Officialized in December 2024, the new Leapmotor C10 equipped with a range extender took its first steps at the Brussels Motor Show. This Chinese electric car, which promises more than 950 kilometers of autonomy thanks to a small gasoline engine, has just revealed its price in France, below 40,000 euros.
More and more Chinese manufacturers are try their luck in Europewhich does not please Brussels at all. However, despite attempts to put obstacles in their way, these brands continue to flock to us, even if the success is often relative – with the exception of MG. But do you also know Leapmotor?
Generous autonomy
This is a brand originating from the Middle Kingdom, which was created in 2015 and which had been distributed for several years in France by the importer SN Diffusion. Then the Stellantis group decided to invest in this young manufacturer and take it into its fold, taking care of importing it to our territory. In addition to the small T03 that we were able to test, the firm now has a second electric car: the C10.
It is a family electric SUV, competing in particular with the Tesla Model Y and other Renault Scénic E-Tech. And now it is available in a new version. The latter was presented at the end of last year, and is characterized by the presence of a range extender under its hood. Enough to allow him to travel up to 950 kilometers in a single charge. It is then at Brussels showwhich is currently taking place, that the public was able to approach it for the first time.
On this occasion, the Stellantis group has just announced the price of this new version, through a press release just published. Thus, the SUV, known as C10 REEV (pour « Range Extender Electric Vehicle »), starts from 37,400 euros in France. For the record, the 100% electric version starts at 36,400 euros. Orders will open from January 20, while the first deliveries are planned for April. A version that could please thanks to its attractive price/performance ratio, especially compared to the just restyled Model Y.
For the record, the American SUV is currently displayed from 44,990 euros in France, in its old version for the moment. However, it must be remembered that the latter is entitled to the ecological bonus, the amount of which is between 2 and 4,000 euros depending on the customers' reference tax income. What makes it start between 40,990 and 42,990 euros. For its part, the Leapmotor C10 REEV will not be eligible for government aid due to its manufacture in China.
A versatile SUV
The new Leapmotor C10 REEV is powered solely by its 215 horsepower electric motorassociated with a battery with a capacity of only 28.4 kWh. Thus, it promises a contained autonomy of 145 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. But then, how does the SUV reach the promised 950 kilometers? Quite simply using its 1.5L petrol engine, the detailed characteristics of which have not been communicated. This one is not connected to the wheelsit actually only serves as a generator to fill the battery when needed.
According to the press release, this device allows this new arrival to display CO2 emissions below 10 g/kmand therefore to escape the ecological penalty. Charging is done via a CSS socket at a maximum power of 65 kW, and according to Leapmotor, it will be possible to recover “ half of its electric autonomy in just 18 minutes “. Could do better on this point. Stops at gas stations will be much quicker.
The electric SUV does not change style depending on the version, and it still measures 4.74 meters long. On board, we find a large 14.6-inch touch screen, associated with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Also note that this new arrival on the market has the right to an integrated route planner, as we tested in our detailed test.
