Imagine an electric SUV with the heart of a rocket, futuristic technology, and a price tag you'd expect from an old hatchback - the Leapmotor C10 with its 800-volt architecture is here to shake up the world.
Leapmotor C10 with an 800-volt architecture? It's like Jeremy Clarkson driving a Chinese electrician and saying, "Well, at least it doesn't burn, but hey, it has 585 horsepower for the price of an old Golf!" Ironically, but true: this SUV comes from China, where they've learned how to make cars that are cheap but not cheap-looking. With an architecture that promises fast charging and a range that takes you halfway across Europe non-stop, the C10 is proof that the future isn't just for the elite. This guy has the potential to shake up the market. Read on and you'll see why it's a positive surprise for anyone looking for value without compromise.
A brief history of the Leapmotor brand: From garage startup to global player
Leapmotor is not an old brand like Mercedes or BMW, but a young rebel founded in 2015 in China. Like that garage genius who surprises everyone, they specialize in electric cars that are affordable and advanced. In 2023, they partnered with Stellantis – yes, the one from Fiat and Peugeot – and now they’re taking the world by storm. The C10 is their global model, launched in 2024, and has already sold thousands. It’s not just a car; it’s proof that China is no longer just a copycat, but an innovator. The irony? While others are still debating batteries, they’re already driving an 800-volt architecture for $17,000 in their home country. On the plus side: Leapmotor proves that a young brand can mature quickly and offer quality that older brands charge double.
Design and appearance: Minimalism with impact, without unnecessary flashiness
The Leapmotor C10 doesn't scream "look at me", it whispers "drive me". 4739 mm long, 1900 mm wide and 1680 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2825 mm - just the right size for a family SUV. The exterior is clean: smooth lines, a single rear light strip and colors, such as the new purple or greenish, which cost an extra 800 euros. It now has electric door handles that extend like in the movie. Positive: it looks modern and aerodynamic, which helps with range. For those who want more sportiness, there is the Irmscher edition - limited to 250 units, with additional spoilers, red accents and a sporty look for an extra 5000 euros. Felt? 20- or 21-inch, which look sporty, not just practical. All in all: a design that is inconspicuous but attractive - ideal for those who don't want to stand out, but drive. But it's not an emotional car, rather very reserved.
Interior and Technology: Smarter than your phone, with a few beginner's tricks
Inside, the C10 is like a comfortable lounge: two colors, like orange or purple, for variety. The main star? The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor, which makes infotainment faster than your old phone. Added LiDAR sensor on the roof for advanced assistance – think of an autopilot that sees obstacles. The wireless charger is 50 watts, and the seats are heated and cooled in the Design package for just 1,500 euros extra. Space? For five people, a 435-liter trunk (1,400 liters with the seats folded) and even a frunk (front trunk) for 23 liters – enough for cables or cleaning supplies. The irony: at a time when cars are becoming computers, the Leapmotor does everything intuitively, without a million buttons. Those who were among the first to test the vehicle report that the software has bugs, such as unintuitive menus for driving modes or navigation, which sometimes fails. Positive: The materials are top-notch for the price – silicone leather, soft surfaces and metal details give a premium feel. The large central display shows everything from fuel consumption to the 360° camera. For families: Lots of space in the back, no high floor due to the battery – comfortable for long drives.
Drive and performance: From calm to rocket-like in an instant
Here comes the fun. The 800-volt version? 220 kW (299 hp) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque for rear-wheel drive, or a dual-motor version with 436 kW (585 hp) and more than 600 Nm for AWD – 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in just 4 seconds, top speed 190 km/h (118 mph). Driving dynamics? Continental brakes and Bosch steering make for a precise ride. Early adopters report that it handles well for the price, but the chassis is a mix – hard on bumps, soft in corners, which is “the worst of both worlds”. Positive: It’s comfortable, quiet and stable for everyday driving, even on the motorway. Towing capacity: 1.5 tonnes.
Battery, charging and range: Longer and faster, no waiting
The heart of the C10: LFP battery, 74.9 kWh (or 81.9 kWh for AWD) in an 800-volt architecture. Range? More than 605 km on CLTC (about 420–530 km WLTP real), which is ideal for long trips. Consumption: 23–24 kWh/100 km on the highway at 110–120 km/h. Charging? Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, from 30 % to 80 % in 16–22 minutes (peak 180–186 kW), 40 % faster than before. No preheating in the cold – a minus for cold climates. Irony: while some EVs charge for hours, this one lets you wait less than a coffee. Those who were among the first to test the vehicle report that realistically from 10-80 the % takes 25 minutes, no miracle. Positive: LFP is safe, long-lasting and cheap to maintain. All in all: a car that is ready for serious driving, without fear of a dead battery.
Security and additional features: Safe as a bunker, with a few tricks
The C10 isn't just fast; it's safe. LiDAR supports L2++ assist, automatic parking and obstacle avoidance. Five stars from Euro NCAP? Probably, since it's global. But those who were among the first to test the car report that the assistants are nervous - sudden braking for no reason, especially in corners or tunnels. Positive: 360° camera, adaptive headlights and ISA (intelligent speed assist) work well once you set them. Extras: Vehicle-to-Load for charging other devices, smart keys and a huge screen. For a price of 36,400 euros in Europe (or 44,900 euros for AWD) - a real steal.
Driving experience: How does it actually drive?
Those who were among the first to test the vehicle report that the C10 is comfortable for everyday use, with good noise reduction even in tunnels. Stable on the highway, but the assistants are annoying with sudden braking. It wobbles in corners, despite the stiff chassis – like “the worst of both worlds”. Software: navigation sometimes fails, menus unintuitive (e.g. you have to stand to change driving mode). But positive: the power is brutal, especially in AWD, where overtaking is like a rocket. Consumption is realistic, range sufficient for 350 km on the highway. For the price: great value, but the software needs an update. Irony: the Chinese are overtaking us in technology, but the Europeans are still better adapted to our roads.
Conclusion: Why choose the Leapmotor C10 – and where is the catch?
After reviewing sources, from Chinese launches to European tests, it is clear: Leapmotor C10 with 800-volt architecture is not just a car, but a statement about the future. With 585 hp (436 kW) in AWD, acceleration of 4 seconds and a range of over 500 km, it becomes a competitor to the Tesla Model Y or BMW iX3, but for half the price – from 36,400 euros, or even 44,900 euros for the top AWD. The Irmscher edition adds exclusivity for an extra 5,000 euros. Positive: enormous space, top-quality materials, fast charging (22 minutes 30-80%) and a value that is unbeatable. Those who were among the first to test the vehicle report software errors, nervous assistants and driving dynamics that are not top-notch – as if they had forgotten about European bends. But the truth? This is a car for families who want electricity without compromise, cheap maintenance and power for fun. Personal opinion: If you're looking for an everyday, zero-emission SUV that won't break the bank, the C10 is a winner – even with the bugs that an over-the-air update could fix. Price? Depends on the market, but expect competitively priced, under €45,000 for the top-of-the-line. Go test drive it, share your thoughts in the comments – it might be your next car. And if not, at least you know that electric is becoming affordable, fast and purple. Well done, Leapmotor – the world needs you.
