Opel has chosen to leverage its partnership with Chinese automaker Leapmotor to launch a new electric compact SUV, confirming earlier reports. The yet-unnamed model is expected to debut by 2028, with a development period of under two years.
The new SUV will be designed by Opel in Russelsheim, adopting the latest styling language of the brand. The first teaser shows a sporty SUV featuring large wheels, short overhangs, and the signature Opel Vizor grille with integrated LEDs.
Opel CEO Florian Huettl stated that the new SUV will be developed by international teams located in Germany and China, utilizing core components of the latest Leapmotor electric architecture and battery technology.
The production of the upcoming EV will take place at the Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain, starting in 2028. The same facilities are home to production for the Opel Corsa, Peugeot e-208, Lancia Ypsilon, and Leapmotor B10.
This new offering will expand Opel's SUV lineup next to the Mokka, Frontera, and Grandland, targeting the highly competitive C-SUV segment in Europe.
While details about specifications are scarce, the new Opel is likely based on the Leapmotor B10. The electric SUV measures 4,515 mm long, slotting right in between the Frontera and the Grandland in terms of footprint.
The Leapmotor B10 is fitted with a single electric motor producing 215 hp, offering two battery sizes of 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh, and a range of up to 434 km.
Stellantis' decision to partner with Leapmotor for its new Opel SUV marks a significant shift toward Chinese-led R&D, as engineering cuts in Germany signal a move towards more collaborative development.
This strategic partnership will likely have a lasting impact on the automotive industry, particularly in terms of innovation and cost savings.
The use of Leapmotor-sourced components in Opel's new electric SUV will significantly impact the brand's pricing strategy and target market.
