minivan features a very short nose and a sharply raked windshield that extends beyond the front axle, a layout that should translate into excellent outward visibility for the driver.
Along the sides, retractable door handles, despite increasing regulatory scrutiny in China, help maintain a clean profile, while the blacked-out B- and C-pillars visually blend into the side glass for a more seamless appearance. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar reinforces the vehicle’s modern, tech-focused identity and ties the design together.
Where the Leapmotor D99 truly distances itself from competitors is beneath the bodywork. Built on an advanced 800-volt architecture, the range-extender version features an enormous 80.3 kWh battery pack, making it the largest battery currently fitted to any hybrid vehicle.
This gives the D99 EREV a significant advantage over alternatives like the Zeekr 9X range-extender, which uses a 70 kWh unit, and even the forthcoming range-extended Xpeng X9, expected to launch with a 63.3 kWh battery. According to Leapmotor, the D99 EREV should be capable of delivering up to 500 kilometers (311 miles) of all-electric driving range on a single charge.
While Leapmotor has yet to confirm full technical details of the internal combustion engine used in the range-extender setup, it is widely expected to be a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit similar to the one found in the Leapmotor C10 REEV. This configuration would align with the brand’s existing engineering strategy while providing sufficient support for long-distance travel once the battery is depleted.
The fully electric version of the D99 raises the bar even further. It adopts a 1000-volt electrical architecture and is equipped with an even larger 115 kWh battery supplied by CATL.
With this setup, Leapmotor claims the D99 BEV can achieve a driving range of up to 720 kilometers (447 miles), placing it among the longest-range electric minivans currently announced and reinforcing its positioning as a technologically advanced flagship.
Although Leapmotor has not yet released official images of the interior, expectations are high based on the brand’s recent products. The cabin is anticipated to feature multiple high-definition displays, extensive digital interfaces, and generously padded seating throughout.
Rather than being marketed solely as a family hauler, the D99 is clearly being positioned as a premium people mover aimed at buyers who prefer to be chauffeured, with comfort and refinement taking priority.
Further information, including pricing for the Chinese market and potential plans for availability outside China, is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
As it stands, the Leapmotor D99 represents a bold statement from Stellantis’ Chinese partner, showcasing just how quickly the minivan segment is evolving, and why older players like the Chrysler Pacifica are beginning to feel a generation behind.
Also Read: Top 10 of the Toughest Engines Ever Installed in Muscle Cars
