Road tested by Hugh Maguire.
Leapmotor is yet another new manufacturer from China that has now arrived on our shores. We already have MG, Polestar, and BYD, Xpeng, GWM and more are sure to follow.
Leapmotor is like many of the Chinese brands actually quite new to car manufacturing having being founded just over ten years ago in 2015. That for me anyway is a bit of a concern as they do not have the extensive research and knowledge of the legacy brands we have come to know and trust. Yet if what I road test is anything to go by these new Chinese cars are quite good if a little uninspiring.
Leapmotor only produce EV’s. They hope that their focus on Autonomous driving, Intelligent Infotainment and self developed EV tech will boost their appeal.
Here at home in Ireland Leapmotor just launched in December 2025 and I have been road testing their mid size SUV the C10. They also currently offer the T03 a small city car, the C10 tested here and the new B10 larger SUV, all electric of course.
First Impressions.
In general Chinese manufacturing is widely acknowledged as being superb at copying other well known designs and brands and I can’t help feeling they took a long hard look at the Porsche Cayenne when designing the exterior of the new C10.
Overall then its a smart looking mid size SUV. While no head turner it does look good.
So what’s it like inside?
The optional colour of Burnt Orange on the interior of my test car may take a bit of getting used to but more ‘Normal’ colours choices are available. It’s a pretty minimalist look in here with just two screens, a small one in front of the driver and a massive 14.6-inch one in the centre through which everything is controlled. I’m not a fan of this Tesla style dashboard. Not a button in sight and this for me is a huge negative. It makes the simplest of tasks such as adjusting the door mirrors for example an annoying and lengthy process of screen prodding. Not just infuriating but frankly dangerously distracting! A fact recognised now by EURO NCAP who will award less points to cars that do not feature buttons for the main controls. A move I totally support.
Overall the interior looks and feels quite good though not up to the high standards of one of its Chinese rivals BYD.
The driving position is good and accommodation both front and rear is really roomy. A reasonable amount of storage space exists but the glovebox is very small and the door pockets could be larger. Boot space is on par for the class.
So what’s powering the C10?
Two powertrains are available. A BEV with a claimed range of 420km and an REEV (range extended electric vehicle) with a claimed range of 975 km. I am road testing the EV version here. This has a 69.9 kWh battery and claims a charging time of 30 minutes on a fast charger from 30% to 80%.
I started my road test with a charge of 89% and a range of 375 km being displayed.
Over my full weeks road test I managed a range of just 217km before I had to re charge with just 13% or 55km range remaining. So in fact to empty from 89% would have been 272km. Like all EV’s wildly off the mark for claimed range. So in reality this is a max 325km range car from a full charge in wintertime anyway.
How does it drive?
This may sound a somewhat throw away comment but “like all EV’s”. It goes reasonably well in a straight line. The handling is safe and secure. It bobs about a bit on undulating surfaces as the suspension has to deal with all that weight and the steering is completely lifeless. In short its a method for getting from A to B not something to inspire someone who enjoys actually driving.
It will be interesting over time to see how these EV manufacturers differentiate themselves because were I blindfolded they all feel pretty much the same. Indeed they are all starting to look the same too!
I can’t see car enthusiasts meeting in car parks for “cars and coffee” in years to come. What will they have to compare? Screen sizes? There’s not much else.
Hugh’s Verdict.
The new Leapmotor C10 is a good all round EV. It is roomy, practical and looks well. Efficiency is not a strong point and the invasive ADAS driver aids will drive you nuts. If you can live with that and the fact that really is an unknown brand here then its price point may be its most appealing virtue. Two trim levels are available namely Style and Design with prices starting at €38,995.
Likes: Decent styling.
Good equipment levels.
Practical & Versatile.
Dislikes: Lifeless steering with zero feedback.
Uninspiring to drive
Intrusive and annoying ADAS alerts.