Seriously, who would have thought that we'd one day buy electric SUVs for less than a decent coffee machine? Well, here we are - the Leapmotor B10. Priced under 30,000 euros, spacious for a family, technology that's more than just on paper, and just the right size to drive into a city garage without a prayer.
Brand Leapmotor no longer an exotic name that you pronounce like a complicated password for Wi-Fi. It is a company founded in 2015, which, through a partnership with the concern, Stellantis (these are the ones that own Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep and Alfa) has elegantly sneaked into Europe. This time it has brought the Leapmotor B10 to EU roads.
The idea is clear: to make an electric car that is technologically advanced enough not to be mistaken for a household appliance, and at the same time cheap enough that you can buy it without selling a kidney.
Exterior – Leapmotor B10: calm face, confident look
On first sight Leapmotor B10 It doesn't scream for attention. The design is clean, modern and, which is rare, without unnecessary "space" accessories that would make the car a caricature of electricity. Length 4.52 meters, width 1.89 meters, height 1.6 meters – so the perfect compromise between urban breakthrough and family logistics.
The closed grille, thin LED light line and 18-inch wheels create a restrained elegance. In fact, it comes across as someone who has confidence but doesn't need to prove it.
Interior: a spatial wonder without the glitter
Inside, you'll be surprised by the feeling of spaciousness. Digital twin at the front: 14.6-inch central display and 8.8-inch driver display, both fast and transparent. Materials? Surprisingly solid for the money – soft surfaces where you touch them, robust plastic where it needs to be durable.
A panoramic roof with electric curtain comes standard, the seats can be heated and cooled, and although they are made of artificial leather, they are not plasticized, like some “eco” competitors.
There is enough space in the back for three adults without feeling cramped. The trunk with 430 liters will swallow weekend luggage, but if you fold the seats down, it stretches to 1700 liters – just enough for moving or a big IKEA purchase.
Drive: rear drive, true character
This is where the story begins to separate itself from the competition. While most compact electric SUVs pull from the front, Leapmotor B10 drives the rear axle.
Engine with power 160 kW (218 hp) and torque 240 Nm Get the car up to 100 km/h. 8 seconds, the final speed is 170 km/h.
And that means: It's not a rocket, but it rides with ease and feel. The rear drive brings more natural handling, the weight (around 1.8 tons) gives a feeling of stability without being cumbersome.
Battery and charging: reality, not a dream
There are two available LFP batteries – smaller with 56.1 kWh and larger with 67.1 kWh capacities. The official WLTP promises up to 430 kilometers of range, but the reality, as always, is a bit more sober: expect 300–370 km during normal driving, which is still more than enough for 90 % users.
Charging is also reasonable: AC charging with 11 kW and DC fast charging to 168 kW.
The manufacturer promises 30–80 % in 20 minutes, reality will be closer 25–30 minutes – which means you will drink the coffee at the filling station halfway, not all the way.
On the road: more peace than drama
Behind the wheel, the B10 is surprisingly relaxing. The suspension (McPherson struts up front, multi-link rear) is tuned for comfort. It floats over potholes in the city, and on the highway it's stable and quiet – even at 130 km/h it doesn't sound like a hairdryer.
Recuperation is adjustable in three stages, but there is no "one-pedal drive" system, which some will miss and some will appreciate.
The soundproofing is also beyond expectations – passengers can chat without shouting, which will be especially appreciated by families with children and dogs with sensitive ears.
Assistance systems: overzealous assistants
Here the B10 shows that it is still a junior in the European league. The lane keeping system is sometimes more cautious than a grandmother at a pedestrian crossing – it can brake for no reason in a bend, which can be disruptive.
Otherwise, the car has a whole arsenal of systems: blind spot warning, cross traffic control, 360-degree cameras, traffic sign recognition, smart cruise control. Everything works, except for a slight Asian logic – “better one too many than one too few”.
Price and strategy: here Europe is left without an argument
The biggest shock isn't the technology, but the price tag.
- Entry level version Live Pro with a smaller battery it costs around 29.900 €.
- A variant Pro Max (67 kWh) costs 32.400 €,
- richest Design Pro Max but approximately 33.900 €.
For this money you get heated seats, a panoramic roof, smart infotainment, 360° cameras, heated mirrors and a standard three-phase charger.
European manufacturers charge 5-10 thousand more for similar equipment.
If Leapmotor maintains this strategy – a lot for reasonable money – and avoids the ominous “price after updates” syndrome, he can become a serious player.
Pros and cons
The Leapmotor B10 is a car that convinces with its sincerity. It offers exactly what it promises: a spacious, quiet, fast enough and well-equipped electric SUV for reasonable money. Its biggest advantage is that it feels grown-up, not experimental. You feel like it was made by people who understand everyday life, not lab technicians. The rear-wheel drive gives it character, and the comfort makes everyday driving easier. For families who want to switch to electric without drama and bank credit, this is one of the most logical purchases of the year.
Criticisms? Of course there are some. The electronic assistants are overly cautious, charging is a bit slower in practice, the materials in the lower parts of the cabin are harder, and the service network is still developing. But honestly – if this is the price for an SUV with a 430 kilometer range, extensive equipment and a price under 30 thousand, then it is a compromise that you accept without hesitation.
Most reviews about Leapmotor B10 emphasizes that it is a surprisingly mature car in a class where compromises usually rule. People praised it the most extremely quiet cabin, high-quality sound insulation and comfortable, soft suspension, which nicely smooths out urban bumps. Also space on the back bench has received many compliments – especially for its flat floor and seats that are actually comfortable even for taller passengers. The infotainment is fast and responsive, and the cabin feels “more European than Asian,” according to several foreign tests.
But every coin has two sides – some have pointed out that accelerator pedal response a bit jerky in sport mode, while assistance systems too “nervous”: they can brake excessively when changing lanes or moving slightly. They also mentioned that the B10 is no longer as confident during faster highway acceleration, and that the materials in the lower part of the interior are a bit harder.
Nevertheless, the general impression is clear: for a price under 30 thousand, the Leapmotor B10 is one of the most convincing electric SUVs, which drives better than its numbers would suggest, and feels like a car that should cost considerably more.
Conclusion: a pragmatic hero of the modern world
Leapmotor B10 It's not a superstar, it's not a luxury object of desire, but it's exactly what the modern market needs: a reasonable electric car for normal people.
If European manufacturers still thought they had time, this model will show them they no longer have it.
If you're rational but like a bit of driving character, then the B10 is not just an interesting choice – it's a symbol of a new reality. Electric that makes sense.