Taxi maker LEVC reveals interior of eight-seat luxury MPV

LEVC, the maker of the London taxi, has revealed the interior design of its upcoming luxurious, eight-seat electric MPV, which is due to arrive in the UK within the next two years. 

The MPV is named the LEVC L380, which refers to the Airbus A380, the world's largest airliner, and is the first vehicle based on the Geely-owned firm's new Space-Oriented Architecture (SOA).

Inside, the L380 features up to eight leather seats with Alcantara upholstery and chrome detailing, which the firm says is also inspired by “the world of luxury airline travel”. The seats can also fold flat so passengers can sleep on the move.

Each passenger has access to a large screen, positioned on the back of the seat in front. The armrests also feature tablets which presumably are used to control what information is displayed on the infotainment screens in front. 

Other features include a huge panoramic sunroof measuring 2.18m-sq, air vents which LEVC says are ‘Chinese Ruyi’ shaped and interior ambient lighting which can resemble a meteor shower.

There are several design cues taken from famous London landmarks, too. LEVC says icons including Tower Bridge and Big Ben can be seen around the cabin as part of the ambient lighting design, while the exterior wheel design is said to be influenced by the London Eye.

The L380 was already confirmed to go on sale in markets outside of China, where it has now entered production, the UK version will arrive by 2026.

Capable of hosting EVs ranging between 4.86m and 5.95m in length, the SOA platform is designed to optimise interior space, ease of access, rolling refinement and range - and will underpin a range of large commercial and passenger vehicles separate from the UK-built TX taxi and VN5 van.

Details published by Chinese media suggest the L380 measures 5316mm long, 1998mm wide and 1940mm tall and weighs 2805kg.

Its eight seats are arranged across four rows of two, with the rearmost able to be folded and stowed and the third row able to slide back and forth to boost legroom.

A more luxurious six-seater, no doubt with the requisite equipment and functionality to rival the new Lexus LM, will also be offered.

LEVC will confirm full technical details next year, but early reports suggest the L380 will be offered with the same 268bhp front-mounted motor as the technically related EM90 MPV from sibling brand Volvo and a choice of either a 73kWh or 120kWh battery for a maximum range of 432 miles.

LEVC has confirmed that the SOA platform will underpin EVs with more than 536bhp from a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain, but it hasn't yet said whether the L380 will offer a choice of outputs.