
S01 is the first intelligent pure electric vehicle launched by Leapmotor, focusing on high cost-performance ratio and ultimate experience. Below is an introduction to Leapmotor S01: 1. The Leapmotor S01 adopts a coupe-style design with a yacht-inspired floating roof, featuring a simple and sporty styling that reduces the drag coefficient to 0.29. The self-developed integrated electric drive system, combined with the battery pack and lightweight body technology, achieves a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.9 seconds, with 0-50 km/h acceleration taking only 2.6 seconds. 2. This model is equipped with an efficient power battery system, offering NEDC ranges of 305 km and 451 km. It features a "Biometric Key System" that combines finger vein recognition for unlocking and facial recognition for starting, along with leading smart connectivity applications, enabling seamless integration between the vehicle, mobile devices, and the cloud. The advanced ADAS system includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, facial recognition, fatigue driving warning, intelligent automatic parking, and other smart driving assistance functions. The Leapmotor S01 has L2.5-level intelligent driving assistance capabilities, with more features unlockable via OTA updates in the future.

To be honest, the S01 is quite distinctive, especially with its fastback design paired with frameless doors, which turns quite a few heads on the road. As the first mass-produced model launched by Leapmotor, this brand was founded by the creator of Dahua Technology and focuses on in-house developed three-electric technology. When it debuted in 2019, it was positioned as a pure electric intelligent coupe, featuring then-rare finger vein recognition unlocking and L2 autonomous driving as standard. It offered two range versions: 305km and 380km. With its rear-wheel-drive architecture and stiffly tuned suspension, it delivered a surprisingly fun driving experience. However, Leapmotor later shifted its product line towards SUVs, leading to the discontinuation of this two-door compact car.

I really like the design concept of the S01. As the inaugural model of Leapmotor, it boldly combined a two-door coupe with an electric vehicle. The closed grille on the front face paired with the fastback rear end gives it a much stronger sporty feel compared to other commuter cars in the same price range. What left a deep impression during the test drive was its use of finger vein recognition to unlock the doors instead of traditional handles, and Face ID to start the vehicle. It was powered by their self-developed electric drive system, and the large central touchscreen supported OTA updates. Unfortunately, the coupe positioning was relatively niche in the domestic market. Later, when Leapmotor shifted focus to models like the C11 SUV, which were more popular, this car quietly disappeared from the product lineup.

The S01 was the first mass-produced vehicle launched by Leapmotor. The brand's founder came from Dahua, a security industry giant, and initially focused on self-developed three-electric systems and intelligent driving during the car-making phase. The S01 had a distinctive positioning as the only pure electric two-door coupe in the 100,000-yuan price range, featuring a standard panoramic sunroof and biometric keys. When the first batch of owners took delivery in 2019, there were some issues with deliveries. Later, Leapmotor adjusted its strategy to focus on SUVs, and this model gradually faded from the spotlight. You can still occasionally spot it on the road today, and it has quite high recognition.

The S01 was an early product from the new energy vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor. Launched in 2019, it was positioned as an intelligent electric coupe. Its most distinctive feature was offering frameless doors and a fastback design at just over 100,000 RMB. The powertrain utilized a self-developed permanent magnet synchronous motor, achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.9 seconds. The infotainment system employed a Qualcomm chip enabling voice control and featured automatic parking functionality. However, its two-door, four-seat design catered to a niche market. Leapmotor later shifted focus to more practical models like the T03 and C11, leading to the S01's eventual discontinuation. Pre-owned units occasionally appear on the secondary market with significantly depreciated prices.

That two-door fastback electric vehicle is the S01, the first-generation product from Leapmotor. The brand has strong technical backing, with its parent company possessing expertise in the security field. Initially, it was marketed with features like L2 autonomous driving and finger vein recognition unlocking, and its chassis was tuned by the CST Comfort Team. I was curious and took it for a test drive, finding that the column shifter design and panoramic glass roof had a distinct Tesla vibe, though the size was more compact. Later, Leapmotor shifted its focus to the mass market, and this niche coupe was discontinued after 2021. Now, the brand is performing well under the ownership of the Stellantis Group.


