New Leapmotor C10 EV Has Serious Ambitions.
Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer established in 2019, has expanded into Europe through a Stellantis Group joint venture that commenced in 2023. This strategic partnership provides Leapmotor with the credibility, established dealer networks, and the infrastructure necessary to compete in the highly-competitive EV market across Europe.
Value-Focused Electric SUV.
The Leapmotor C10 EV is positioned as a mid-sized, value-focused electric SUV that has established rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, and VW ID.4 firmly in its sights, as well as newer models like the Kia EV5, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Explorer. The C10 targets budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-equipped EV without compromising on space, versatility or essential features. At 4,739mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1.680mm tall, the C10 occupies the sweet spot for a family SUV without feeling oversized in urban settings.
Distinctive Design.
The C10’s exterior design blends smooth surfaces and a broad stance, with distinctive features such as large air scoops in the front bumper, and a full-length rear light bar, creating a contemporary SUV silhouette that is eye-catching in its detail. Its clean body styling and flush door handles enhance its premium appeal, and its stylish alloy wheels (18- or 20-inch, model dependent) add character and road presence to the C10’s stylish appearance.
Spacious Cabin & Boot.
Inspired by Tesla’s minimalist approach, the C10’s cabin features a large 14.6-inch central touchscreen that serves as the location for most of the vehicle functions, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. The spacious cabin punches above its price point in terms of quality and comfort, while the materials used feel solid and well-constructed. Boot capacity behind the rear seats is a practical 435-litres, extending to 1,410-litres when the seats are folded down, with additional underfloor storage for the charging cables, along with a useful 32-litre under-bonnet ‘frunk’. Rear passengers benefit from generous levels of legroom, as well as ample head and elbow room, too. A large panoramic roof (with electric sunshade) floods the cabin with natural daylight, and this creates an airy, welcoming atmosphere for everyone onboard. Thanks to its multiple sensors and advanced driver assistance systems, the C10 was awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, providing peace-of-mind on every journey.
Two Trims, One Battery.
The Leapmotor C10 EV is available in two generously-equipped trim versions – Style and Design. Key standard equipment in entry-level Style includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running-lights, exterior folding mirrors with memory function, heated door mirrors, panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, rain-sensing wipers, roof rack, roof spoiler, rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, multi-function steering wheel, 6-way electrically-adjustable driver seat, 4-way electrically-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, 12-speaker audio system, NFC key, vehicle remote control via smartphone app, wireless charging, and over-the-air capability for software upgrades. Standard safety equipment includes a Front-View Monocular Camera, Life Detection Radar, Adaptive Cruise control, Advanced Driver Distraction Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Detection, Driver Drowsiness Alert Warning, Emergency Lane Keep, Forward Collision Warning, Hands Off Detection, Intelligent Speed Assist, Lane Centring Control, Rear Collision Warning, Traffic Jam Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking. Additional standard features in Design trim include a heated steering wheel, silicon leather upholstery, heated & ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, 20-inch alloy wheels, electric tailgate, LED taillights, rear light bar, and rear privacy glass. With a 69.9kWh battery capacity, and an electric motor that produces 211bhp and 320Nm of instant torque, the C10 EV can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.5-seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 170km/h (where permitted). The battery is capable of a 420km WLTP range, and it can consume as little as 18.8kWh/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle. With a maximum DC charging capacity of 84kW, a 30-80% charge can be completed at a fast charge station in approximately 30 minutes. The Leapmotor smartphone app provides direct access to battery pre-heating, vehicle status, cabin pre-heating/pre-cooling, electric sunshade open/close, steering wheel heating, car location, and many more remote functions.
Test Car.
My test car was a new Leapmotor C10 EV ‘Design’, which was finished in elegant Emerald Green metallic paintwork – a colour reminiscent of the glorious British Racing Green that adorned many Rover and MG cars from decades gone by!. The C10 EV provides smooth, responsive electric power delivery that makes urban and suburban driving effortless. Throttle response is linear and confidence-inspiring, while the light steering requires minimal effort when negotiating tight car park spaces, or when overtaking slow-moving traffic. Ride quality is good, with the car remaining comfortable and refined on the road surfaces I travelled on. Drivers can select from four levels of brake regeneration via the touchscreen – low, standard, high or one-pedal – with four driving modes also available. The C10’s useful ‘freewheeling’ function automatically disengages the drive motor on flat or downhill sections of road where it isn’t needed, and this contributes towards enhanced range. Leapmotor’s ‘cell-to-chassis’ technology provides the C10 with a rigid platform and low centre-of-gravity, which is impressive for a relatively-large, rear wheel-drive electric SUV .
Verdict, Price & Warranty.
The new Leapmotor C10 EV is an impressively-spacious, well-equipped electric SUV that challenges established rivals on price and practicality, offering equipment and features typically reserved for more expensive models. The C10 EV Style and Design models are priced from €38,995 and €40,470 respectively (ex-delivery charges, but inclusive of an SEAI Grant and VRT Relief for private buyers). A six-year, unlimited mileage warranty is proof of the confidence the brand has in its products, and it is transferrable from one owner to the next.
Visit www.leapmotor.net/ie for further information.
