The 2025 Leapmotor C10 EV marks the bold entry of a Chinese startup into global markets, backed by automotive giant Stellantis. Launched in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and other regions, this mid-size electric SUV aims to challenge established players like the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, and BYD Atto 3 with sharp pricing, generous standard equipment, and a spacious cabin. Priced from approximately $45,888 AUD (£36,500 in the UK), the C10 undercuts many rivals while offering a premium-like interior and a 420km (263-mile) WLTP range. However, its lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, slow charging speeds, and intrusive driver assistance systems raise questions about its competitiveness in a crowded segment. This 1500-word review explores the C10’s strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s a compelling choice for budget-conscious EV buyers.
Leapmotor: A New Player with Big Backing
Founded in 2015, Leapmotor has quickly risen to prominence in China, becoming the third-largest electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle manufacturer by 2023. Its partnership with Stellantis, which holds a 51% stake in Leapmotor International, provides access to a robust dealer network and manufacturing expertise, lending credibility to a relatively unknown brand. The C10, alongside the smaller T03 city car, is Leapmotor’s first global offering, with plans for six new models by 2028.
The C10 positions itself as a D-segment SUV, measuring 4739mm long, 1900mm wide, and 1690mm tall—almost identical to the Tesla Model Y but significantly cheaper. Available in two trims in Australia (Style and Design) and a single high-spec version in the UK, the C10 emphasizes value with features like a panoramic sunroof, 14.6-inch touchscreen, and a 12-speaker audio system. But does it deliver enough to stand out in a competitive market?
Design and Styling
The Leapmotor C10’s exterior strikes a balance between modern and understated. Its closed-off front grille, slim LED headlights, and full-width taillight bar give it a contemporary EV aesthetic, with some reviewers noting Porsche Macan-like cues at the rear. Flush door handles and multi-spoke alloy wheels (18-inch or 20-inch) add flair, while colors like Glazed Green and Criollo Brown offer personality. The design avoids the trendy SUV-coupé look, prioritizing practicality with a long roofline and a rear wiper—a rarity among EVs.
Inside, the C10’s cabin feels premium for its price, with soft-touch materials, minimal hard plastics, and a minimalist layout inspired by Tesla. A 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen dominate the dashboard, powered by a Snapdragon processor running Leapmotor’s Leap 4.0 system. The optional Camel Brown or dark purple interior options add vibrancy, though the latter appears more charcoal in person. Build quality is solid, with reviewers praising the cabin’s refinement and low noise levels, even at highway speeds.
However, the lack of physical buttons and reliance on the touchscreen for nearly all functions can feel unintuitive. The absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a significant drawback, especially since Leapmotor has confirmed these features won’t be added via updates due to chipset limitations. The built-in navigation and apps like Spotify are functional but lag behind Google-based systems in rivals like the Volvo EX30.
Powertrain and Performance
The C10 is powered by a 69.9kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, driving a single rear-mounted electric motor with 160kW (215bhp) and 320Nm of torque. This setup delivers a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of 7.5 seconds, which is adequate but not as punchy as the Tesla Model Y’s instant kick. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provides balanced handling, though the C10’s 1980kg weight results in noticeable body roll in corners.
The WLTP range is 420km (263 miles), but real-world tests suggest 360–380km due to an energy consumption of 18–19.8kWh/100km. Three driving modes—Eco, Standard, and Sport—adjust throttle response and steering weight, with Standard offering the best balance. Sport mode stiffens the steering excessively, while Eco feels vague at higher speeds. The C10 cruises comfortably on highways, with minimal tire and wind noise, but its suspension struggles on uneven surfaces, feeling soft yet jarring over bumps.
Charging is a weak point. The C10’s maximum DC fast-charging speed of 84kW lags behind rivals like the Tesla Model Y (250kW) and Skoda Enyaq (175kW), taking around 30–40 minutes for a 30–80% charge. AC charging at 6.6kW is also slow, limiting the ability to capitalize on overnight tariffs. A complimentary one-year Chargefox subscription in Australia helps offset costs, but the lack of an illuminated charge port and a manual cable release process frustrate.
Specifications Table
|
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Price (AUD, plus ORCs) |
Style: $45,888; Design: $49,888 |
|
Price (UK) |
£36,500 (single high-spec trim) |
|
Battery |
69.9kWh LFP |
|
Power/Torque |
160kW (215bhp) / 320Nm |
|
0-100km/h (0-62mph) |
7.5 seconds |
|
Range (WLTP) |
420km (263 miles) |
|
Real-World Range |
~360–380km |
|
Charging (DC) |
84kW (30–80% in ~30–40 min) |
|
Charging (AC) |
6.6kW |
|
Boot Space |
435L (1410L with seats folded) |
|
Frunk Space |
32L |
|
Towing Capacity |
1500kg (braked) |
|
Warranty |
7 years/160,000km (8 years for battery) |
Interior Space and Practicality
The C10 excels in interior space, offering vast rear legroom that accommodates even tall passengers comfortably. The flat floor and panoramic sunroof create an airy feel, though the raised floor slightly elevates knee height. Boot space is 435 liters (1410L with seats folded), which trails rivals like the Skoda Enyaq (585L) and Renault Scenic (545L). A 32-liter frunk and a split boot floor for cable storage add practicality, and the C10 can tow up to 1500kg.
The electrically adjustable front seats offer ample support, and visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and slim pillars. Standard features include a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, and LED headlights, enhancing ease of use. However, the lack of a sliding rear bench limits boot flexibility, and the NFC key card system—requiring a tap on the wing mirror to unlock—feels clunky compared to smartphone-based keys.
Technology and Safety
The C10’s tech suite is impressive for the price, with a high-resolution 14.6-inch touchscreen, over-the-air updates, and a 12-speaker sound system. The smart driving version, available in some markets, includes lidar, 12 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, and adaptive cruise control.
However, the ADAS systems are a major pain point. Reviewers report incessant alerts, with lane-keep assist tugging the steering wheel and driver monitoring systems failing to recognize faces, requiring frequent deactivation. These issues, combined with the lack of smartphone mirroring, detract from the user experience. Leapmotor’s over-the-air updates have improved infotainment and ADAS in China, but these refinements are yet to fully reach global models.
Driving Experience
The C10 is designed for comfort rather than sportiness. Its light steering and tight turning circle make it maneuverable in urban settings, but the heavy chassis limits agility. The ride is smooth on highways but less composed on rough roads, where the suspension feels wallowy yet thumps over bumps. Compared to the Tesla))^web:10⁊ The C10 handles well in wet conditions, but it lacks the dynamic edge of rivals like the Kia EV6.
Pricing and Value
Starting at $45,888 AUD ($47,500 drive-away until March 31, 2025) for the Style and $49,888 AUD ($51,500 drive-away) for the Design, the C10 undercuts the Tesla Model Y ($63,400 AUD) and Kia EV5. In the UK, the single-spec model at £36,500 is cheaper than the Model Y (£44,990). A seven-year/160,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty provide peace of mind, though rivals like Geely offer longer terms. Capped-price servicing at $400/year in Australia keeps costs predictable.
Verdict
The 2025 Leapmotor C10 EV is a strong value proposition, offering a spacious, well-equipped cabin and premium styling at a budget-friendly price. Its Stellantis backing and extensive dealer network add credibility, and the generous standard features make it appealing for families. However, the slow charging speeds, lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and intrusive ADAS systems are significant drawbacks in a competitive market. While it’s a promising debut for Leapmotor, rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Skoda Enyaq, and Kia EV5 offer better performance, charging, and tech integration. For buyers prioritizing space and value over dynamic driving and cutting-edge tech, the C10 is worth a look, but it’s not quite a segment leader.
