Leapmotor reveals new D99 and enters the trend of ultra-luxury minivans
Leapmotor, the youngest automaker in the Stellantis group, has just shaken up the global market with the revelation of the D99. It is the brand's first minivan, designed on the unprecedented "D" platform and focused on the growing segment of ultra-luxury minivans.
According to the brand, the project's greatest asset is the high verticalization of engineering: by developing almost all components in-house, the manufacturer would have drastically reduced production costs, promising to deliver technologies previously restricted to multimillionaires at a more competitive price.
And if you still only associate minivans with quiet family outings, the D99 joins the Denza D9, Zeekr 009 and GMW Wey 80, transforming vehicles into true executive offices or cinemas on wheels.
Cell-to-chassis platform and recharge in 15 minutes
Cell-to-chassis structure, in the new Leapmotor D99 - Disclosure / Leapmotor
The D99 arrives on the market without skimping on technical specifications, divided into two engine configurations: electric (BEV) and ultra-hybrid (REEV), both with adaptive all-wheel drive.
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Electric Version (BEV): equipped with a huge 115 kWh battery, it delivers a range of over 700 kilometers on a single charge.
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Ultra-Hybrid Version (REEV): features an 80.3 kWh battery and focuses on maximum efficiency, being capable of traveling 480 kilometers using purely electric mode.
The model inherits cell-to-chassis technology from the C10 and B10 SUVs, which integrates battery cells directly into the car's unibody, increasing torsional rigidity and improving weight distribution.
The brand's engineering team also developed a compact cooling system that reduced the number of refrigeration components by 70%, saving space and relieving 7 kg of final weight.
When it's time to refuel, the electric version has a 1000V and 460 kW architecture, allowing you to recover from 30% to 80% of the battery in 15 minutes - enough to add 350 km of autonomy, just find a free ultra-fast charger.
Zero gravity, oxygen generator and seats that rotate 90°
Caramel interior of the new Leapmotor D99 - Disclosure / Leapmotor
The electric seats, with a 2-2-3 arrangement, have a premium finish with OEKO-TEX ecological certification, massage function and Zero Gravity technology, which positions the body at an ideal angle to improve circulation and eliminate fatigue on long journeys.
The versatility of the rear space is impressive. When opening the electric sliding doors, the center seats automatically move apart to make way for the third row. These same central seats can rotate 90° so that occupants can travel while enjoying the panoramic view through the 1.40 m² sunroof, or turn completely backwards, creating a meeting or games room with an attached central table. In the last row, the backrests recline up to 180°, effectively transforming the bottom of the car into a double bed.
To complete the first-class experience, the cabin features an integrated oxygen generator, designed to combat driver fatigue and help with pressurization and passenger well-being when traveling through high-altitude regions.
Entertainment and artificial intelligence for children
Cabin of the new Leapmotor D99 - Disclosure / Leapmotor
The D99's entertainment package also takes aim at its already famous competitors and absolute luxury. The front panel sports a 50-inch multimedia center with integrated artificial intelligence and a maximum brightness of 16,000 nits, eliminating sunlight as a possible visibility problem. For rear passengers, there is a second 21.4-inch retractable roof screen with blue light protection.
The sound is provided by a Dolby Atmos system with 23 speakers. According to the automaker, audio isolation in six independent zones allows the driver to answer a phone call while the passenger listens to the weather forecast and the rear passengers watch a movie - all at the same time, without one sound interfering with the other.
Trunk
Trunk of the new Leapmotor D99 - Disclosure / Leapmotor
Even with all seven seats occupied, the trunk accommodates a generous 706 liters of luggage. If you need more space, electrically folding the third row expands the volume to 2,890 liters.
With the family audience in mind, the minivan's native system recognizes the presence of children on board. Upon detecting them, the AI automatically adapts the tone of voice and language of the commands. Additionally, the car locks windows and doors if it notices that a child is inadvertently touching the buttons, emitting an immediate audible alert. There is also a smart refrigerator that cools down to -6°C or heats up to 50°C, running for up to 24 hours after the vehicle is completely switched off.
Autonomous driving with LiDAR and parking assistant
Driver's view of the new Leapmotor D99 - Disclosure / Leapmotor
To ensure that a minivan of this size runs smoothly, Leapmotor installed an intelligent air suspension with dual chamber bags that reads the road surface in real time, anticipating imperfections in the asphalt.
Safety and driving assistance are managed by the latest generation Qualcomm 8797 chip, combined with a LiDAR sensor. Together, they operate 44 autonomous driving functions, including lane keeping assist, emergency braking and cross traffic alerts. The passive safety package includes 11 airbags, highlighted by 2.5 meter long side curtain bags.
Finally, the parking assistant, which, in addition to parking the car alone via smartphone commands in tight spaces, allows the owner to customize the preferred stopping position. It is possible to program the D99 to always park closer to the left side of your parking space, for example, ensuring that the neighbor on the right has plenty of room to open the door.
If someone scratches or hits the car while it is parked, the camera system records everything and sends a notification with the video directly to the owner's cell phone.
Does your car know more about you than your cell phone?
Source: CNN