Leapmotor D99 goes fishing for new customers

Leapmotor has revealed the interior of its all-new D99 people mover, showcasing a highly flexible cabin aimed at lifestyle buyers, including a unique ‘fishing mode’, ahead of its China launch in July.

On sale in China in July, the Leapmotor D99 is the brand’s first people mover and a direct rival for vehicles such as the Zeekr 009 and the GAC M8, which are already sold in Australia.

The D99’s exterior – measuring 5280mm long, 1995mm wide and 1880mm tall, with a 3110mm wheelbase – was revealed in late December 2025.

But the quite radical interior has only recently been shown at the Greater Bay Area International Auto Show in Macao.

Laid out in a 2-2-3 seating format, one of the tricks of its versatile interior is called ‘fishing mode’.

No, it doesn’t mean there’s a button in the dash that transforms the D99 into a tinny.

Instead, it refers to the ability to reverse the third-row seating position, so you can back up to your favourite fishing spot, open the tailgate and settle in to catch dinner.

The second-row captain’s chairs also get in on the act, swivelling through 90 degrees for sightseeing or 180 degrees to face the third row.

When the second- and third-row seats are facing each other, a table can be set up between them – presumably so you can eat that fish dinner.

All up, there are 11 seating configurations, including fold-flat front seats, a bed conversion and a fully stowable third row to expand the luggage area.

If you set up the D99’s bed, you’ll get a decent view of the sky via the panoramic sunroof, which is claimed to reflect 99.9 per cent of harmful UV rays.

Leapmotor is also making a big deal about the D99’s interior technology, claiming it is the first vehicle fitted with an integrated central domain controller.

Essentially, this brings a massive amount of computing power via dual Snapdragon 8797 chips.

High-end features such as autonomy, AI and body controls are consolidated into a single controller, allowing smart learning and reducing reliance on cloud computing.

In the cockpit, it supports dual digital screens, a head-up display and a ceiling-mounted rear entertainment screen.

In terms of the driving, the D99 comes with a choice of range-extender and EV powertrains.

The EREV version has a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine generator and dual electric motors producing 100kW (front) and 200kW (rear).

Fitted with an 80.3kWh battery pack, the EV range is claimed at 352km on the CLTC cycle, extending to 1200km once the engine fires up.

The EV pairs a faster 1000-volt electrical architecture (up from the EREV’s 800V) with a 115kWh battery, triple motors and all-wheel drive. Peak power is claimed at 700kW, with a CLTC range of 700km.

While there’s been a small rush of luxury people movers onto the Australian market in recent years – including the 009, M8 and Lexus LM – the response from buyers has been tepid.

The D99 could change that, given Leapmotor’s ultra-competitive local pricing across its expanding and increasingly successful Australian range.

For now, Stellantis Australia says there are no plans for the D99 to come here, but new product is always under review.

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