Geely subsidiary LEVC launched its new L380 Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in China, the first of a new range of innovative, spacious, fully electric models, which will see the brand accelerate its transition from a high-end taxi manufacturer to a leading provider of e-mobility solutions.
Details for pricing and specification have been confirmed for the Chinese domestic market, with the range starting from 379,900 RMB (about 49,000 €) and rising to 479,900 RMB (about 61,900 €) for the highest spec model.
Following the launch of its state-of-the-art EV platform – Space Oriented Architecture (SOA), which was co-developed with the Geely Holding Group – the L380 is the first model that will be underpinned by this revolutionary technology. The platform will broaden LEVC’s vehicle line-up, with new products that offer advances in range, efficiency, safety, charging time, durability, and connectivity.
Blending airy, sophisticated space with premium materials, L380’s inspirations come from the world of luxury airline travel with seating for up to eight and flexible first class-style chairs, clad in soft, delicate semi-aniline leather – which can be flipped down for sleeping – contrasted with Alcantara fabrics, bright chromes and crystals for the rest of the opulent cabin.
Other stand-out details include an organic, floating dashboard and a 2.18m-sq panoramic glass roof, which bathes the cabin in natural light or shields the occupants via intelligent dimming, along with a host of exquisite elements that reflect L380’s integration of international cultures, from traditional Chinese Ruyi shaped air vents to a meteor shower cabin lighting effect, which integrates London icons such as Tower Bridge and Big Ben.
On the outside, L380 pushes the boundaries of MPV design with a simple yet technical and elegant shape inspired by aircraft aerodynamics and accentuated by precisely honed details such as a floating roof and wheels influenced by the iconic London Eye. The bold, powerful aesthetic is further underscored by a palette of four strong, dynamic body colours: Pearl White, Ink Jade Black, Sapphire blue and Emerald Green.
The L380’s focus on the intersection between luxury and optimum space has been led by LEVC’s Global Chief Design Officer, Brett Boydell and his team, based at LEVC’s Design & Innovation Centre at its Ansty facility. Bringing together leading designers from many countries around the world, this diverse, international group has rich experience from multiple renowned luxury car brands and is focused on the design of future SOA-based LEVC vehicles.
In the highest performance specification, L380 features front and rear electric motors which produce a total of 536bhp and peak torque of 686Nm, enabling 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds. The model is equipped with the world’s first CATL 3.0 Kirin battery with a capacity up to 140kWh and an industry-leading cell energy density of 200Wh/kg enabling travel up to 512 miles (CLTC) between charges. Other innovations include the world’s first combination of double ball joint McPherson suspension and air spring design, giving the perfect balance between driving control and comfort. CDC variable damping shock absorbers are also available.
Additionally, L380 has been designed with safety in mind, it is the only model in its class equipped with airbags for all three rows of passengers, with eleven in total throughout the interior. It offers the largest side curtain airbag in its class at 112L per side. In April this year, the L380 cleared 20 points in the tail collision test, becoming the first four-row MPV in the world to complete it successfully. Likewise in May, it completed the world’s first pure electric MPV double-column side collision test and passed with ease. It is expected to achieve a full five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests, with a strong focus on occupant protection, pedestrian protection, child protection and driver assistance systems.
As well as featuring a groundbreaking physical architecture, L380 also incorporates the very latest in standard-setting digital platform technology: L-OS. A new electronic architecture from chip to cloud, L-OS has been exclusively built for the future mobility space. With huge computing power, L-OS provides users with the ultimate experience, from driver-assistance systems to intelligent cockpits, forming a complete digital operating system.
L-OS also incorporates the latest in enhanced occupant experience through experts ECARX, using its latest Antora 1000 Pro computing platform to deliver the ultimate in digital cockpits with high feature content and functionality. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates allow L380 to always stay up to date, enhancing the user experience and constantly improving useability and efficiency.
Following start of sales in China, rest of world markets will come next, with the new L380 set to arrive in the UK within the next two years. Final specifications for markets outside of China will be revealed in the coming months.
