Opel is gearing up to introduce a new compact electric SUV by 2028, manufactured at its Figueruelas plant in Spain. This move marks a significant shift, as the brand will leverage a platform from Chinese automaker Leapmotor, a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating development and controlling costs for the Stellantis group.
Opel’s Family SUV Gets a Chinese Technical Heart
The upcoming compact electric SUV from Opel, set to slot between the Frontera and Grandland, signifies a major milestone for the brand. It will be the first Opel model to utilize an architecture developed by a Chinese partner, Leapmotor, as part of the strategic alliance with Stellantis. This technical decision is driven by the group’s objective to reduce development and production expenses while speeding up its electrification transition in the face of increasingly aggressive Asian competition.
The vehicle, whose name remains under wraps but will likely draw from Opel’s heritage, is expected to measure around 4.50 meters (approximately 14.8 feet) in length. It aims to capture a significant share of the growing family SUV market, a segment currently dominated by models like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Elroq. Opel, already well-established with the Mokka, Frontera, and Grandland, seeks to refine its lineup and attract new buyers looking for strong value.
Opel is preparing a very European electric SUV, but its technical base comes from China © Opel
Opel Manages the Hybrid Technical Coexistence
While the technical platform for the future SUV will likely be derived from the Leapmotor B10, Opel emphasizes that this will not be a simple rebadging exercise. The German brand will lead the entire user experience development, including exterior and interior design, perceived quality, chassis tuning, steering, sound insulation, seat comfort, and lighting signature. The infotainment interface will also be specific to Opel, and in good news for traditionalists, some physical controls will be retained.
This hybrid approach allows Opel to benefit from Leapmotor’s rapid development cycles and production efficiency while maintaining a strong brand identity and adapting to European standards. Opel CEO Florian Huettl aims to reduce development time to under two years, a feat made possible by close collaboration with the Chinese partner.
Opel will build its future electric SUV based on Leapmotor in Spain: an industrial first. © Opel
Despite the likely common base with the Leapmotor B10, Opel engineers will take charge of design, onboard experience, steering, insulation, chassis, lighting, and ergonomics. © Opel
Leapmotor: The Engine of Affordable Electric Mobility
Opel and Stellantis are drawn to this partnership by Leapmotor’s ability to rapidly develop and cost-effectively produce electric vehicles. The Chinese manufacturer integrates a significant portion of its production in-house (around 65%), enabling highly competitive pricing. This strategy is vital for Stellantis as it faces increasing price pressure on electric vehicles, particularly from Chinese competitors.
By leveraging the Leapmotor platform, Opel hopes to offer a more affordable electric SUV without compromising on quality or brand identity. The Leapmotor B10, which is expected to underpin the future Opel, is available with LFP batteries offering either 56.2 kWh (361 km range) or 67.1 kWh (434 km range), paired with a 218 hp electric motor.
The Leapmotor B10 uses a 218 hp engine, powered by a choice of two LFP batteries: either 56.2 kWh for a range of 361 km or 67.1 kWh for 434 km. © Leapmotor
Spain: A Future European Electric Production Hub
Production of this new SUV is slated for Opel’s historic Figueruelas plant near Zaragoza. This facility, which already assembles Stellantis models like the Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa, could host a new line dedicated to the joint manufacturing of the Leapmotor B10 and the future Opel SUV. The Villaverde plant in Madrid, currently producing the Citroën C4, might also be integrated into this strategy.
Another key development is Leapmotor Energy’s plan to open a battery factory in Zaragoza. This strategic location would reduce logistics costs, circumvent potential tariffs, and comply with future European regulations on component sourcing, while also making the vehicles eligible for purchase incentives.
With over 6,000 registrations in February, the Leapmotor T03 rose to fourth place in European electric car sales. © Alex Krassovsky
Leapmotor: The Rising Chinese Star in Europe
The alliance between Stellantis and Leapmotor, formalized by Stellantis’s 21% stake in the Chinese company in 2023, has led to the creation of the Leapmotor International joint venture. This entity is responsible for marketing Leapmotor models outside of China and has already launched the T03 and C10 in the European market. The results have been remarkable: by 2025, Leapmotor International surpassed 40,000 sales and boasts over 850 points of sale. In the first quarter of 2026, the Chinese brand showed the strongest growth in Europe (+759%), selling 11,248 vehicles. The small T03 alone accounted for over half of the volume, ranking ninth in European electric sales and outselling all of Stellantis’s electric models.
Key Takeaways:
- A New Strategy for Opel: The upcoming compact electric SUV will utilize a Chinese Leapmotor platform, marking an industrial turning point for the brand.
- Preserved European Identity: Despite the Chinese technical base, Opel emphasizes specific development for design, user experience, and chassis tuning.
- Increased Competitiveness: The goal is to offer a more affordable electric SUV by leveraging Leapmotor’s production efficiency and cost control.
- Production in Spain: The Figueruelas plant is slated to assemble the new model, reinforcing Spain’s industrial role in Stellantis’s electric strategy.
- Leapmotor’s Momentum: The brand’s rapid success in Europe validates this alliance and paves the way for deeper integration.
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