Chinese EV brand Leapmotor has unveiled a new SUV that’s set to hit UK streets before the end of the year: The Leapmotor C10. The large family-sized SUV will take on the likes of the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID5 and Tesla Model Y, but undercutting all of them by several thousand pounds with a single-model price of £36,500.
The D10 features a single 218-horsepower electric motor and a 70kWh battery, and delivers an official WLTP range of 262 miles.
Leapmotor International is the official name of the company selling the C10, and it’s a joint venture between European giant Stellantis – which owns the likes of Peugeot, Vauxhall and Citroen – and chinese manufacturer Leapmotor (although Stellantis holds a controlling state in the European venture).
2024 Leapmotor C10 Price, specs and release date
- 2024 Leapmotor C10: styling and dimensions
- 2024 Leapmotor C10: interior design and practicality
- 2024 Leapmotor C10: motors, batteries and dynamics
- 2024 Leapmotor C10: price and release date
2024 Leapmotor C10: styling and dimensions
Measuring 4,739mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,680mm tall, the C10 very firmly fits the mould of a large electric family SUV, while its long 2,825mm wheelbase should guarantee plenty of interior space.
The exterior styling is relatively minimalist – an unkind person might call it a touch forgettable – though Leapmotor points out that the dumbbell-shaped grille and LED headlights, along with what the brand describes as a “well-defined, protruding front bumper” gives the car a strong and distinct character. The roof bars are also a butch and practical SUV-style detail – as are the muscular, rounded ‘shoulders’ at the car’s lower window line.
Other design elements emphasise simplicity and aero-friendly detailing – such as a shark fin antenna, flush doorhandles and a wiper blade that’s hidden under the rear spoiler.
2024 Leapmotor C10: interior design and practicality
Inside, the front of the cockpit is dominated by a Tesla-style 14.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment system – which also houses functions such as the car’s climate controls – while in front of the driver there’s a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.
As with the simultaneously launched T03 city car, the gear selector lever is mounted on the steering column to liberate more space for in-cabin storage, and there are no conventional air vents – the cabin’s airflow is managed via a concealed electric air vent.
To bring a sense of luxury, there’s a large panoramic sunroof with an electric sunshade, as well as ambient interior lighting.
In terms of equipment, there’s only one trim level, which includes electric front seats, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera and an integrated satnav. There’s also a 12-speaker sound system, the capacity for over-the-air software updates and a smartphone app that controls battery preheating and the car’s climate system remotely.
Safety aids include advanced emergency braking, lane keeping, blind spot detection, and adaptive cruise control.
The boot offers a reasonable 435 litres of space, though that’s noticeably less than the 543 litres you’ll find in a Volkswagen ID.4
2024 Leapmotor C10: motors, batteries and dynamics
Power comes from a 218 horsepower electric motor mounted at the rear of the car and driving the rear wheels – and despite the car’s bulk it’s enough to get it from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds.
The battery offers 70kWh of capacity, giving an official WLTP range of 262 miles, and at a rapid DC charger the company says you’ll be able to fill it from 30 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes, although it hasn’t released an official maximum charging rate figure.
2024 Leapmotor C10: price and release date
The C10 will be priced at a very competitive £36,500, undercutting all its main rivals. Order books open in late November, and Leapmotor says that first deliveries should begin before the end of 2024.