Leapmotor C10 is available in two well-equipped variants—Style and Design—the Leapmotor C10 offers competitive pricing. Both models promise a blend of advanced technology, top-tier safety features, and elegant style, setting a new standard for value in the mid-size electric SUV segment.
Leapmotors C10 Design EV SUV driven for 2025
I recently drove a new model electric car. The Leapmotors C10. I have to admit I knew very little about this car before I had it for the week.
It’s one of many new entrants that have called Australia home over the last 12 months, the C10 has its own personality.
There are two models available, the C10 Style and the C10 Design which is the flagship model.
The design is quite conservative compared to any number of other EVs. It also hides how large the C10 is.
Inside its similar to any number of EVs. They all tend to look alike at times. But the Design, which I drove is definitely upmarket. It has Leather like upholstery, heated steering wheel and front seats, electric tailgate, tinted windows and multi interior ambient lighting.
One thing that really stands out is the amount of room there is inside. Front seats are comfortable. Rear seats have an abundance of leg room. It’s surprising really.
The C10 is powered by a 69.9kWh lithium-ion (LFP) battery that provides a realistic 400km of range. However, it’s a 400 volt architecture which means that its slow charging. Like the Kia EV5.
One thing that was annoying was the level 2 safety features that continuously beep, bing and bong at you. It is an effort to find the menu items that enable them to be turned off only for them to revert again each time.
However, it’s priced from a touch under $50,000 plus the usual costs and that’s excellent value.
This is a Motoring Minute
I’m Rob Fraser
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Some general thoughts on the Leapmotor C10 Design
- I actually like the look – its different and more SUV styling will appeal to a more mainstream buyer
- Inside there is an abundance of space. Front seats are comfortable
- Rear seats have plenty of head, knee and leg room
- Its minimalist design looks great, but creates problems for functionality
- Lie a lot of vehicles these days the level of safety features has become intrusive.
- Its a pain to turn them off each and every time you start the car, especially when you have to delve deep into the menu to find everything.
- The constant beeping, binging and bonging becomes tiresome quite quickly
- It has a smaller battery, which charges relatively quickly and provides reasonable range.
- Driving is smooth and quiet and on normal roads has compliant ride.
- Its enjoyable to drive
- It appears to have technology for technology sake. For example the keycard on the mirror to open the car
- Having to download an app to make the most of the car is against the simple pleasure of driving. However there are many that will appreciate this.
- Its like a smart phone on steroids.
- But Apple CarPlay and Android Auto seem absent
- The pricing is outstanding value for money.
- For a tech savvy buyer that appreciates the level of technology in the vehicle its a no brainer as a purchase.
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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Buyers could also look at:
Buyers of the Leapmotors C10 could also look at the following: Kia EV5, DEEPAL SO7, XPENG G6, Suzuki e-Vitara
Final thoughts
What I like about the C10 Design is that it doesn’t replicate the design of many electric SUVs currently available. Its has a bit of character.
Its smooth and quiet to drive and comfortable inside.
There is also heaps of rear seat room which is a bonus.
However the user interface for almost all controls are buried in the central screen menu and that’s an issue. Also the constant alerts for somethings that i don’t even know what for are an annoyance and distraction. The intrusive safety features are enough for me to say no thanks.
Leapmotors C10 Design Details
Leapmotors C10 | |
Model |
C10 Design |
Model Price | $49,888 MLP* |
Engine | Single motor, rear wheels. |
Drivetrain | RWD and single gear |
Battery Capacity / type | 69.9 kWh / Lithium iron |
Voltage / Capacity | 399.4 kW / 210 ah |
Power | 160kW |
Torque | 320Nm |
Range (WLTP) / ADR | 420 km max / 390 real life |
Economy / efficiency | 16.2kWh/100km real life |
Fast Charge* | 30 Mins DC Fast charge 30-80% 150 kW charger |
Home 10-amp charge | TBC |
Safety | Five-star ANCAP – Oct 2024 |
CO2 Emissions | Zero localised driving emissions |
0-100kmh/Top Speed | 7.5 secs / 170 km/h |
Servicing | 12 mth / 20,000 km |
Warranty | 7 yr/ 160,000km/ 8 year / 160,000 km high voltage battery |
Roadside Assist | 8 yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating |
84/100 |
Behind the Wheel | 8 |
Comfort | 8 |
Equipment | 9 |
Performance | 8 |
Ride and Handling | 8 |
Practicality | 9 |
Fit for Purpose | 9 |
Style / Appeal | 8 |
Technology/connectivity | 8 |
Value for Money | 9 |
Dimensions |
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Overall Length | 4739 mm |
Wheelbase | 2825 mm |
Width | 1900 mm |
Height | 1680 mm |
Wheels | 20 x 8.0 -inch Alloys |
Tyres | 245/45 R20 |
Max ground clearance | 180 mm |
Wading Depth | N/A |
Approach | N/A |
Rampover | N/A |
Departure angle | N/A |
Turning Circle KTK | TBA |
Boot Min | 581 L |
Boot Max | 1410 L |
Kerb Weight | 1995 kg |
Battery weight | TBA |
Payload (kg) | 465 kg |
GVM (kg) | 2460 kg |
GCM | 3960 kg |
Towing Capacity | 1500 kg |
Tow Ball rating | 100 kg |
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