There’s something refreshingly honest about Leapmotor’s approach to electric vehicles. No grandiose promises, no revolutionary claims, just smart, well-executed SUVs that deliver exactly what they promise. We were given the chance to ‘leap’ from the compact B10 and its larger sibling, the C10 REEV, back to back and have come to appreciate how two vehicles from the same stable can serve distinctly different purposes, all while sharing a common DNA of practicality and value.
First Impressions – Design That Makes Sense
The B10 arrives with a confidence that belies its compact dimensions. At 4515mm long, 1885mm wide, and 1655mm tall, it’s noticeably more compact than the C10, yet the proportions feel spot-on. Clean lines define the profile, with hidden door handles that blend seamlessly into the bodywork, a feature that’s both visually appealing and aerodynamically beneficial. The 18-inch alloy wheels fill the arches nicely, combining bold styling with lightweight strength. What strikes us most is how the B10 manages to look premium without trying too hard. The full LED headlights create an iconic front signature, while the LED taillights at the rear add character without being ostentatious.
Meanwhile, the C10, being the larger mid-size offering, commands more road presence but shares similar design language. Both vehicles feature the sharp vision of full LED lighting front and rear, ensuring excellent visibility while contributing to their distinctive identities. Styling is indeed subjective, but the B10’s sharper, better-proportioned look gives it a more contemporary feel compared to the established C10. The B10 also benefits from rear window privacy glass in the Design trim, adding to its premium aesthetic.
Living Inside – Where Differences Emerge
Step inside the B10, and you’re greeted by an interior that feels genuinely more friendly than the ultra-minimalist C10. There are more colours, textures, and thoughtful touches at play. The 14.6-inchinfotainment screen dominates the dashboard, delivering an intuitive and immersive experience with its sleek, seamless design. Complementing this is an 8.8-inch LCD driver cluster that displays speed, mileage, battery status, and ADAS data in real-time, keeping essential information within easy eyeshot.
The materials throughout the cabin genuinely surprised me, they feel better than expected, with a quality that exceeds what you’d find in the larger C10. In the Design trim, eco-leather seats with six-way electric adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger create a genuinely premium feel. These seats also come heated and ventilated, a welcome addition for New Zealand’s varied climate. The fully reclinable front seats transform the cabin into a relaxation space, ideal for those moments when you need a quick break or simply want to stretch out.
The panoramic sunroof deserves special mention. It genuinely transforms the cabin atmosphere, flooding the interior with natural light while the electric sunshade provides complete protection when needed. It’s this balance between openness and shelter that creates a truly refreshing driving experience.
Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either. Dual front wireless chargers eliminate cable clutter, accommodating two smartphones simultaneously. The 12-speaker sound system delivers clear, immersive audio, while 64-colour ambient lighting syncs with your music to create a tailored atmosphere. The electric tailgate on the Design trim adds convenience for those daily shopping runs.
Technology That Serves a Purpose
The infotainment ecosystem centres on the Leap 4.0 Plus system, representing the newest iteration of Leapmotor’s software. It’s intuitive without overwhelming you with unnecessary complications. The Leapmotor app keeps you connected to your vehicle from anywhere, offering full control and real-time updates directly from your smartphone. Over-the-air updates ensure the B10 remains fresh and smart, with new features, performance upgrades, and enhanced security delivered automatically without service visits.
An NFC card key provides an elegant alternative to traditional keys or phone access, fitting neatly in your wallet – ideal for light travel or sharing your vehicle. It’s these thoughtful touches that demonstrate Leapmotor’s understanding of daily usage patterns. HOWEVER – having to tag the card on the door mirror (the most venerable part of a car?) to unlock grew tiresome, particularly when said card needs to be in the phone charger spot to start the car too!?!!
Safety technology is comprehensive, with 17 ADAS functions enhancing comfort and protection from urban traffic to highway cruising. A 360-degree camera system and rear parking sensors make manoeuvring stress-free. Rain sensors automatically adjust wiper speed in the Design trim. The B10 has recently achieved a prestigious 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, validating its comprehensive safety credentials. The C10 similarly boasts a 5-star NCAP rating, establishing Leapmotor’s commitment to safety across its range.
Powertrain and Driving Experience
The B10 arrives in New Zealand initially as a pure battery-electric SUV, delivering smooth, instantaneous power delivery that characterises modern EVs. My 67kWh (434km range WLTP) ‘Design’ spec model featured a powerful single motor (160kW/240Nm) and an 8s 0-100km/h sprint time. Its compact dimensions and aerodynamic efficiency made it an ideal urban companion with sufficient range for daily commuting and weekend adventures. In essence, the B10’s driving experience can be summed up in two words, refinement and predictability – it simply gets on with the job without fuss.
On the other hand, the C10 REEV (Range Extender Electric Vehicle) offers a compelling alternative for those with range anxiety or longer commuting requirements. The range extender technology uses a small combustion engine as a generator to charge the battery, extending overall range significantly while maintaining the smooth, electric driving experience. This makes the C10 REEV particularly appealing for those transitioning from conventional vehicles or those who regularly undertake longer journeys. It boasts 975km of WLTP range (upto 145km in EV-only), while its 1.5L/electric motor combo generates 158kW/320Nm and a fuel efficiency figure of 0.9L/100km.
Both vehicles benefit from smooth power delivery, advanced driver assistance features, and a refined driving experience that belies their competitive pricing. The B10 feels nimble and responsive in urban environments, while the C10’s larger footprint provides stability and confidence on motorways.
Value Proposition and Target Markets
Starting from $42,990 plus on-road costs for the B10 Life (with current $2,000 savings), and $47,990 for the Design trim, the B10 represents exceptional value. Both variants come comprehensively equipped, with the Design trim adding those desirable premium touches like eco-leather seats, heated and ventilated functions, 12 speakers, and the electric tailgate.
The B10 targets urban professionals, young families, and downsizers seeking a premium-feeling electric vehicle without premium pricing. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for city parking while offering sufficient space for daily needs. The sharper styling and newer technology appeal to those wanting the latest and greatest in a manageable package.
The C10, being the larger, established mid-size SUV available in both EV and REEV forms, suits families requiring more space and those wanting the security blanket of range-extender technology. The C10 REEV particularly appeals to those with longer commutes or limited charging infrastructure, offering electric driving with combustion backup.
Tarmac Takeaway
Both vehicles come backed by a reassuring 4-year/100,000km warranty, 8-year/160,000km battery warranty, and 4-year roadside assistance. This demonstrates Leapmotor’s confidence in its products and provides peace of mind for buyers.
The B10 represents the evolution of Leapmotor’s design and technology philosophy, sharper, more refined, and driver-centric. It’s the vehicle for those who want contemporary style, latest technology, and compact practicality. The C10 REEV offers versatility through its range-extender technology and larger dimensions, perfect for families or those requiring the security of extended range capability.
Leapmotor isn’t trying to revolutionize the electric vehicle market, they’re simply building smart, well-executed SUVs that deliver genuine value. Whether you choose the compact sophistication of the B10 or the versatile practicality of the C10 REEV, you’re getting a vehicle that understands what modern drivers actually need. And sometimes, that’s precisely what makes the difference.
