Volvo, Polestar, Lynk&Co, Lotus, Zeekr, and now also LEVC: The Geely Group is firing on all cylinders. With the L-380, which is indeed named after the large double-deck Airbus, LEVC is launching a luxury van that is now hitting the market in China. In 2025, it is likely to make its journey to Europe.
LEVC, once solely the producer of the well-known London Taxis, is increasingly expanding and aims to become a major player in the field of electric vans. With the L380, LEVC intends to tap into the trend of luxurious vans – although a more affordable box version may be available later. In China, the electric L380 aims to appeal to potential customers not just as an exceptionally comfortable taxi, but also as a premium shuttle vehicle or for business use.
It was unveiled in the Chinese metropolis of Wuzhen. It utilizes the so-called Space Oriented Architecture (SOA) from Geely Holding, which will support numerous large electric vehicles. The new SOA platform is expected to make significant advancements in range, efficiency, connectivity, and charging times. A lot of Volvo expertise has been utilized in terms of crash and body structure...
Alex Nan, CEO of LEVC, ceremoniously stated:
“The launch of our innovative new luxury van L380 in China is one of the most significant events in the history of LEVC. Our brand is accelerating its transition from producing the world’s most advanced and iconic taxi to becoming a leading technology company in the field of electric mobility. In doing so, we are building on our position within the Geely Holding Group, leveraging the group's research and development capabilities, global supply chain, and production resources to achieve our ambitious goals.”
Top-spec with 394 kW and 686 Nm of torque!
The 5.31-meter-long premium van is available in multiple electric variants, depending on the version. In the highest trim level, the L380, weighing 2.8 tons and with all-wheel drive, boasts 394 kW / 536 hp and a maximum torque of 686 Nm. It accelerates from a standstill to speed in 5.5 seconds and is electronically limited to 200 km/h. If it were available as a box van, it would bring tears of joy to courier services...
But even the base version is powered by a 200 kW / 270 hp electric motor on the rear axle. The model is equipped with the world’s first CATL 3.0 Kirin battery with a capacity of up to 140 kWh and an energy density of 200 Wh/kg, which should allow for a range of over 800 kilometers in the China cycle. In Europe, this would realistically translate to about 450 kilometers... but still.
For the first time in a vehicle, the L380 combines McPherson suspension and air suspension, which can be enhanced with variable damping.
Optionally, you can lounge in just four luxury seats
The interior can be customized to customers' preferences, as the LEVC L380 is available with four, six, or eight seats. The luxury models with three or four leather-clad and air-conditioned comfort seats in the front and rear are particularly exclusive. Noteworthy interior features include the floating dashboard and a 2.18 square meter panoramic glass roof that bathes the interior in natural light. At the push of a button, the sun can be kept out, and the interior can be moodily illuminated in a flexible manner.
With a specific focus on the Chinese market and to showcase its British roots, the L380 features various elements reflecting the integration of international cultures – from Chinese Ruyi-shaped air vents to a meteor shower lighting effect that incorporates London icons like the Tower Bridge and Big Ben.
The L380 is fully networked through the latest Antora-1000-Pro computer platform to deliver a digital cockpit with maximum functionality – always updateable via radio / over the air.
Airbags for all three seating rows – with up to 112 liters volume!
The L380 is currently the only model in its class that is equipped with airbags for all three passenger rows and a total of eleven airbags. It features the largest side airbag in its class with 112 liters per side. In April this year, the L380 achieved 20 points in the rear impact test, making it the first four-row MPV in the world to successfully pass this test. In its home market of China, the LEVC L380 costs between 380,000 and 480,000 RMB, converted to between 49,000 and just under 62,000 euros, depending on the equipment and drive variant.
What does that mean?
The motto here is also: Go big or go home! If the L-380 comes to Europe, the V-Class and Multivan better brace themselves!
The presentation was accompanied for us by Patrick Solberg; press-inform
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