Mid-size electric SUVs have flooded the UK market over the last five years. With EV demand plateauing and consumer interest in hybrids rising, Chinese brand Leapmotor has launched an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), the C10 REEV.
Recently, we had a chance to experience a global-spec C10 REEV, and spent our time observing its space, comfort, design, features, and various other aspects in detail. Here’s what we think about the extended-range electric variant of the C10:
Design
The Leapmotor C10 REEV has a conservative look with well-balanced proportions. The design avoids dramatic twists, quirky elements, or exaggerated sportiness at any angle, and isn’t clamouring for attention. Instead, we felt that it was prioritising a clean, restrained look, focusing on everyday usage.
Split headlamp designs have become increasingly common in SUVs. Against this backdrop, the Leapmotor C10 REEV’s conventional single-piece headlamp brings a refreshing sense of normalcy. That said, the front-end design lacks a strong visual identity and comes across as somewhat bland. We feel that this is an area of focus for the facelift.
On the sides, the C10 REEV avoids overly-done ruggedness or even the EV-typical aerodynamic wheels. The high, relatively flat roofline and raised roof rails are also atypical for modern electric SUVs, but the former maximises interior space while the latter brings additional versatility. At the rear, connected combination lamps do well to highlight the wide body of the vehicle.
Interior
The minimalist and highly digital interior of the Leapmotor C10 REEV is a typical Chinese EV affair. The dashboard conceals the front-facing air vents and is connected to a bridge-type centre console.
It features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Discreet ambient lighting illuminates the middle layer of the dashboard and the upper sections of the front and rear door panels, and the vibe did feel quite premium.
In line with its one-model, one-version strategy in the UK, Leapmotor has launched the C10 REEV in a single feature-packed trim.
A 2.1 m2 panoramic sunroof, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, six-way (driver)/four-way (passenger) electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation functions, and an electrically operated tailgate are standard. The company also bundles 17 advanced driver assistance systems and seven airbags.
Our experience in the Leapmotor C10 REEV
Getting into the Leapmotor C10, it feels noticeably larger than the B10 I had just been in. The front seats feel supportive, with strong back support, good shoulder support, and abundant headroom. Under-thigh support feels good even for a six-footer like me.
Outward visibility is good, helped by the large windows and conventional greenhouse. The A-pillars feel slightly thick, but I did not find visibility compromised.
In the centre console area, I see a single wireless phone charger and a small storage box under the armrest. A narrow pass-through space sits lower down, though it does not look large enough for a bag and feels better suited for small items such as a phone.
With the front seat set to my driving position, the rear seat feels comfortable. I notice a small thigh extender that adds support, and under-thigh support and back support feel good. Headroom remains generous, and the large glass roof brings a lot of light into the cabin.
Rear passengers get USB ports and their own air vents and cup holders on the same console, although temperature and fan speed are not adjustable from the rear. I also see map pockets and a fold-down centre armrest, but there are no cupholders in the armrest.
Material finishes vary by area, with softer surfaces higher up and harder plastics lower down, but the cabin looks neatly assembled. Knee room is good, and my shoes slide under the front seat. Three adjustable headrests are fitted, and the flat floor makes three-abreast seating possible, with the middle position feeling tighter.
Specifications
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is just as big as its all-electric donor, measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height and having a 2,825 mm wheelbase. It offers 400 litres of boot space, 35 litres less than the C10, but this capacity can be expanded to the same 1,410 litres by folding the rear seat. It does not get a 32-litre frunk like the electric model, obviously.
The extended-range electric variant of the C10 adds a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 50-litre fuel tank. A generator with an efficiency of 96.5% is directly coupled to this engine. It consumes 0.3 litres to generate each kWh of electrical energy, which is directed to a 28.4 kWh LFP battery pack.
Through an external charger, the battery pack can be charged at up to 6.6 kW (AC)/65 kW (DC). It powers a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 158 kW (215 bhp) and 320 Nm (236 lb.-ft.) of torque.
The C10 REEV accelerates from nought to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 106 mph. It can travel 90 miles in EV mode and up to 603 miles combined, both as per WLTP. The fuel economy and CO2 emissions are rated at 706.2 mpg and 38 g/km, respectively.
Price
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The Leapmotor C10 REEV retails at the same price as the pure electric C10, at GBP 36,500. That said, Leapmotor is currently offering a GBP 3,750 discount on the latter, bringing its OTR price down to GBP 32,750.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
