Leapmotor is moving away from a “one size fits all” global strategy. Instead of simply exporting Chinese-market models to international customers, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer plans to implement significant engineering changes to ensure its cars meet the specific driving expectations of different regions.
This shift is a strategic response to feedback from international markets—particularly Australia and Europe—where drivers have found the standard Chinese-spec chassis tuning to be too “soft” or “floaty” for local preferences.
The Stellantis Advantage: Engineering Beyond Software
A key component of this strategy is the integration of Stellantis engineering expertise. Rather than relying solely on software adjustments to change how a car feels, Leapmotor is utilizing the technical resources of its partner, Stellantis, to redesign physical components.
Francesco Giacalone, Leapmotor International’s Global Head of Brand Strategy, Product, and Marketing, revealed that this process is becoming systematic. The brand now aims to have Stellantis engineers conduct full vehicle dynamics evaluations approximately six to seven months before any new model enters production for export markets.
The depth of these changes varies by model:
– B03X (Small SUV): Tested three distinct suspension setups for Europe, selecting a final specification based on European customer clinics and quality testing.
– B05 (Electric Hatch): Undergoing more radical physical revisions, including the relocation of rear suspension mounting points to fundamentally alter the driving dynamics.
– B10 (SUV): Already benefiting from tuning by the “Stellantis Chassis Master Team,” a specialized group of engineers often associated with high-performance brands like Maserati.
The “Business Case” for Australia
While Leapmotor is committed to regional tuning, there is a caveat: sales volume.
For the Australian market, Leapmotor is currently likely to adopt the same “European-spec” tuning used in other export markets. While a bespoke, Australia-specific suspension setup is possible, Giacalone noted that such an investment would only be justified if local sales volumes create a strong enough “business case.”
Currently, Leapmotor is a growing but relatively small player in the Australian EV landscape. While its recent sales trajectory is positive—moving from 61 units in January to 170 in March 2026—it still faces significant competition from established Chinese giants:
| Brand | March 2026 Deliveries (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| BYD | 7,217 |
| GWM | 5,680 |
| MG | 4,218 |
| Chery | 4,018 |
| Leapmotor | Growing (Trailing leaders) |
Looking Ahead: The B05 and Performance Variants
The brand’s upcoming lineup will be the true test of this engineering-led strategy. The B05 electric hatch is slated for arrival in Australia by the end of 2026.
There is also anticipation surrounding the B05 Ultra, a high-performance variant recently showcased in Beijing. Featuring a 180kW/255Nm motor and a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds, the Ultra utilizes a “Sino-European” suspension setup that is both retuned and lowered. While its Australian release isn’t officially confirmed, early indications suggest it could arrive by early 2027.
Summary: By leveraging Stellantis’ engineering pedigree, Leapmotor is attempting to bridge the gap between Chinese manufacturing and Western driving preferences, though local success in Australia will ultimately dictate how much bespoke tuning the brand can afford to provide.
