Earlier today, the folks over at Stellantis Malaysia held a special press preview of its upcoming new Leapmotor C10 EV crossover SUV. Unlike the model first shown during the Malaysia Auto Show 2024, the firm showed off right-hand-drive (RHD) units locally for the first time today.
Well, having sized it up in the flesh, there’s indeed much to look forward to from the Leapmotor C10, which will undoubtedly face very stiff competition when it officially launches sometime in the final quarter (Q4) of this year. Despite Stellantis Malaysia remaining tight-lipped about specifications and certain details, there’s indeed much to garner from our preview.
Firstly, size, and the the first Leapmotor model to be offered in Malaysia has a footprint befitting of a typical D-segment SUV – a la Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Mazda CX-8, Hyundai Santa Fe and Proton X90. At 4,739 MM long with a 2,825 MM wheelbase, 1,900 MM wide and 1,680 MM tall, the C10 is indeed a sizeable thing, which translates to a rather spacious cabin too.
Looking at how Stellantis’ Australian arm markets the C10 Down Under, there are two guises available – ‘Style’ and ‘Design’. The latter is the higher-specced flavour of the two, and it appear this is the sole guise Stellantis Malaysia will offer the C10 in locally. One key exterior touch denoting the ‘Design’ guise is its choice of 20-inch wheels.
To cap off the exterior, it’s worth highlighting that the Leapmotor C10 appears to be on par with more ‘premium’ rivals. Apart from the rolling stock noted, the C10 rocks intelligent all-LED headlights matched with all-LED taillights with a connecting lightbar running across its tailgate, as well as tasty blacked-out accents (i.e. bumper inserts, mirror caps, and roof rails).
Under the hood, the Leapmotor C10 adopts a single e-motor that powers the rear wheels exclusive, thus making it rear-wheel-drive (RWD). Said motor, which is rated at 218 PS (160 KW), is juiced by an LFP-type battery pack that boasts a 69.9 kWh capacity. According to Stellantis Malaysia, a full charge grants up to 420 KM of WLTP-rated range too.
As for charging, the firm remained tight-lipped regarding peak AC and DC charging speeds for the C10’s on-board charger (OBC). Instead, the firm’s website did note the ability to fast-charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Expect details surrounding charging speed to be fully disclosed once the C10 is officially launched.
As for performance, Stellantis Malaysia also elected to remain coy on this front. However, in a virtual global brand introduction session held online prior to today’s preview, Leapmotor brand execs did highlight that the C10 models it intends to export overseas – presumably Malaysia included – will have suspension tuned by Maserati.
Moving on board and, aptly, the Leapmotor C10 has got plenty of luxe and tech abound to keep it both on par with and surpass expectations typically warranted with EV crossovers of this size. One thing to note however is that despite its sizeable dimensions akin to crossover SUVs with three-rows of seats, this offering only offers two rows of seats for up to five occupants only.
Notable here is the C10’s adoption of ‘Oeko-Tex’ upholstery covering the seats and dash. The firm claims this leather-like material is liquid-resistant and baby-friendly, which should make this a rather ideal crossover for families. Adding to its family-friendly credentials too is the presnece of a powered tailgate feature.
As for tech and amenities, the Leapmotor C10 is brimmed to the core with a barrage of connectivity-driven functions. Much of which stem from its sizeable 14.6-inch central touchscreen that boasts Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with built-in satellite navigation. It does however see both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity absent.
Other key amenities include novel NFC key card, panoramic fixed glass sunroof with electric sunshade, automatic dual-zone climate control with rear passenger vents, heated and ventilated seats, wireless charging pad, novel cabin ambient lighting, 12-speaker surround audio suite, not forgetting an equally sizeable 10.25-inch digital instrument panel too.
Over on to safety and driving assistance, the Leapmotor C10 seems to have this covered well too despite overseas export versions – presumably Malaysia-bound units included – losing the Lidar sensor seen in the Chinese domestic market version. The basics includes no less than seven airbags lining the cabin, along with ABS and electronic stability control.
That aside, a Level 2-rated Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package plus a 360-degree camera offers no less than 16 related functions, all resulting in a high-degree of semi-autonomous driving abilities. Yes, rather typical of most Chinese-made EVs, but these traits are indeed welcoming, and should justify whatever price the Leapmotor C10 will command.
Speaking of which, price was of course one detail Stellantis Malaysia skirted away adamantly from hinting. However, the firm had previously clued us in that the Leapmotor C10 will be “in the price ballpark of most popular EVs currently in Malaysia.”
On that note, given its larger size and arguably higher-end array of kit, we can expect the Leapmotor C10 to command a premium over things like the recently refreshed BYD Atto 3 (RM149,800), for instance.
