Summary
- Leapmotor, a Chinese car brand, has recently entered the UK and Europe with the T03 city car and C10 SUV
- The company is backed by Stellantis and aims to expand globally with a focus on affordable electric vehicles
- The C10 SUV comes with a range of features and a price that undercuts similar competitors in the market
- While the C10 offers good value in terms of tech, space, and range, the driving experience falls short of expectations
- Despite some innovative features, such as a programmable switch and ‘nap’ function, Leapmotor’s C10 leaves much to be desired compared to more established brands in the market such as VW.
Article
Leapmotor, a Chinese car brand, has recently entered the U.K. and European market with the launch of the T03 city car and the C10 SUV. The company, which has only been around for a decade, started as a tech firm before venturing into the automotive industry. In 2023, Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor’s Chinese business, leading to the formation of Leapmotor International in 2024 to expand the brand globally. With a focus on quality and accessibility, Leapmotor’s cars are now available in Europe through Stellantis showrooms, ensuring reliable service and support for customers.
One of Leapmotor’s flagship models, the C10 SUV, is priced relatively low at £36,500 ($46,000) considering the features it offers. The vehicle comes equipped with advanced technology including a voice assistant, CarPlay, Android Auto, a large touchscreen display, heated seats, and various ADAS systems. Powered by a 70 kWh battery and a 218-horsepower motor, the C10 boasts a range of 263 miles on a single charge and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds. The vehicle’s design and interior resemble premium brands, while the pricing remains competitive for the segment.
Despite its impressive features and specifications, the driving experience of the Leapmotor C10 has received mixed reviews. While the vehicle accelerates briskly and offers various driving modes, the steering lacks feedback and the ride quality is criticized for being stiff and uncomfortable on uneven roads. Additionally, the ADAS systems can be intrusive and challenging to disable, leading to a less than desirable user experience. The touchscreen interface for adjusting settings and features also has room for improvement in terms of responsiveness and ease of use.
In terms of practicality, the C10 offers a spacious interior with quality materials and a range of customizable features such as programmable switches and a ‘nap’ function for relaxation. However, users have reported several issues with the vehicle’s voice command system, climate control, and GPS functionality. While the overall design and technology of the Leapmotor C10 are commendable, there are areas where refinement is needed to enhance the overall user experience. Considering the price point and competition in the market, the C10 may struggle to compete with more established brands offering similar capabilities.
Ultimately, Leapmotor’s foray into the global market with the C10 SUV showcases the brand’s commitment to providing affordable electric vehicles with advanced features. While the company aims to offer great value for money with its range of offerings, there are areas where the C10 falls short in terms of driving dynamics and overall user experience. With room for improvement in terms of software optimization and design refinement, Leapmotor may need to iterate on its current models to truly challenge established competitors like Volkswagen in the electric vehicle market. Despite having a strong network and reliable support system, the Leapmotor C10 may require further development to appeal to a wider range of customers seeking a reliable and practical electric vehicle option.
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