What is it?
The Leapmotor C10 is a brand-new electric SUV from China, and it’s heading to the UK soon. It’s about the same size as a BMW iX3, but priced more like a Skoda Enyaq – think around £36,000.
It’s Leapmotor’s first crack at the UK market, and with backing from Stellantis (the company behind Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat and others), they’re not messing around.
Why should you care?
Simple: it’s big, well-equipped, and a fair bit cheaper than many rivals. It’s got proper family car vibes – loads of space inside, comfy to sit in, and doesn’t look half bad either.
You’ve got two versions:
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A pure electric one that’s quick and decent on range
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And a range-extender (REEV), which has a little petrol engine that tops up the battery on longer drives
Performance & Range
The latest update to the C10 brings some meaningful improvements:
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More power – The rear-mounted motor now produces 295bhp, cutting the 0–62mph time to 5.9 seconds. That’s quicker than many family SUVs.
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Better charging tech – It moves to an 800V electrical system, which should allow much faster charging (though exact speeds for the UK version haven’t been confirmed).
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Longer range – A new 74.9kWh battery boosts range to an estimated close to 300 miles on the WLTP test – a good step up from the current 261 miles.
There’s also a range-extender version (C10 REEV) which uses a petrol engine as a generator – handy if you often travel long distances or don’t have easy access to charging.
Space & Comfort
This is where the C10 really stands out:
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Loads of room in the front and back, even if you’re tall.
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Flat rear floor, so three adults can sit across the back more comfortably.
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Decent front storage, including a big cubby, wireless phone charger, and usable cupholders.
The boot isn’t as big as in some rivals like the Skoda Enyaq or Renault Scenic, and the rear seats only fold 60/40, which limits flexibility a bit.
Interior & Tech
Step inside, and it’s clear Leapmotor has taken inspiration from Tesla:
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Minimalist layout with almost no physical buttons.
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A 14.6-inch touchscreen and a crisp 10.3-inch digital driver’s display come as standard.
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All versions get electric front seats, a 360-degree camera, and LED headlights.
One big downside: no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which could be a deal-breaker for some. The built-in maps are okay, but not as slick or familiar as your smartphone.
Driving Experience
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The C10 is quiet and comfortable for the most part.
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It handles city driving well thanks to light steering and good visibility.
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Ride quality is decent, though you’ll feel bigger bumps and potholes more than in rivals like the Scenic or Elroq.
The safety systems are a bit too eager – with lots of beeps, nudges, and pop-ups – and turning them off isn’t as easy as it should be.
Value & Rivals
Pricing is expected to start around £36,000, making it cheaper than the Kia EV6 or BMW iX1, and on par with the Enyaq and Scenic.
You do get a lot of kit for the money, and it’s a genuinely big SUV for the price. But:
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Skoda Enyaq goes further and rides better.
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Renault Scenic is more comfortable and user-friendly.
Verdict: Worth the Wait?
The Leapmotor C10 looks like a compelling new option for families after a spacious, well-equipped electric SUV that doesn’t break the bank. It’s not perfect – the ride is a bit firm, and the lack of CarPlay/Android Auto will put some buyers off – but if the UK version keeps the same generous spec and sub-£40k price, it could give the big-name brands something to worry about.
