The Chinese manufacturer, partner of Stellantis, continues its expansion in the European market with the imminent arrival of the Leapmotor C10, a 100% electric SUV that promises to “make noise” in the mid-range electric vehicle category. In parallel with the official launch of the small city car T03the C10 presents itself as a serious alternative to flagship models. But what is this SUV really worth? Here is an overview of this newcomer, which will be marketed from October 2024 starting at just 34,900 euros.
A competitive format for an aggressive price
With its 4.73 m length, 1.90 m width and 1.68 m height, the Leapmotor C10 is positioned among the mid-size SUVs, but what particularly attracts attention is its price. With a launch price of 34,900 euros, it is well below its direct rivals such as the Peugeot e-3008, or the Tesla Model Y. It should also be noted that the displayed price does not give rise to an additional ecological bonus, given the production made in China, unlike the T03 assembled in Poland.
From a purely competitive point of view, the C10 seems to have found an excellent compromise between a large interior space and an attractive price, which makes it very competitive in the electric SUV category. This could allow Leapmotor to quickly establish itself on the European market, where the quality/price ratio is often a determining criterion for consumers.
Performance that holds up
Under the hood (or rather under the chassis, since it’s an electric vehicle), the Leapmotor C10 is equipped with a single motor placed at the rear. This unit develops 218 horsepower (or 160 kW) and a torque of 320 Nm, enough to propel this SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.
In terms of autonomy, the 69.9 kWh battery allows the C10 to travel up to 420 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. This is a range that is in the lower average of the segment, and which could pose a problem for it compared to models that now reach up to 700 km like the Peugeot e-3008 Long range.
In terms of charging, Leapmotor announces a charging time of 30 minutes to go from 30 to 80% with a fast terminal, a significant advantage for those who are often on the move and who wish to minimize prolonged stops. However, the DC charging power has not been specified…
Architecture designed for sustainability and space
One of the interesting technical innovations of the C10 is its “Cell-to-Chassis” architecture. By integrating the battery directly into the chassis, Leapmotor not only manages to maximize the interior space, but also to reinforce the structural rigidity of the vehicle. According to the manufacturer, the battery life could reach 600,000 kilometers. For an electric vehicle, this is a particularly impressive figure, which will however not be able to be verified over many years.
A minimalist interior design with a Tesla twist
Inside, Leapmotor takes a minimalist approach, very much inspired by Tesla. The dashboard is uncluttered, with only a few physical buttons, with most controls accessible via a large 14.6-inch touchscreen and a second 10.25-inch display dedicated to the driver. While the interior may seem austere at first glance, Leapmotor promises optimal comfort with heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. There are also practical features like a panoramic roof, a power tailgate, and a 12-speaker audio system, all of which add a premium touch to this otherwise reasonably priced SUV.
An electric SUV to watch closely
With the C10, Leapmotor is hitting hard in terms of price and is announcing itself as a serious contender in the electric SUV market.
It will have to deal with a brand image that starts from scratch, and a range that is rather worthy of the lower category. Distribution by Stellantis should certainly help it to make itself known, and to reach a certain clientele wishing to treat themselves to a family electric SUV at a lower cost.
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