Leapmotor launches cheap electric family SUV C10 in China

Leapmotor, the Chinese start-up with backing from Stellantis, has launched its first ‘global’ model: the C10, an electric or range-extended family SUV with a very aggressive price point. The model is now available in China for around €16,500, with an international launch following later this year.

Leapmotor first presented the C10 at the IAA in Munich in September 2023, with presales opening in China in January with prices starting from 155,800 RMB (€ 19,950). However, the model has been officially launched with a lower price point: 128,800 RMB (€ 16,500).

Family SUV with up to 530 km of EV range

This is a very aggressive price point for an electric or range-extended family SUV, with a length of 4,739 mm, a width of 1,900 mm, and a height of 1,680 mm, resting on a 2,825 mm wheelbase. And the inside’s pretty roomy, too, with flexible seating that can be folded flat to form a large bed. The high-end versions also come with Lidar for semi-autonomous driving.

In terms of drivetrains, two options are available: a fully-electric version with a 170 kW (231 hp) electric motor, with a 52.9 kWh or a 69.9 kWh battery pack offering 410 to 530 km of range (CLTC standard). The range-extended version adds a 1.5-liter engine serving as a generator, while a 28.4 kWh battery provides up to 210 km of range. Combined, a full battery and gas tank deliver 1,190 km of range.

From € 16,500, coming soon to Europe?

The BEV version is slightly cheaper, with prices ranging from 128,800 RMB to 168,800 RMB (€ 16,500 to € 21,600), while the EREV version costs 135,800 RMB to 165,800 RMB (€ 17,400 to € 21,200). The Chinese deliveries have already started, but it is expected that the Leapmotor C10 will also launch internationally in Q3 2024.

Export to Europe is also part of the plan, but it is unclear when Leapmotor will launch in the West. When the collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor was announced last October, a European launch within two years was mentioned.