The Leapmotor C10 is one of the first attempts of the Chinese manufacturer on the European market, where it positions itself as a potential competitor in the growing segment of electric medium-sized SUVs. The vehicle, presented at the IAA in autumn 2023, will be available in Germany from September onwards. The first reviews of English-speaking test drives are already available, giving us a glimpse of what European buyers can expect from this new model.
At 4.73 meters long and 1.68 meters tall, the Leapmotor C10 is comparable in size to other popular mid-size SUVs such as the BMW iX3, Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Leapmotor C10 is powered by a 231 hp electric motor that develops 320 Nm of torque, with all wheels driven from the rear axle. It is important to note that the four-wheel drive version is not available. A version with a 1.6-liter petrol engine is available in the Chinese market, which serves as a range extender, but this version will not be sold in Europe.
European buyers will have access to two all-electric versions, both of which have lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. The Standard Range version has a battery with a capacity of 53 kWh, while the Long Range version has a battery with a capacity of 70 kWh. The Long Range variant promises up to 450 km of range on a single charge under the WLTP cycle, while the Standard Range variant is estimated to reach around 350 km.
Interior and features
The interior of the C10 is designed in a modern way, with a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. Reviewers praised the tactile materials used in the cabin, although some noted that the uniform color scheme can be a bit monotonous. Most of the vehicle's control takes place via the central screen, with a minimum number of physical buttons, which is in line with current trends in the automotive industry.
The Leapmotor C10 also stands out for its spacious back seat, which is in line with the preferences of Chinese consumers. However, this spaciousness comes at the expense of the trunk volume, which is only 370 liters. By comparison, competitors like the BMW iX3 offer 510 liters of boot space, while the Tesla Model Y has an impressive 854 litres.
Performance and usability
The Leapmotor C10 offers solid performance, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.3 seconds. While this isn't particularly sporty, it's quite satisfactory for a vehicle in this class. The chassis is described as firm, comparable to European vehicles such as the VW ID.4, a departure from the traditionally softer set-up of Chinese cars. This should appeal to European drivers who prefer a more controlled ride. One of the main concerns about the C10 is its range and charging capacity. The battery with a capacity of 70 kWh in the Long Range version provides up to 450 km of range according to the WLTP cycle, but this may not be enough for longer journeys on the highways. In addition, the charging speed of 1.2 kWh per minute, which allows charging from 30 to 80 % in 30 minutes, is satisfactory for city driving, but less suitable for longer trips. Just too slow.
Market positioning and pricing
Price will be a key factor in determining the C10's success in Europe. Although the exact price in Germany has not yet been confirmed, estimates suggest that the price could range between 30,000 and 35,000 euros, including taxes and duties. That would put it in the mid-range price range, extremely competitive against the likes of the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3, which offer similar performance and roominess. However, they are more expensive.
But it's not just price competitiveness, coupled with Stellantis' European launch support, could make the C10 an attractive choice for families looking for a spacious, quality-built electric SUV at an affordable price. After all, the brand will use the sales and service network of this huge company, and with this, customers will have a certain level of security and service.
Conclusion
The Leapmotor C10 appears to be a strong contender in the European mid-size SUV market. It offers good build quality, plenty of interior space and a reasonable price. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations, especially in terms of trunk volume, range and charging speed.
