In the 150,000–180,000 yuan mid-size SUV segment, where models like the Deepal S07 and BYD Song PLUS continually jostle for dominance, the Leapmotor C11 has firmly established itself as a benchmark for value for money, consistently ranking among the top-selling new‑energy SUVs from Chinese start‑ups. On 10 July 2025, the new‑generation Leapmotor C11 was officially launched, aiming to redefine the value proposition in the 150,000‑yuan class with a rare combination of a front double‑wishbone and rear five‑link independent suspension, an 800‑volt high‑voltage architecture, and LiDAR‑based advanced driver assistance.

In real‑world driving, the updated Leapmotor C11 is offered with both pure‑electric and extended‑range (EREV) powertrains. The EREV variant employs a 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated engine (displacement 1,499 cc) as a range extender, paired with a rear‑mounted single motor producing 200 kW and 320 N·m of peak torque. It delivers a CLTC pure‑electric range of 300 km and a combined range of 1,220 km, with a 0‑100 km/h sprint time of 7.6 seconds. The BEV variant, powered by a 220‑kW rear‑mounted motor with 360 N·m of torque, achieves 0‑100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and offers a CLTC range of 640 km. The throttle calibration prioritises smoothness, with a gentle and linear initial response that builds progressively under deeper inputs—ensuring both daily drivability and ample overtaking confidence when needed.

By contrast, the Deepal S07 EREV employs a 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated engine, a rear motor producing 175 kW and 320 N·m, a CLTC pure‑electric range of 215 km, and a 0‑100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds. The powertrain gap is evident: the Leapmotor C11 EREV offers 25 kW more power, an additional 85 km of pure‑electric range, and a 0.1‑second advantage in acceleration. Their underlying philosophies diverge: the Leapmotor C11 pursues “larger battery, longer range, higher specifications” as a cost‑performance champion, while the S07 leans toward “Huawei‑enabled intelligence and sporty design” as a tech‑savvy, individualistic contender.

In terms of range, the Leapmotor C11 BEV is equipped with an 81.9‑kWh battery pack, delivering 640 km on the CLTC cycle; the EREV variant features a 41.7‑kWh battery, offering 300 km of pure‑electric range and 1,220 km of combined range. The Deepal S07 EREV, with battery capacities of 31.73 kWh and 39.05 kWh, provides CLTC electric ranges of 215 km and 285 km respectively. For daily commuting, the Leapmotor C11’s 300‑km electric range offers a tangible advantage—weekend getaways can be accomplished purely on battery power, whereas the S07’s entry‑level trim may require petrol for the return leg.

“The latest Leapmotor C11 has dropped its top‑spec variants, concentrating its pricing around 150,000 yuan. As a mid‑size SUV, it comes standard with adjustable suspension damping across the range, with mid‑ and high‑grade trims adding LiDAR—the value proposition speaks for itself.”

Sliding into the Leapmotor C11’s cabin, its 4,780‑mm length and 1,905‑mm width create a spacious ambience. The steering feels substantial yet light in effort, making urban manoeuvres effortless. The Leapmotor C11’s most compelling asset lies beneath—a standard front double‑wishbone and rear five‑link independent suspension, complemented by FSD variable‑damping shock absorbers. This hardware configuration is typically found on vehicles priced above 300,000 yuan; in this segment, rivals such as the Deepal S07 and BYD Song PLUS employ MacPherson strut front suspensions.

On the road, the double‑wishbone front suspension delivers excellent lateral support through corners, with composed body posture, while the rear five‑link setup, working in concert with the FSD dampers, provides crisp absorption of road imperfections. The 2025 model benefits from a joint Chinese‑European chassis tuning programme, yielding notable improvements in lateral stability, pitch control and overall ride refinement. Urban road surface irregularities are effectively smoothed, and speed‑bump encounters are dispatched with authority. During spirited cornering, body roll is better suppressed than in rivals with MacPherson struts, striking a balanced compromise between comfort and sportiness.

The Deepal S07 features a front MacPherson and rear multi‑link suspension, tuned similarly for comfort, yet its hardware specifications lag behind the Leapmotor C11’s double‑wishbone setup—particularly evident in aggressive driving or on rough roads, where the Leapmotor C11’s chassis architecture asserts its advantage in stability and isolation.

The Leapmotor C11 is equipped with four‑piston green brake calipers and ventilated discs. The 2026 BEV 640 LiDAR Premium variant rides on 255/45 R20 tyres. Official braking performance from 100‑0 km/h is class‑competitive, with linear and stable deceleration. The EREV variant achieves 0‑100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, while the BEV does so in 6.1 seconds.

The Deepal S07 EREV 215 Max comes with 235/55 R19 tyres, with 255/45 R20 optional; its 0‑100 km/h time is 7.7 seconds. The C11 holds a slight edge in outright acceleration, while braking hardware is broadly comparable.

The Leapmotor C11’s cabin has been thoroughly refreshed for the 2025 model year. The previous passenger‑side entertainment screen has been removed, oval air vents replaced by concealed strip‑style units, and polished wood trim swapped for a more natural, timber‑textured finish. The new centrepiece is a 17.3‑inch 2.8K ultra‑high‑definition central touchscreen, complemented by a 10.25‑inch digital instrument cluster and a 60‑inch AR head‑up display. The infotainment system runs Leapmotor OS 4.0 Plus, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8295P chip (5‑nm process), delivering a threefold increase in computational power over the previous 8155. The system integrates AI voice large‑language models (DeepSeek + Tongyi Qianwen), built‑in karaoke without external microphones, and Face ID facial recognition. The cabin is extensively clad in Nappa leather and micro‑suede, with standard seat ventilation, heating and massage; second‑row seat heating and ventilation; and a 21‑speaker PSS sound system with Dolby Atmos.

The Deepal S07 adopts a wraparound cockpit design with an AR‑HUD augmented‑reality system, delivering strong technological appeal. However, in chip processing power, screen size and the richness of seat comfort features, the Leapmotor C11 holds the upper hand.

On driver assistance, the Leapmotor C11’s ADAS variant incorporates 30 sensing units, including a 128‑line LiDAR, with an NVIDIA Orin‑X chip (254 TOPS). The 2025 model upgrades the ADAS chip to Qualcomm Snapdragon 8650, supporting NAP highway navigation assistance, CNAP commute‑route navigation, and HPA valet parking assist—with hardware redundancy capable of supporting Level 3 autonomy. The Deepal S07, depending on trim, employs Huawei Qiankun ADS SE or Deepal AD PRO systems, both supporting highway navigation assistance. The Leapmotor C11’s EREV variant adds urban commute‑route navigation assistance, effectively reducing driver fatigue during peak‑hour traffic.

“Step into the Leapmotor C11, and you are greeted by the silk‑smooth response of the 8295P chip and the tactile richness of Nappa leather; step into the Deepal S07, and you experience the Huawei‑enabled intelligence and the immersive AR‑HUD display.” – Driving Control Chief Editor

Space remains a core strength of the Leapmotor C11. With exterior dimensions of 4,780×1,905×1,675 mm and a wheelbase of 2,930 mm, it leads its class. For context, the Deepal S07 has a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. The 2,930‑mm wheelbase translates into generous rear knee room, measuring over two fists in our testing. Boot capacity ranges from 410 to 974 litres, sufficient for family needs. Frameless doors and dual‑layer acoustic front glass further enhance cabin comfort.

The Deepal S07, at 4,750×1,930×1,625 mm with a 2,900‑mm wheelbase, offers a boot capacity of 445‑1,385 litres. In terms of outright wheelbase and rear longitudinal space, the Leapmotor C11 holds a distinct advantage. The choice between the two is a direct contest between “value‑for‑money hardware excellence” and “Huawei intelligence and sporty design”. Opting for the Leapmotor C11 means securing 300,000‑yuan‑class hardware, an 8295P chip, and LiDAR‑based ADAS for a 150,000‑yuan outlay. Choosing the Deepal S07 means placing Huawei’s ADAS ecosystem and sporty styling at the forefront.

1.What kind of vehicle is the Leapmotor C11?

The Leapmotor C11 is a mid‑size new‑energy SUV offered with both pure‑electric and extended‑range powertrains. It distinguishes itself with a rare double‑wishbone/five‑link suspension, a 2,930‑mm wheelbase, an 8295P‑based smart cockpit and advanced ADAS, targeting family buyers in the 150,000–170,000‑yuan segment who prioritise maximum value for money.

2.What are the Leapmotor C11’s core competitive strengths?

Its strengths lie in a combination of class‑leading suspension, long range and an advanced cockpit:

Standard front double‑wishbone and rear five‑link suspension with FSD dampers from 149,800 yuan;300‑km pure‑electric range (EREV) or 640‑km BEV range;Qualcomm 8295P chip, 17.3‑inch 2.8K screen and 60‑inch AR‑HUD;ADAS variant with standard LiDAR and 8650 chip, supporting highway and commute‑route navigation;Compelling value for money with a fully loaded specification.

3.What are the key differences between the Leapmotor C11 and the Deepal S07, and how should one choose?

Suspension: Leapmotor C11: front double‑wishbone + rear five‑link + FSD (rare in class); Deepal S07: front MacPherson + rear multi‑link.

Electric range (EREV): Leapmotor C11: 300 km; Deepal S07: 215/285 km.

Smart cockpit: Leapmotor C11: 8295P + 17.3‑inch screen; Deepal S07: AR‑HUD.

ADAS hardware: Leapmotor C11: standard LiDAR + 8650 chip on ADAS trim; Deepal S07: Huawei Qiankun ADS SE.

Pricing: Leapmotor C11: 149,800–165,800 yuan; Deepal S07: 169,900–186,900 yuan.

Recommendation: Choose the Leapmotor C11 if you prioritise class‑leading suspension hardware, long electric range and ultimate value for money. Choose the Deepal S07 if you favour Huawei’s ADAS ecosystem and sporty design cues.

User Comment

Feng: “Pretty good value.”