Sharp price for Leapmotor C10 medium BEV
BY MIKE STEVENS | 25th Oct 2024
LEAPMOTOR, the Chinese brand part-owned by Peugeot and Jeep parent Stellantis, will make its Australian debut next month with the C10 electric medium SUV priced to challenge battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrids and internal combustion engine models alike.
The five-seat C10 range will launch with two single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variants, priced from $45,888 before on-road costs for the entry-level Style and $49,888 + ORC for the flagship Design trim.
Leapmotor’s aggressive pricing makes the C10 one of Australia’s most affordable BEVs, with only the smaller MG4, MG ZS EV, GWM Ora and BYD Dolphin beneath it – along with the only BEV that rivals the C10 on both price and size: the BYD Atto 3, priced from just under $45K.
The Atto 3’s price and interior space has made it popular in Australia, and Leapmotor (along with co-parent and local distributor Stellantis) will be hoping for similar success with the newer C10.
In its favour will be a markedly longer wheelbase (2825mm to the Atto 3’s 2720mm) and an almost 300mm advantage in overall length (4740mm to 4455).
The C10 could also prove itself a strong challenger to the anticipated Kia EV5 (wheelbase 2750mm), whose already sharp $56,770 + ORC opening sticker was announced only recently – a price point the Australian importer admits is merely at break-even point.
Importantly, the C10 could prove a compelling alternative to the hybrid and plug-in hybrid options from more conventional models like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail.
For those ready to leave the internal combustion engine behind (along with any preference for all-wheel drive), both versions of the C10 are driven by a 160kW/320Nm electric motor drawing energy from a 69.9kWh battery. No all-wheel-drive plans have been revealed.
Leapmotor claims a driving range of up to 420 kilometres on the modern WLTP test cycle, although it also specifies 477km under the older and less accurate NEDC cycle (with which the local ADR system is still aligned).
Using a DC fast charger, the C10’s battery can reach an 80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes.
Key features include a 10.25-inch digital driver display paired with a 14.6-inch central infotainment screen, along with a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade.
Other ‘mod cons’ now largely standard in the BEV space include smartphone access via NFC and Bluetooth plus compatibility with the Leapmotor mobile app for monitoring vehicle status and software updates delivered over-the-air.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) tech is also on board, allowing the C10 to power conventional household appliances or tools as needed.
For safety, there’s the Leap Pilot driver assistance system, featuring 12 sensors and 17 functions including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
Leapmotor claims 26 storage spaces throughout the cabin, including a boot space that measures 581 litres with the rear seats upright and 1410 litres with those seats folded flat.
There is no ‘frunk’, however, with the C10’s under-bonnet space occupied by various electrical systems.
Leapmotor will supply the C10 in Australia with a seven-year/160,000km warranty on the vehicle and an eight-year/160,000km warranty on the high-voltage battery.
Buyers who move early enough to take delivery before March 31, 2025, will also receive one year of free public charging through the Chargefox network.
Speaking at the May announcement of the Leapmotor and Stellantis deal, Leapmotor founder and CEO Jiangming Zhu said: “The partnership between Leapmotor and Stellantis demonstrates a high level of efficiency, opening a new chapter in the global integration of China’s intelligent electric vehicle industry.
“Leveraging Leapmotor's cutting-edge technology and products, along with Stellantis' support in areas such as overseas channels, services, and marketing, we hope that users around the world can experience the exceptional driving and riding experience brought by Leapmotor products.
“We believe that this cooperation can give Leapmotor a boost to become a respected world-class intelligent electric vehicle company.”
Along with the C10, Leapmotor is planning to bring its compact T03 EV to Australia, followed by the small, Kona EV-rivalling B10 electric SUV revealed in Paris this month.
2025 Leapmotor C10 pricing*
|
C10 Style (160kW RWD)
|
$45,888
|
|
C10 Design
|
$49,888
|
* Prices exclude on-road costs, premium paint (all except Pearl White) – $990
