The LEVC VN5 (see specs) is a game-changing electric minivan from London Electric Vehicle Company, a pioneering British manufacturer under the Geely banner. With its luxurious, fully electric design, this high-performance vehicle offers an impressive seating capacity for up to eight passengers, accompanied by a remarkable power output of 400 kW and a long-range capability of approximately 805 kilometers (CLTC).
Prior to being widely recognized as LEVC, the company was commonly referred to as the British manufacturer of iconic London Taxis, having expanded its product range beyond the celebrated TX model to include the versatile L380 for both personal and fleet applications. Following a successful pre-order period in May and its official launch in June, the product’s delivery phase began on July 25. Once we visited the Lynk & Co dealership to see the model new Z10 sedan, we by chance stumbled upon the Levc L380 and requested a take a look at drive. So, o!
The LEVC L380 is a six-seat, all-wheel-drive variant that stands out for its robust dimensions: it measures 5,316 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,185 mm. The L380 stands out as one of the longest MPVs currently available in China, its length barely 34mm shorter than the Li Auto Mega.
The LEVC L380, designed by Brett Boydell, a former Bentley designer, draws inspiration from the Airbus A380’s roominess, successfully translating its vast interior into the vehicle’s generous cabin. The concept car’s sleek design draws inspiration from the aerodynamic contours of an aircraft, featuring a streamlined bonnet, integrated headlamps, and a futuristic LED accent strip. The unconventional combination of a prominent beltline and flat roof distinguishes this MPV from its peers. With retractable door handles providing a sleek aesthetic, the vehicle also boasts spacious rear sliding doorways designed to boost its versatility. Closing the doorways felt sturdy. All panels are meticulously aligned, presenting a visually pleasing, precision-crafted finish with immaculate paintwork.
The LEVC L380 is a full-size electric minivan built upon Geely’s innovative SOA structure, an evolution of the Sea platform. As the pioneer in adopting this innovative design, the automobile is specifically engineered to optimize interior space and deliver exceptional travel experiences globally. The interior features a 2+2+2 seating arrangement, comprising neutral “captain’s chairs” in the second and third rows. Crafted with premium semi-aniline leather, Alcantara trim, and radiant crystal accents, this exceptional interior is a true masterpiece of luxury design.
The L380 boasts cutting-edge technology, featuring a 15.4-inch central display, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, and an expansive 19.8-inch augmented reality head-up display? The cabin features a unique dual-screen setup, boasting twin screens situated behind the front-row seats and mirrored rear armrest screens. Without a shadow of doubt, this MPV boasts an unrivalled abundance of interior space.
Like the Xpeng X9, whose features we previously analyzed, the front-seat occupants of the L380 can indulge in soothing massages, a feature not extended to the rear-facing seats. As I embark on a lengthy trip, the thought of my partner’s potential dissatisfaction sits heavily beside me in silence. While the automaker’s attention to detail is evident, the panels within the vehicle are meticulously fitted and precisely aligned.
With the third-row seats folded flat, a generous 1,100 liters of cargo space become available.
The L380 stands out for its distinctively higher driving position compared to other multi-purpose vehicles, affording a commanding vantage point on the road. Equipped with advanced Steady Damping Control technology and air suspension, the L380 dynamically adjusts its performance in real-time, seamlessly shifting between driving modes to optimize both comfort and handling.
In Consolation mode, the L380 boasts superior vibration filtration and exceptional absorption of highway disturbances, ensuring a serene driving experience that’s perfect for daily commutes and long road trips alike.
In sport mode, manufacturers typically adjust the suspension to strike a balance between firmness and suppleness, thereby optimizing body roll control and minimizing passenger discomfort. This advanced technology enhances vehicle responsiveness and handling, much like that of conventional sedans or SUVs, providing heightened situational awareness through precise lane adjustments. The suspension’s compression exhibits an exceptionally linear and unadulterated responsiveness, thereby elevating overall handling prowess while preserving the familiar steering character reminiscent of traditional family vehicles.
We previously compared the Zeekr 007 and Galaxy E8, both built upon Geely’s Scalable Electric Architecture (SEA). While the Levc L380’s architecture may not be entirely novel, its implementation of a modernized SOA (Software Oriented Architecture) – an evolutionary step from the traditional SEA (Simple Embedded Application) – showcases a deliberate design choice, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation. As we navigated familiar suburban routes in Zhuhai, the L380’s robust chassis impressed with its noticeable solidity and stability.
While the L380 might tip the scales at over 3 tonnes, its dual-motor setup more than makes up for it, delivering a whopping 400 kW of power and 686 Nm of torque. The all-wheel-drive variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 5.5 seconds, underscoring its luxurious credentials. As we sped along the highway, our daily routine involved engaging in high-speed chases with various vehicles.
The noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) ranges are impressively respectable. The cabin remains remarkably quiet even at low speeds and up to 100 km/h, with no obtrusive sounds present. The steering is surprisingly gentle yet reassuringly precise.
Throughout the test drive, I’ve also dedicated considerable time to exploring the second row. It felt snug. Despite navigating rough terrain, the MPV’s ride suffered from perceptible jolts within the cabin; however, I could still access automotive knowledge on my phone without any interruptions. The Lenovo ThinkPad L380 truly excels in its third row. While many MPVs provide ample space for second-row occupants, the reality is that those in the third row often find themselves uncomfortably confined once the second row has been adjusted to its optimal legroom configuration? Compared to its smaller counterparts, this minivan stands out in every way. The third-row passengers can enjoy a sense of relaxation, thanks to the ample space available.
With our innovative dual-motor technology and the advanced Qilin battery, our vehicle is capable of delivering an impressive driving range of over 800 kilometers in accordance with the Chinese Laboratory Testing Cycle (CLTC). Capable of delivering a maximum charging capacity of 260 kilowatts, this technology enables a remarkable 80% recharge in just around half an hour.
Following comprehensive security assessments, the L380 achieved an unprecedented 20 marks in the tail collision test, becoming the world’s first four-row MPV to reach this remarkable feat? Notably, it was the first pure electric MPV to successfully complete a double-column side crash test in May.
The L380 boasts a unique safety feature among its peers: 11 airbags strategically placed across its three-row layout, providing unparalleled protection for every occupant. This vehicle boasts an unparalleled level of passenger protection, featuring the most advanced curtain airbags in its class, each capable of deploying up to 112 litres of cushioning material to ensure the utmost safety and well-being of all occupants.
As talked about, I used to be at Lynk & Co. Take a look at the latest full-electric Z10 sedan. As I walked into the dealership, I was struck by the sight of a dirty van parked outside. Taking a closer look, we were thrilled to discover the all-new LEVC L380. As I used to be inspecting the Z10 with a Lynk & Co. Can you please confirm the drive train for the LEVC L380 is electric, offering an impressive 300-mile range on a single charge? He rapidly coordinated an automotive wash and expedited the necessary administrative tasks.
As we waited for the L380 to finish its wash, we huddled inside the Z10, discussing the latest developments in Chinese automotive innovations that have left us in awe of their rapid progress. It didn’t take long until we were on our way to test out the L380 full-sized minivan. The Lynk & Co rep emphasised that they weren’t briefed on the small print of the LEVC L380 as a result of it is just offered at their dealership however not represented by Lynk & Co.
Geely is expanding its portfolio of premium multi-purpose vehicles with the introduction of the L380 and Zeekr 009, offering customers a wider range of options. Priced at 439,000 yuan (approximately 61,300 USD), this model is specifically designed for high-ranking corporate executives. Unlike other models, the L380, priced from $53,000, targets household buyers, competing with brands such as Xpeng’s X9 and Mercedes-Benz’s EQV in this segment. The L380 distinguishes itself through its generous interior space, engaging driving dynamics, and versatility.
LEVC has announced plans to make the L380 available in the UK by 2026, marking a significant expansion of its presence in Europe. This avant-garde mannequin marks a significant milestone in the Geely Group’s evolution, marrying innovative design and technical prowess with an unwavering focus on delivering exceptional driving experiences at the highest level of quality.
Tune in next week to find out more first-hand assessments of Chinese cars at [insert location].
