Seven day test: 2025 Leapmotor C10 Design EV. I'll check back when you've finished it.

Leapmotor is a brand new Chinese language automotive model making its debut domestically, backed by the automotive large Stellantis (which incorporates manufacturers like Jeep and Peugeot), with the C10 medium SUV being its first providing.

The C10 is available in each a full electrical model, which is the main focus of this overview, and a range-extender hybrid mannequin. It is priced competitively, beginning at $45,888 earlier than on-road prices, making it round $10,000 cheaper than Australia’s best-selling Tesla Mannequin Y.

However does this cheaper price level translate to good worth? We put the top-tier Design mannequin, presently listed at $51,500 drive-away, by a week-long household take a look at, yielding combined outcomes.

Day 1: An Unconventional Starting

As seasoned automotive journalists, we frequently encounter new experiences, but right this moment introduced a singular problem: determining methods to flip off a Leapmotor C10. With no directions in hand, I discovered myself looking out on-line for an answer. After some analysis, a Malaysian TikToker demonstrated the method—tapping a credit score card-style key on the outside mirror turned off the car. Whereas intriguing, I can not assist however surprise why a easy cabin button isn’t an possibility.

You can even lock and unlock the automobile utilizing an app, however on condition that this isn’t my private car, I’m involved about counting on an app, particularly if my cellphone runs out of battery.

This unconventional begin has me apprehensive concerning the week forward.

Preliminary impressions reveal the seats are comfortably spongy, providing excessive seating positions. The cabin incorporates a minimalist design dominated by a big central display screen and digital driver show. On the highway, the SUV proves to be clean and quiet, though it additionally has a agency trip.

Nonetheless, adjusting facet mirrors and air flow by the middle display screen feels cumbersome. Setting the temperature is simple, but there are too many difficult methods to alter the path of chilly air, which fails to ship it to my desired location.

After solely a brief drive, the car’s driver-assist system begins its incessant notifications, distracting me from specializing in the highway. I finally delve into the ADAS menu and handle to show most of it off. However even when utilizing the radar cruise management on the freeway, the system alerts me with repetitive sounds every time it suspects I’m about to cross the lane, resulting in frustration.

Regardless of my makes an attempt, the lane-keeping help continues to be annoying, whether or not the cruise management is engaged or not.

Day 2: Indicators of Progress

Having realized a trick, I can now deactivate the lane-keeping help so long as the car is in Park. But it surely shouldn’t require such effort. These security techniques should alert the driving force solely in emergencies, not overwhelm them.

On my metropolis drive right this moment, I obtain a formidable consumption fee of 13kWh/100km, fairly commendable for an EV of this dimension. The spacious rear accommodates my youngsters effortlessly.

The digital shows are exceptional, boasting a ten.25-inch driver show and a 14.6-inch infotainment display screen that includes built-in navigation and numerous apps. One disadvantage, nevertheless, is the dearth of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto assist, which is promised to be rectified later this 12 months by an over-the-air replace.

Whereas I recognize the expertise, bringing a car to market with out these options appears untimely, particularly for a model making an attempt to ascertain itself. Moreover, the Automobile to Load (V2L) functionality is unsupported in the intervening time because of the absence of an applicable adapter.

General, I am starting to understand the C10’s single rear motor with 160kW/320Nm, which supplies comparable clean and quiet efficiency regardless of a firmer trip.

Day 3: Dealing with City Situations

Caught in site visitors right this moment, the C10 impresses with lively cruise management that successfully manages stop-and-go conditions. Nonetheless, I uncover a recurring concern: the symptoms fail to self-cancel persistently, which is an annoyance I’ve additionally encountered with different new Chinese language manufacturers.

Determined for a recharge, I discover a 50kW DC charger. Sadly, there’s no shelter, and I get drenched whereas charging. Why cannot charging stations supply some safety?

After operating errands for about 90 minutes, I return to a 97% charged car, able to reaching a 460km vary. I discover it comfy throughout the moist downpour when driving by roundabouts.

Day 4: Lengthy-Distance Driving

As I cowl important distances, the C10 exhibits its strengths in freeway cruising, with its soundproofing and audio system performing properly. Nonetheless, I encounter extra frustrations whereas charging at a BP Pulse station. Though the charger is rated for 150kW, it solely expenses at 84kW, which is disappointing for a contemporary car.

The parking space is darkish and poorly lit, inflicting me to make use of my cellphone’s flashlight to plug within the cost cable. Moreover, stopping the charging session requires a number of steps on the display screen, which is cumbersome when most EVs routinely launch the cable.

Day 5: Blended Experiences

The C10 features a wi-fi charging pad, nevertheless it overheats my cellphone. Inside, the cabin design features a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting, which all add a contact of luxurious. The kids take pleasure in ample rear-seat area and numerous USB ports for comfort.

Whereas the C10 seems spectacular at evening, I in the end resolve to desert the radar cruise management attributable to its inconsistent efficiency. The voice assistant may be quirky, sometimes greeting me in odd methods, although it struggles to precisely interpret important instructions.

Day 6: Dwelling Charging

Earlier than a household journey, I cost the car in a single day utilizing an ordinary outlet. To my shock, I drive round for 150km with out a warning concerning the open cost flap—a shocking oversight for a car with intensive alert techniques.

Whereas the boot is spacious sufficient for our baggage, the dearth of underfloor storage or a entrance trunk could deter some patrons.

Navigating a parking storage reveals the C10’s wonderful digicam system, standing out amongst its opponents.

Day 7: Closing Ideas

After a difficult week, it’s clear that the Leapmotor C10 packs many options appropriate for a medium electrical SUV with a notable vary of over 400km. Priced simply above $50,000 drive-away, it appears to current first rate worth.

Nonetheless, the car feels incomplete in a number of areas. Points with the driving force help options, gradual DC charging charges, and a scarcity of intuitive controls detract from the general driving expertise.

Whereas the C10 reveals potential, it’s advisable for potential patrons to match it towards options just like the Tesla Mannequin Y or the Kia EV5. These choices could require a better preliminary funding however doubtless supply a extra refined and complete electrical car expertise.