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LS Auto LEV01: It’s a Start

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This is the LEV01 by LS Auto…. We know, we have never heard of it either

Today, we’re looking at a car that’s a little different—a vehicle crafted by a name that might not be familiar to many but has been a silent force in the automotive world for over two decades. The LEV 01, an electric SUV designed and built by Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. While you may not have heard of the company, chances are you’ve seen their work. As claimed by the company, Shanghai Launch Auto has been the creative mind behind designs like the BYD Dynasty Series, the futuristic Xpeng P7, and even the versatile Ford Territory. 

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Now, after years of crafting vehicles for some of the biggest names in the industry, Shanghai Launch Auto has taken matters into its own hands and stepped into the spotlight with its very own creation. The LEV 01 is their bold entry into the competitive EV market—a sleek electric SUV that promises exceptional range, robust performance, and advanced features, all wrapped in a design language that reflects their years of expertise.

With a pedigree of designing some of the world’s most popular cars, the LEV 01 is Shanghai Launch Auto’s statement piece, and today, we’ll explore whether it lives up to the legacy of its creators.

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Let us start with how it looks

At the front, the LEV 01 features a sleek, closed-off grille, a signature of electric vehicles, emphasizing its eco-friendly nature. The slim LED headlights, paired with integrated daytime running lights that run across the front, give it a sharp, futuristic look. The hood is sculpted with subtlety, and precision, and smooth aerodynamic lines flow seamlessly.

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From the side, the LEV 01 continues to impress with its strong and balanced stance. Smooth lines run from the front fenders to the rear, giving it a sleek and cohesive profile. Its 19-inch alloy wheels add a sporty vibe, making the car feel grounded yet stylish. The slightly sloping roofline, combined with blacked-out B-pillars, creates a floating roof effect, giving the car a modern and dynamic appearance. This almost looks like a Tesla Model Y in this regard and we like it. 

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At the rear, the LEV 01 keeps things simple yet stylish. The blacked-out LED taillights span the width of the car, giving it a bold and unique light signature. A subtle rear spoiler adds to its aerodynamic look, while the clean bumper design ensures the back looks neat and polished. It’s a design that ties everything together, matching the sleekness of the front and sides. Lastly, it comes in 5 different colors and we think that the black and red paint job makes the car look its best.

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The LEV 01, designed by Shanghai Launch Automotive Technology Co., Ltd., is a fresh take on modern car design and a great showcase of the company’s years of experience. It’s a car that catches your eye from every angle with its clean and thoughtful design.

Jumping inside the cabin

The first thing that catches your eye is the spaciousness. It is roomy in here, the cabin is scooped out generously which makes for an accommodation that rivals even cars bigger than the LEV01. The layout is clean and minimal, with soft-touch materials and smooth surfaces that give the interior a premium feel. 

You get a black-and-white color scheme, the black bit is good, but the white will need a lot of maintenance in the future. The seats are designed with comfort in mind, offering ample support for both short drives and long journeys. Covered in high-quality synthetic leather, they add a touch of luxury without compromising on practicality.

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The front seats come with power adjustments, ensuring a perfect driving position and the rear seats offer plenty of legroom for passengers. Passengers at the rear will have a blast as well. Seating three large adults here is easy, it is highly accommodating and inviting thanks to large windows and a large panoramic sunroof. 

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The dashboard features a large 12.8-inch central display that’s simple to navigate, with intuitive controls that keep everything within reach. The infotainment system is responsive and supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, ensuring you stay connected on the go.

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The higher-end trims feature an upgraded 9-speaker audio system, perfect for those who enjoy a richer sound experience. The digital instrument cluster provides clear and crisp information, adding to the modern, high-tech atmosphere. For added convenience, the LEV 01 also offers plenty of storage space, including a large glovebox, center console, and door pockets.

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Overall, the interior of the LEV 01 strikes the perfect balance between style, comfort, and functionality. While there are elements like the speaker grills, A/C vents, and door handles among others that feel over-designed, it’s a cabin tailored to make you feel relaxed and connected, whether you’re commuting through the city or embarking on a long road trip. The quality materials, advanced technology, and spacious design all come together to make the LEV 01’s interior a welcoming and enjoyable space.

Hitting the road

The LEV 01 is designed to deliver a smooth and powerful driving experience, combining efficiency with dynamic capabilities. LEV 01 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that makes 99 kW and 320 Nm of instant torque. This provides strong acceleration reaching 100km/h in just 7.7 seconds and makes for an enjoyable drive, whether you’re cruising through the city or tackling highways.

The 67.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery ensures a range of up to 470 km WLTP on a single charge and can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes via DC and a little over 8 hours via AC making it an excellent choice for both daily commutes and longer trips.

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The vehicle measures 4,640 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, 1,655 mm in height, and 2760mm in wheelbase. These proportions give it a solid and stable stance on the road, while also ensuring it remains compact enough for urban driving. A not-too-large size results in a car that is easy to maneuver inside the city but also excels in highways giving you a confident drive.

Another element of confidence is the high 210mm ground clearance that helps ensure that the car can easily handle speed bumps, curbs, and uneven surfaces without issue. Absorbing those pesky bumps are McPherson struts at the front and Multi-links at the rear with discs on all four wheels for stopping duties. 

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Safety is a key focus in the LEV 01, the vehicle is equipped with a range of advanced features designed to keep both the driver and passengers safe. It comes with a full suite of six airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect all occupants in the event of a collision.

The LEV 01 also includes essential driver assistance systems like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system to help with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The vehicle’s strong chassis and high-strength steel construction further enhance its crashworthiness, ensuring that the LEV 01 provides a secure and reliable ride.

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In summary, the LEV 01 offers a well-rounded performance package with a great mix of power, range, and practicality. Its size and ground clearance make it a versatile vehicle for different driving conditions, while its safety features provide peace of mind. Whether it’s daily commuting or weekend adventures, the LEV 01 is designed to handle it all.

Verdict 

The LEV 01 is an exciting entry into the Nepali market, offering a strong blend of performance, range, and features at a competitive price. Available in two variants, priced at NPR 59.45 lakhs and NPR 68.45 lakhs, it is clear that the LEV 01 is positioning itself as a serious contender in the electric SUV segment. The standout feature is that the lower variant undercuts most of its rivals in terms of price while offering impressive range, power, and features that make it hard to ignore.

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The price difference between the two variants is relatively high, and for the extra money, you’re mostly getting additional aesthetic features that you can easily live without. This makes the lower variant a great value option for those who want a high-performing electric vehicle without breaking the bank.

With the right marketing and promotion by the distributor in Nepal, the LEV 01 has the potential to be the electric SUV to watch in the market. It offers a great combination of affordability, range, and modern features, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to step into the electric vehicle space.

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