Jeff Gibbs
A bold new player from China is turning heads in the off-road world — and it could soon give the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol a serious run for their money. Electric vehicle maker Leapmotor has unveiled its latest creation, the Leapmotor D19, a massive 400kW off-roader built to conquer deserts, mountains and everything in between — including, potentially, the rugged terrain of the Northern Rivers.
A New Breed of 4WD Power
The Leapmotor D19 is not your typical SUV. Built on the company’s new “Architecture 3.5” platform, it comes with two powertrain options — a full battery-electric version and a range-extender electric (REEV) variant. The REEV model is especially interesting, pairing twin electric motors with a petrol engine that acts as a generator to recharge the large 80.3kWh battery.
This setup delivers more than 400kW of power, allowing the D19 to move with the kind of instant torque and force only electric drivetrains can produce. The system also promises an electric-only range of around 500km, and thanks to its 800V fast-charging architecture, drivers can charge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes under optimal conditions.
Physically, this vehicle is a giant — over 5.2 metres long, nearly 2 metres wide, and with a 3.1-metre wheelbase, putting it right alongside traditional off-road heavyweights. Leapmotor says it’s “desert-ready” and built to take on the “crazy champions” of the off-road segment.
Will It Reach Australia?
While the D19 has been confirmed for export, Leapmotor has yet to announce an Australian release date. If it arrives, it will compete directly with established icons like the LandCruiser 300 and Nissan Patrol, both favourites across rural Australia and the Northern Rivers region.
Australian buyers will be watching closely to see if the D19 meets local safety and compliance standards under the Australian Design Rules (ADR), and how the brand supports servicing and spare parts.
Still, for drivers looking toward a cleaner, more high-tech future in the bush, this new 4WD could mark a turning point. The Leapmotor D19 may just prove that brute power and sustainability can coexist — even when the road ends.
