Bear in mind the times if you’d stroll right into a showroom, pick your dream automobile and be requested a single, straightforward query: petrol or diesel? These had been less complicated occasions.
Because the flip of the century, hybrids and electrical automobiles (EVs) have gained traction, with these powertrains spawning an array of sub-types – collection hybrid, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell EV, and extended-range EV, simply to call a number of.
The latter, in any other case often called an EREV or REEV (as Leapmotor calls it), is what options within the automobile on check right here – the Leapmotor C10 REEV. Provided as a substitute for the ‘conventional’ BEV C10, the C10 REEV operates primarily as an electrical automobile, with a rear-mounted electrical motor driving the wheels.
When the battery cost will get low, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder inner combustion engine ignites to generate electrical energy, recharging the battery and increasing the driving vary… or at the least that’s how Leapmotor explains it.
The premise is (comparatively) easy, bottle the EV driving expertise and get rid of vary nervousness by means of the addition of a petroleum engine. In different phrases, you possibly can have your cake and eat it too.
Priced from $45,900 drive-away, the C10 REEV is positioned to compete with equally sized hybrid and electrical SUVs together with the Geely EX5, Jaecoo J7, Deepal S07, Nissan X-Path e-Energy, XPeng G6, Kia EV5, and Tesla Mannequin Y. There’s no scarcity of rivals, then.
However is a novel powertrain sufficient to catapult the C10 above the competitors?
How a lot does the Leapmotor C10 price?
Leapmotor C10 consumers pocket round $5000 by choosing the REEV as an alternative of the pure EV, though the chances are inflated upkeep prices will eat into these financial savings over the long run.
| Mannequin | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Leapmotor C10 REEV Type | $45,900 drive-away* |
| Leapmotor C10 EV Type | $45,888 earlier than on-road prices |
| Leapmotor C10 REEV Design | $49,900 drive-away* |
| Leapmotor C10 EV Design | $49,888 earlier than on-road prices |
*Relevant to MY25 C10 REEV automobiles bought and delivered by June 30, 2025
Each REEV and EV variations significantly undercut equally sized SUV rivals just like the Mannequin Y, EV5, S07, and the G6.
And Leapmotor has gone out of its solution to sweeten the deal by providing C10 consumers a free wall charger valued at $800 in the event that they signal on the dotted line by June 30, 2025.
To see how the Leapmotor C10 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s the Leapmotor C10 like on the within?
My first thought upon opening the motive force’s door of the C10 REEV and slipping inside was ‘wow, that is like being inside a Caramello Koala’.
The elective ‘Camel Brown’ inside is putting to place it calmly, and can probably type the premise of most first impressions within the showroom. Whether or not that’s a constructive impression is down to non-public preferences, however I used to be undoubtedly shocked by simply how a lot of the cabin is completed in the identical creamy shade of caramel.
Along with the seats, higher sprint and door playing cards, everything of the centre console and decrease sprint space are likewise similar in color, with boring black trim restricted to the steering wheel, carpets and sections under the sills. A typical black inside can be provided, though REEV consumers miss out on the Midnight Aurora and Criollo Brown colourways.
Does it look extra premium than your common mainstream SUV? Not essentially. However does it really feel extra premium? Sure, sure it does. Excessive-traffic areas are principally completed in soft-touch supplies, with tougher plastics hidden out of sight.
All variations of the C10 include a leatherette steering wheel as normal, whereas the Design trim degree brings power-adjustable faux-leather seats, described by my accomplice as a number of the most comfy she’s sat in. The bottom and backrest are flat with minimal sculpting, however there’s ample cushioning and each entrance pews are heated and ventilated.
You may’t say that about loads of sub-$50k household SUVs. There aren’t too many who boast a heated steering wheel, both, which makes the record of normal tools for the Design.
Contemplating we examined this automobile within the midst of a chilly Melbourne winter, each options had been welcome and utilised each single morning. Profiting from them requires use of the central infotainment display – the management centre of the C10.
There are nearly no buttons, switches or dials on this automobile. As a substitute, all performance is constructed into the media show, a quirk that may show distracting whereas driving.
Nonetheless, each the infotainment and driver show screens are spectacular bits of package. There’s rather a lot to love right here, each when it comes to how the screens current and the options they provide.
The infotainment system is Android-based, working on the LeapmotorOS working system developed in-house. It’s polished and responsive, with a choice of beautiful screensavers and a well-known app grid format.
There’s loads of substance to go together with the model, too. Dig into the system and also you’ll discover a complete app retailer providing widespread apps together with Spotify, TikTok, Amazon Music and Zoom, in addition to a local web browser and navigation with dwell visitors updates.
Simply as properly, as a result of all variations of the C10 lack any type of smartphone mirroring, which is prone to be a dealbreaker for some potential consumers.
As a substitute, you’re pressured to be taught the ins and outs of Leapmotor’s tech, be taught being the important thing phrase. There’s rather a lot to get your head round, regardless of the entire absence of bodily controls within the cabin.
It’s best to think about the infotainment display like a giant iPhone. Along with an app grid format, the system utilises the identical swipe and faucet mechanics as fashionable smartphones, and there’s a pinned icon bar on the backside of the display containing shortcuts to local weather controls, audio, navigation, settings, and the principle menu.
Like an iPhone, you possibly can swipe down on the display for fast entry to key capabilities – on this case the plethora of drive modes.
If all of it will get a bit an excessive amount of, there’s an onboard consumer handbook to level you in the appropriate course. You may scoff at that suggestion, however I used to be solely simply beginning to really feel assured within the C10 after a full week of testing.
Behind the steering wheel sits a small, rectangular digital driver show which is much extra easy to function. Simply don’t count on a lot performance from the unlabelled steering wheel controls.
Contemplating the uncluttered nature of the inside, cabin storage is disappointingly missing.
The centre console is deep, however the identical can’t be mentioned of the glovebox or door bins. These deficiencies are considerably offset by the inclusion of a storage tray constructed into the central tunnel, full with USB-A, USB-C and 12V connections.
Storage could also be restricted up entrance, however there are not any such packaging points within the second row. It’s correctly spacious again there, with loads of room for each individuals and stuff.
As much as three full-sized grownup passengers can get comfy with out problem, and the second row all the time feels open and ethereal because of the fitment of a panoramic glass roof. The rear seats are tremendous plush, and barely reclined for superior consolation over longer journeys.
High quality of supplies stays spectacular for the value level, and there’s a beneficiant set of facilities together with USB-A and USB-C shops, map pockets, roomy door bins, cupholders, and a centre armrest.
The boot boasts 546 litres of cargo capability – glorious for the phase. Higher but, you possibly can fold the rear bench flat to entry a whopping 1375 litres of area.
A flat boot flooring aids the loading of cumbersome objects, as does the shortage of a step between the boot and bench storage. Charging cables could be saved beneath the boot flooring, though there’s no spare wheel to be discovered.
My solely grievance concerning the boot is that the facility tailgate button is hidden close to the appropriate facet indicator – why not stick it above the quantity plate, the place individuals count on it to be?
| Dimensions | Leapmotor C10 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4739mm |
| Width | 1900mm |
| Top | 1680mm |
| Wheelbase | 2825mm |
| Boot area | 546-1375L |
To see how the Leapmotor C10 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s below the bonnet?
The C10 REEV is powered by a 158kW electrical motor driving the rear wheels hooked as much as a 28.4kWh battery – lower than half the capability of the C10 EV’s 69.9kWh power storage unit. Nonetheless, the headline act right here is the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine below the bonnet, that acts as a range-extender reasonably than driving the automobile.
| Specs | Leapmotor C10 REEV |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor range-extender hybrid |
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl |
| Engine outputs | N/A |
| System outputs | 158kW/320Nm |
| Battery | 28.4kWh LFP |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
| Drive kind | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1950kg (kerb) |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.5 seconds |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | 15.2kWh/100km |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | 18.3kWh/100km |
| Gas consumption (claimed) | 0.9L/100km |
| Gas consumption (as examined) | 9.2L/100km |
| Electrical driving vary | 145km |
| Max AC cost charge | 6.6kW |
| Max DC cost charge | 65kW |
| Gas tank capability | 50L |
| Gas requirement | N/A |
| CO2 emissions | 21g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 1500kg |
Leapmotor quotes a mixed driving vary of as much as 1150km on the extra lenient NEDC check cycle, with gas consumption and emissions rated at 0.9L/100km and 21g/km respectively.
Additional to the on-board vary extender, the C10 REEV retains its skill to be recharged by way of AC and DC charging strategies, with the latter permitting for a 30-80 per cent cost in “roughly 18 minutes”.
Whereas the Australian launch doesn’t quote a charging capability or electric-only vary, the earlier world announcement famous a 65kW cost charge and 145km WLTP vary determine.
To see how the Leapmotor C10 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Leapmotor C10 drive?
Leapmotor? Extra like Beepmotor.
Whereas the loud and proudly brown inside of this C10 will probably divide potential consumers within the showroom, its suite of driver aids is ready to universally annoy those that decide to a check drive.
Proper from the outset, it’s abundantly clear that Leapmotor has fallen into the entice of cramming as a lot security tech as attainable into the C10 with out taking the time to good its calibration.
Round city, I used to be recurrently subjected to some type of beep or bong from the C10, originating from both the eye monitoring, velocity restrict, or lane-keep help techniques. All three ‘aids’ repeatedly slap you over the wrist reasonably than offering a serving to hand, which defeats their goal.
Including to my frustration was the truth that the overspeed warning system usually failed to regulate for modifications to the velocity restrict, chastising me unfairly. Fortunately, you possibly can flip off some ADAS options by way of the infotainment display, however there’s no handy, one-touch answer to mute all techniques.
After pulling over to silence the choir of warning chimes, I used to be lastly in a position to get a deal with on the complicated powertrain that units this C10 REEV other than its competitors.
Marketed as an evolution of hybrid and battery electrical automobiles, the prolonged vary electrical C10 incorporates a small inner combustion engine thats sole goal is to cost an electrical motor that drives the rear wheels. In different phrases, the petrol engine just isn’t straight linked to the wheels.
When you’re conversant in Nissan’s e-Energy tech, that is comparable, however the battery within the C10 REEV is way bigger, providing prolonged electrical driving vary and the choice of exterior charging. Consider it just like the distinction between a regular collection hybrid (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
In concept, vary extenders are a neat midway home between hybrid and electrical automobiles. They drive like an EV, however don’t go away you stranded when charging amenities aren’t accessible.
However within the case of the C10 REEV, the truth is a bit more sophisticated. For starters, the powertrain behaves very otherwise relying on circumstances and driver preferences.
You may select from 4 ‘energy modes’ – EV+, EV, Gas, and Energy + – every of which alters the engine utilization/battery depletion combine, and in flip influences the driving expertise.
When set to the previous, the C10 behaves precisely like an EV with a claimed driving vary of 145km. It’s an identical story when driving in EV mode, though the petrol engine will mechanically fireplace up when the battery is low on cost.
As you may count on, Gas and Energy+ prioritise engine utilization to cost the drive battery and maximise efficiency… at the price of gas consumption.
This method works comparatively properly when the battery is absolutely charged, providing flexibility {that a} BEV can’t match. Nonetheless, the standard of the driving expertise can fluctuate vastly from one drive to the subsequent, and even throughout the identical journey, resulting in unpredictability.
For instance, there was one event once I tried to speed up on a chilly morning and the C10 failed to answer my inputs attributable to low battery cost. This presents a possible security threat if you’re in want of a burst of energy in visitors or at an intersection.
Even when it’s firing on all cylinders (pardon the pun), acceleration is underwhelming. Leapmotor claims that the C10 REEV can dash from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds, and whereas that could be true in excellent circumstances, it feels slower in lots of eventualities.
That prompt surge of torque you affiliate with EVs is missing right here, and equally priced electrical rivals will go away the C10 REEV within the mud from a set of visitors lights.
It doesn’t assist that pedal really feel within the C10 REEV is subpar – each the accelerator and brake pedals are spongy and tough to modulate.
Along with inconsistent efficiency, the C10 REEV demonstrated fluctuating ranges of refinement all through our check. One second the petrol engine shall be going about its enterprise in near-silence after which, out of nowhere, it’ll transition to a loud thrum that detracts from cabin atmosphere.
Throughout these moments, although you’re driving what seems like an electrical automobile, the petrol engine reintroduces noise and vibrations which are extra carefully aligned to the expertise of a daily ICE automobile.
That brings us to effectivity. We noticed gas and power consumption figures of 9.2L/100km and 18.3kWh/100km respectively over three days of principally city driving, neither of which scream frugality. Admittedly, we ran the battery cost proper right down to near-empty in our time with the C10 REEV, placing additional load on the little four-cylinder.
However it nonetheless goes to indicate that conventional hybrids beat the C10 on gas economic system, whereas additionally being lighter and less complicated to run.
The driving dynamics additionally go away a bit to be desired. You may barely inform the steering wheel is linked to the wheels at every nook, such is the lightness of the rack, and whereas that’s useful from an ease of use perspective, it doesn’t promote driver engagement.
We didn’t have the possibility to drive the C10 REEV on a twisty nation street, however I extremely doubt it could excel in that surroundings given the shortage of steering really feel, efficiency, and chassis finesse.
The experience isn’t all that nice, both. The suspension feels floaty more often than not, however that doesn’t cease the C10 REEV from crashing over suburban velocity bumps.
On a extra constructive observe, the C10 gives glorious visibility and manoeuvrability.
Skinny pillars and an expansive panoramic roof make the cabin really feel open and ethereal whereas enhancing sight traces, that are additionally aided by the fitment of a pair of chunky facet mirrors.
The C10 additionally has an important turning circle, particularly for its measurement – don’t hesitate to drag a U-turn in tight confines, when required. Reverse parking is made straightforward by a set of cameras that show a number of viewing angles and a helpful distance monitor.
Whereas the parking tech demonstrates that Leapmotor is able to growing user-friendly security techniques, the superior driver assists techniques (ADAS) are a combined bag, particularly on the freeway.
Like most fashionable automobiles, the C10 comes outfitted with adaptive cruise management, however Leapmotor has taken it a step additional by including semi-autonomous driving options together with energetic lane centring and visitors jam help.
On paper, it’s a extremely superior system, however there’s loads of work to do from a calibration standpoint. I spent loads of time on the freeway within the C10 and located that lane centring was usually ‘unavailable’, even in good circumstances.
Even when the system was functioning, it’s twitchy and all the time making micro changes which are unsettling for the motive force. The lane-keep help operate is equally overactive – consider ten-pin bowling with the facet boundaries up.
I didn’t have anyplace close to as a lot belief within the assisted driving tech within the C10 as I do with rival SUVs, that’s for certain.
Security techniques apart, the C10 REEV is a good sufficient cruiser. It’s quiet on the freeway, and insulated sufficient to dam out exterior noise.
Nonetheless, the electrical motor feels a bit of strained if you go for pure EV driving. A minimum of you recognize it’ll go the gap on lengthy journeys, which may’t be mentioned of many BEVs.
What do you get?
The REEV’s lineup successfully mirrors that of the C10 EV, that means Type and Design grades and a strong degree of normal specification.
2025 Leapmotor C10 Type tools highlights:
- Eco, Consolation, Sport and Customized drive modes
- One-pedal drive mode
- Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables
- Panoramic fastened glass roof with electrical sunshade
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Computerized LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- WiFi and 4G connectivity
- Over-the-air updates
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Means to log into embedded apps like Spotify
- 12-speaker 840W sound system
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Warmth pump
- TechnoLeather upholstery
- Six-way energy driver’s seat
- 4-way energy passenger seat
Leapmotor C10 Design provides:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Rear privateness glass
- LED rear gentle bar
- Silicone leather-based seats with Oeko-Tex
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Energy tailgate
- Multi-colour ambient lighting
- Air high quality monitor
To see how the Leapmotor C10 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Is the Leapmotor C10 protected?
The Leapmotor C10 has a five-star ANCAP security ranking based mostly on testing carried out in 2024 by Euro NCAP.
| Class | Leapmotor C10 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Weak street consumer safety | 77 per cent |
| Security help | 77 per cent |
Customary security tools highlights:
- 7 airbags
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Lane centring
- Lane-keep help
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Protected exit warning
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Rear parking sensors
All C10 house owners additionally get three years of complimentary linked providers entry. This contains the usage of the Leapmotor smartphone app.
Features embody:
- Schedule battery charging
- Battery pre-heating
- Distant local weather management
- Distant automobile standing
- Distant management comfort options
- Distant central locking
- Bluetooth key assist
- Actual-time automobile location
To see how the Leapmotor C10 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the Leapmotor C10 price to run?
The Leapmotor C10 is roofed by a six-year, 150,000km guarantee, whereas its high-voltage battery pack is roofed by an eight-year, 160,000km guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Leapmotor C10 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 6 years, 150,000km – automobile 8 years, 160,000 – drive battery |
| Roadside help | 8 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 8 years |
| Common annual service price (5 years) | $400 |
| Complete capped-price service price (5 years) | $2000 |
To see how the Leapmotor C10 stacks up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Leapmotor C10 REEV
In some ways, the Leapmotor C10 seems like a less expensive, lesser Tesla Mannequin Y.
The minimalist, tech-focused cabin is straight out of the Tesla playbook, the semi-autonomous driving options are equally formidable, and the packaging is equally sensible.
When you love the Mannequin Y (or the thought of 1), the C10 hits most of the identical beats, albeit with a number of additional beeps.
The driving expertise is nowhere close to as refined, both. Whereas the addition of a petroleum engine might quell vary nervousness, it detracts from refinement and doesn’t deal with the ill-calibrated driver assists that proceed to plague the C10.
However on stability, there’s nonetheless advantage within the C10 as a cut-price Mannequin Y various, supplied you possibly can tolerate its quirks and flaws.
So, that leaves one remaining query: REEV or EV?
With 420km of claimed vary, the EV doesn’t lack endurance for the every day commute, particularly for those who can cost it at house. It’ll even be cheaper to run, because the powertrain is much less complicated and there’s no want to go to the petrol pump.
Then again, the REEV is cheaper to buy and gives extra flexibility to journey lengthy distances with out stressing over charging infrastructure – helpful for rural consumers, or those that head out bush regularly.
With that mentioned, it’s not notably environment friendly, and the combined drivetrain usually feels disjointed on the street. As such, this new model of the C10 components looks as if a compromise that’s solely value making for a small subset of consumers.
Concerned with shopping for a Leapmotor C10? Let CarExpert discover you the very best deal right here
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