New Chinese car company Leapmotor has launched the Australian website of its soon to be released C10 electric SUV, expected to be one of the most affordable EVs on the local market.
Leapmotor’s push into the international market is being made possible through a joint venture with global automotive giant Stellantis, and last month the first Australian sighting of Leapmotor’s C10 electric SUV was recorded in Melbourne.
In China, the pricing of the Leapmotor C10 SUV starts at under $A27,000, making it one of the most affordable vehicles in its class given its 4,739 mm length. It is sure to generate interest when it is formally unveiled, and pricing released in Australia later this year.
News of the newly unveiled website was first shared by Will K on Electric Vehicles for Australia Facebook group after receiving its initial Australian Design Rules (ADR) approval.
According to the company’s website, the Leapmotor C10 variants available to Australian drivers will include:
- Style
- Design
Both variants will be powered by a 160 kW motor and come equipped with a 69.9 kWh battery which can deliver up to 420 km of WLTP range.
This pack will be able to be charged from 30-80% in 30 minutes with official charging speeds not shared on the website.
On the inside, both variants will also include a large 14.6-inch infotainment screen along with a 10.25-inch driver instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.
There is also 4G connectivity and Wifi on offer along with over-the-air (OTA) updates helping maintain a good ownership experience with regular updates.
Speaking of connectivity, the car has built-in Bluetooth and NFC key capabilities for keyless entry across both variants.
Styling-wise, the rear gives the SUV a very Porsche Cayenne-like look which is very modern when combined with its flush door handles.
From the side, the car has multiple repeater cameras which like the Tesla models will allow the car to see around it for assisted driving and doubles as a driver safety feature.
Leapmotor International’s local launch is expected to be in Q4 2024 with more details of its Australian pricing, full specs and launch dates to be released in the coming months.
The upcoming C10 model will be Leapmotor’s first to enter Australia, with Europe also receiving the T03 hatchback.
No confirmation of that model has been noted for our local market so we will keep an eye out for any developments in the electric hatchback space from the brand.
The addition of the Leapmotor C10 to the local electric SUV models is good news for drivers looking at making the switch to electric in the coming months.
Leapmotor variants and features
Style Variant
Comfort
- 360° Camera with dynamic guidelines
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with energy efficient heat pump
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Bluetooth® and NFC key
- 12-Speaker surround audio system
- Fixed panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade
- Wireless charging
Infotainment
- 10.25″ LCD driver instrument cluster
- 14.6″ central high-resolution touch screen with navigation
- Wi-Fi and 4G
- Over the air updates
Exterior
- 18” Alloy Wheels
- LED automatic headlights
- Concealed door handles
- Rain sensing wipers
- Safety
- 7 airbags
- LEAP Pilot L2 ADAS (12 high-precision ADAS sensors with 17 advanced driver assist functions)
Design Variant
In addition to the Style variant:
Comfort
- Silicone leather seats with OEKO-TEX®
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power tailgate
- Air quality monitor
- Multi-colour interior ambient lighting
Exterior
- 20″ Alloy wheels
- Rear privacy glass
- LED rear light bar (with lighting animation)
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.