Affordable Electric SUV Challenge: Newcomer Leapmotor B10 from China
Affordable Chinese SUV Unveiled: Introducing the Leap Motor B10
Get ready to shake up the market, folks! Leapmotor, the Chinese sub-brand under Stellantis, is set to launch an electric compact SUV, the B10, this fall. With a size similar to a VW Tiguan, this budget-friendly ride is expected to pose a challenge to Stellantis' own offerings.
Experts predict that more electric vehicles will be sold in China this year than internal combustion engine vehicles, marking a turning point. The support from the government, with electricity for cars costing about a third the price of gasoline, alongside city subsidies for clean powertrains, accelerates this shift.
In Shanghai, for instance, vehicles with an electric range greater than 50 kilometers receive a green license plate for immediate registration. To register a combustion engine vehicle, one needs to hope for a lottery and shell out around 12,000 euros.
This incentive, more than any lavish advertising campaign, fuels the rapid introduction and sale of electric vehicles in China. Following this trend, Leapmotor raked in 10,000 orders for its B10 in just an hour and 32,000 orders in 48 hours.
Coming to Germany this Autumn
The electric brother of the C10, in terms of size, will also grace German roads this fall. We had a spin in the 4.51-meter SUV at Auto Shanghai 2025. With influences from the no-frills C10 and a sportier, modern touch, the interior is a clean, clear space operated primarily via a crystal-clear 14.6-inch touch display or voice assistant.
New Leap Platform 3.5
Equipped with the new Leap Platform 3.5, the B10 is part of a trio of models in the B series, joined by the recently unveiled hatchback, the B01, and the fastback model, the B05, slated to debut at the IAA in September, competing against the ID.3 in Europe beginning spring 2026.
Promising more interior space for passengers, enhanced networking, and a more efficient electric drive, the platform boasts 400-volt charging technology, adaptable for 800 volts. Leapmotor is also preparing HDK EV platform batteries as a sustainable solution, reducing waste and energy consumption during the manufacturing process.
Performance Levels, Battery Sizes, and Range
From the get-go, the B10 will be available in two performance levels and two battery sizes. Drivers can pick between 132 kW/180 PS and 175 kW/238 PS. With the smaller 56.2 kWh battery, the SUV should cover approximately 510 kilometers, according to the Chinese standard, while the 67.1 kWh battery is projected to offer around 600 kilometers.
Leapmotor has also planned for a range extender version, available at the same price point later on. In this version, the additional four-cylinder gasoline engine will not drive the wheels, instead powering the battery while the car is on the move, ensuring a range of around 1000 kilometers without recharging.
Benefits Over China's Competitors
Starting at around 30,000 euros, the B10 stands out in the Chinese market, appealing to cost-conscious consumers. When it comes to our European roads, Leapmotor will benefit from being practically omnipresent at Stellantis dealerships, with 90 locations handling sales and service at present, aiming to rise to 140 by 2026.
With competitive leasing rates and quality finessing before hitting European soil, the Leapmotor B10 is poised to create some ripples within the Stellantis family, particularly when compared to similar models from Peugeot and Opel.
The Leapmotor B10:
- Five-seater, compact SUV in the premium compact segment
- Size: 4.51 meters long, 1.88 meters wide, 1.65 meters high, Wheelbase: 2.74 meters, Boot volume: 420-1415 liters
- Electric motor: 132 kW/180 PS, Torque: 175 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 9.3 s, Top speed: 160 km/h, Consumption: n/a, Battery size: 56.2 kWh, Range: 510 km (Chinese testing standard), Charging power: n/a
- Expected Price: ~30,000 euros
Source: ntv.de, Tomas Hirschberger, sp-x
- Chinese Automakers
- SUVs
- Electromobility
- Stellantis
- Electric Vehicles
Additional Insights:
While there isn't specific information on electric SUVs under the Stellantis umbrella that are produced by Chinese automakers, let's look at some notable Chinese electric SUV competitors.
- BYD Electric SUVs: BYD offers a range of electric SUVs, including the BYD Tang and the Atto 3. Established in 2005, BYD is known for offering affordable electric vehicles like the Yuan EV and Qin EV, often priced lower than many competitors.
- XPeng G9: Launched in April 2022, the XPeng G9 is one of China's top electric SUVs, trading blows with models like the Zeekr 7X. Priced between 279,900 and 455,900 yuan, the XPeng G9 offers a premium experience with advanced tech features.
- GWM Haval Xiaolong A07: This is a new electric small SUV meant to compete with other budget options like the Cherry Amod E5 and the BYD SEA-Q EV. Dubbed the "GWM Haval Jolion EV" or "GWM Haval M Series" in other regions, the starting price might hover around $40,000, depending on the powertrain.
- Zeekr 9 and 7X: Zeekr, a Visionary Mobility company, is another brand providing high-end electric SUVs with sleek designs and cutting-edge technology.
Regarding Stellantis, they are a global automaker with partnerships and joint ventures, but they do not directly produce electric SUVs under a Chinese automaker brand umbrella. However, their global brands like Peugeot, Citroën, and DS Automobiles do offer electric models, but these are not exclusively Chinese brands.
- The Chinese sub-brand Leapmotor, under Stellantis, is introducing the B10, an affordable electric compact SUV this fall, competing with Stellantis' own offerings.
- Experts anticipate a shift in China's automotive industry, with more electric vehicles expected to sell this year than internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Leapmotor's B10 and the electric brother of the C10 will also be available in Germany this autumn, with improved networking and efficient electric drive technology.
- Equipped with the new Leap Platform 3.5, the B10 will be part of a trio of models in the B series, including the B01 and B05.
- The B10 will be available in two performance levels, two battery sizes, and a range extender version, offering a projected range of up to 600km.
- Leapmotor plans to create a sustainable battery solution with their HDK EV platform, reducing waste and energy consumption during manufacturing.
- In the Chinese market, the B10's competitive pricing, combined with Stellantis' established dealership network, positions it to make an impact, particularly when compared to similar models from Peugeot and Opel.
