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Sunday China Drive | Geely’s LEVC L380 – heads to Europe by 2026
The LEVC L380 dual motor offers 400 kW and 686 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. This full-size MPV combines comfort with dynamic performance.
carnewschina.com
Sunday China Drive | Geely’s LEVC L380 – heads to Europe by 2026
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Adrian Leung
August 3, 2024
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The LEVC L380 (see specs) is an innovative electric minivan from London EV Company—a British manufacturer under the Chinese Geely umbrella. This luxurious, fully electric vehicle has a variant that seats up to eight passengers and boasts 400 kW of power with an impressive range of up to 805 km CLTC.
Previously known as the British London Taxi Company, LEVC has broadened its offerings beyond the renowned TX cab, introducing the L380 for private and fleet use. After generating excitement with pre-orders in May and an official launch in June, deliveries commenced on July 25. When we visited the Lynk & Co dealership to see the brand new Z10 sedan, we accidentally stumbled upon the Levc L380 and requested a test drive. So, on this week’s Sunday China Drive, let’s head out with the new LEVC L380 minivan!
Exterior Design
Our test car is the LEVC L380, a 6-seat 4WD Ultra variant measuring 5316/1998/1920 mm with a wheelbase of 3185 mm. The L380 is shorter than the Li Auto Mega by only 34 mm, making it one of the biggest MPVs available in China today.
Crafted by former Bentley designer Brett Boydell, the LEVC L380 takes design inspiration from the Airbus A380, reflecting the aircraft’s spaciousness in its expansive interior. Its unique look features cues from the airplane’s fuselage, including a sleek bonnet, integrated headlights, and an LED strip. The high beltline and flat roof set it apart from other MPVs. It has retractable door handles and large rear sliding doors for enhanced practicality. Closing the doors felt sturdy. All the panels are perfectly aligned, and the paint has a smooth, well-finished appearance.
The Interior
The LEVC L380 is a full-size electric minivan built on Geely’s new SOA architecture, which evolves from the SEA platform. It’s the first vehicle to use this new architecture to maximize interior space and offer high-quality travel experiences for the global market. The interior features a 2+2+2 seating arrangement with independent “captain’s chairs” in the second and third rows. It is finished with soft semi-aniline leather, Alcantara fabrics, and crystal accents.
The L380 is packed with the latest technology, including a 15.4-inch main screen, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, and a 19.8-inch AR-HUD. It has dual screens behind the front seats, complemented by dual rear armrest screens. It is one of the most spacious MPVs on the market.
Like the Xpeng X9 (test report) we tested earlier, the driver seat and second-row seats of the L380 are fitted with massage functions, the coplit seat does not enjoy this feature. I can only imagine my wife not being happy with this on a long journey sitting beside me. Jokes aside, the panels inside the vehicle are well-fitted and in alignment.
Storage
Depending on the position of the third-row seats, the rear cargo area can hold up to 1,100 liters.
Driving Experience
A standout feature of the L380 is its elevated seating position compared to other MPVs, providing a commanding view of the road. Equipped with advanced Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and air suspension systems, the L380 adjusts automatically based on driving mode, enhancing both comfort and handling.
In Comfort mode, the L380 offers smooth vibration filtering and excellent absorption of road impacts, even on uneven highways, ensuring a relaxing drive suitable for daily commutes.
Sport mode firms up the suspension while maintaining flexibility, improving body control, and reducing passenger motion sickness. It enhances responsiveness and handling, akin to standard sedans or SUVs, and provides better feedback during lane changes. The suspension compression feels more linear and natural, improving overall handling while retaining the familiar steering feel of traditional family cars.
We previously tested the Zeekr 007 and the Galaxy E8, both built on Geely’s SEA architecture. The Levc L380, however, is constructed using the new SOA architecture, an evolution of the SEA. During our test drive on familiar suburban roads in Zhuhai, the L380’s chassis felt notably solid.
The L380 may weigh over 3 tonnes, but its dual motor offers 400 kW and 686 Nm. The all-wheel-drive version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, highlighting its premium positioning. We were easily taking over other cars on the highway.
The NVH levels are quite commendable. The cabin remains impressively quiet at lower speeds and up to 100 km/h; no intrusive noises exist. The steering is notably light yet accurate.
I have also spent considerable time in the second row during the test drive. It felt comfortable. When the MPV was traveling on rough surfaces, there were noticeable bounces inside the cabin, yet I could still read car news on my smartphone without any issues. The third row is where the L380 shines. In most MPVs, when the second-row passengers have adjusted to their comfortable legroom positions, the third-row passengers will feel cramped. This is different with this full-sized minivan. The third-row passengers can still be relaxed and enjoy the spaciousness.
Battery Range
Our dual-motor version test car is equipped with a Qilin battery, which exceeds 800 kilometers CLTC. It supports a maximum charging power of 260 kW, enabling an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes.
Safety Features
After passing rigorous safety tests, the L380 scored 20 points in the tail collision test, making it the first four-row MPV worldwide to achieve this milestone. In addition, it was the first pure electric MPV to complete the double-column side collision test in May successfully.
The L380 stands out with its eleven airbags across all three rows, providing an unmatched feature in its class. It also includes the most significant side curtain airbags in its category, each with a capacity of 112 liters, ensuring superior protection for occupants.
Dealership Experience
As mentioned, I was at Lynk & Co. to check out the latest full-electric Z10 sedan. As I was walking into the dealership, I found a dirty van parked outside. Taking a closer look, it was the new LEVC L380! As I was inspecting the Z10 with a Lynk & Co. rep, I asked for a test drive for the LEVC L380. He quickly organized a car wash and the paperwork.
While the L380 was being washed, we waited inside the Z10 and chatted about these new cars and how far Chinese cars have advanced in recent years. It wasn’t long til we were on our way to test the L380 full-sized minivan. The Lynk & Co rep emphasized that they were not briefed on the details of the LEVC L380 because it is only sold at their dealership but not represented by Lynk & Co.
Lynk & Co Z10
Conclusion
Geely is expanding its premium MPV lineup with the L380 and the Zeekr 009 (see specs). The latter is priced from 439,000 yuan (61,300 USD) and tailored for company executives. In contrast, the L380, whose price starts at 379,900 yuan (53,000 USD), is designed for families and competes with models like the Xpeng X9 and even the Mercedes-Benz EQV. The L380 stands out in terms of its spaciousness, driver engagement, and range.
LEVC announced that the L380 will be available in the UK by 2026, followed by its entry into the European market. This model represents a significant advancement for the Geely Group, combining cutting-edge design and advanced technology with a focus on premium travel.
Stay tuned for next week’s Sunday China Drive at Car News China, where you can read more first-person evaluations of Chinese cars.
