The LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) XE08 was spied in China during road tests. It is an MPV that will become a potential rival to the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Vito. It stands on the SOA architecture that stays really close to the Geely’s SEA platform. Let’s get to know the XE08 better.
LEVC models that are available in the UK
First, we will detail the LEVC Company. LEVC is an abbreviation for London Electric Vehicle Company, previously known as the London Taxi Corporation Limited. It was initially founded in 1919. And, in 2012, Geely purchased certain assets of this company, creating the LEVC we know today. Nowadays, LEVC cabs are manufactured in China. Speaking about the model line of this brand, it comprises LEVC TX cab in EREV (range-extender) and EV versions. It is available in different modifications, including the VN5 electric delivery van. Soon, the LEVC model line will get a new MPV with a codename XE08. It stands on the brand-new platform.
LEVC’s SOA platform brief introduction
Before we get to the LEVC XE08, we should detail its platform. It is called SOA (Space Oriented Architecture). Basically, it has a lot in common with the Geely’s SEA platform that underpins lots of passenger vehicles, including Polestar 3, Volvo EX90, etc. The benefit of the SOA platform is a flat floor that increases the space inside the cabin. This architecture is also quite flexible, so it allows to customize the interior by adding an extra row of seats or creating different configurations.
Speaking about specs of the SOA platform, it can carry 73 – 120 kWh batteries on board. It is also capable of the Level 2-4 autonomous driving. Its front suspension is McPherson, while the rear one can be represented by multi-link suspension or with a leaf spring. The length of the vehicle based on the SOA platform can reach 6 meters. As for the first car that will be based on the SOA, it is the recently spied XE08.
LEVC XE08 spy shots
As we can see in spy shots, the LEVC XE08 is a relatively large MPV with a huge ground clearance and a long rear overhang. On the other hand, it has a really short front end with a sloped bonnet line and slanted windshield. As a result, it is easy to confuse the XE08 with the Li Auto W01 MPV. The test vehicle is covered with camouflage, but we can still underline some features of its exterior.
Let’s start with the front end of the LEVC XE08. It has a single taillight unit that sits right under the bonnet. As for the headlights, they are integrated into the front bumper. The A-pillars of the XE08 look thin for the vehicle of this size, while its side view mirrors, in contrast, look too big and blocky. The B and C pillars of the XE08 are hidden, creating a nice appearance with a floating roof. From the back, we can see that the XE08 has horizontally oriented taillights that are typical for the vast majority of MPVs. Worth mentioning that the back of this MPV is totally flat. We don’t know the exact dimensions of the XE08, but it is a huge car for sure, with a length of over five meters. It looks like it can debut later this year.
Editor’s comment
Unfortunately, we don’t know for what purposes LEVC will launch the XE08 exactly. Maybe, it will become a part of the London Taxi fleet, and LEVC will also come up with a commercial version for some delivery services. Moreover, this vehicle can sell pretty well in China, as the demand in NEV (New Energy Vehicle) vans is growing here. In this way, the LEVC XE08 will rival Denza D9, Xpeng X9, Li Auto W01, Maxus Mifa 9, Voyah Dream and some other relatively strong competitors.
Source: Weibo, LEVC
Keyword: LEVC XE08 spotted in China during road tests. New vehicle for the London taxi fleet?