New Leapmotor C10 SUV gains 590-mile range-extender to leave rivals trailing

The Leapmotor C10 is an electric mid-size SUV that’s gunning for the Skoda Enyaq, Nissan Ariya and Toyota bZ4X – and it’s aiming to broaden its appeal thanks to a new range-extender version that can cover more than 590 miles. 

That’s more than twice the range of the standard pure-electric C10. In fact on paper, the C10 REEV, as it’s officially called, is able to drive non-stop from London to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

The regular C10 uses a 69.9kWh battery and 218bhp e-motor, which allows for 261 miles of range from one charge, and has a maximum charging speed of 84kW, meaning it takes 30 minutes to be replenished from 30 to 80 per cent.

12

The C10 REEV swaps in a smaller 28.4kWh battery and 212bhp e-motor, which alone provides just 90 miles of range, but also under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre petrol engine that emits as little as 10g/km of CO2. Its sole purpose is to generate energy for the electric motor and battery, rather than drive the wheels, meaning the car still drives like an electric car, but offers more flexibility. 

The C10 REEV also supports DC rapid-charging up to 65kW, and drivers will be offered different Energy Modes for the powertrain that prioritise electric driving or deliver maximum power output, as required. 

It’s unclear if or when the C10 REEV will arrive in the UK, but we may find out soon as this new variant will feature at the upcoming Brussels Motor Show in Belgium. The pure-electric Leapmotor C10 went on sale late last year, with a starting price of £36,500.

At 4,739mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,680mm tall, the C10 is a similar size to the BMW iX3, although it undercuts the German car on price, as well as the afore-mentioned European and Japanese rivals. 

The battery pack itself is directly integrated into the C10’s chassis using Leapmotor’s ‘Cell-to-chassis’ technology. The idea is not only to improve the battery’s layout and free up interior space, but also to increase torsional rigidity. Leapmotor claims the C10’s battery has an expected lifespan of more than 372,000 miles. 

12

The exterior design incorporates a lot of smooth surfacing, including flush-fitting door handles and some subdued BMW iX-like wheelarches. There’s a full-width light bar at the front and another at the rear, both featuring LEDs. The car’s profile is a typical SUV shape with a slightly raised bonnet that Leapmotor says is designed to protect pedestrians. 

The C10’s interior takes a leaf out of Tesla’s minimalist playbook. There are scroll buttons on the steering wheel to operate the 14.6-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch driver’s display, but aside from the window switches, that’s about it for physical controls. The dash layout is simple, with a long, horizontal strip for the air vents, along with two cup-holders and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The gear selector is located on the steering wheel column, and above the occupants there’s an electric sunshade with a panoramic sunroof behind it. 

Despite the barren-looking cabin, Leapmotor says the C10 has 26 storage compartments inside: 10 up front, 10 for rear passengers and six in the boot. The boot capacity stands at 435 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them down. 

The initial launch version of the C10 has the “highest level of specification”, according to Leapmotor. That includes 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, a 360-degree panoramic camera, a 12-speaker sound system, powered tailgate, and a heated steering wheel. 

If you’ve not heard of Leapmotor before, that’s probably because the Chinese brand only began selling cars in the UK and Europe in late 2024. Apart from the C10, its only other offering at the moment is the T03 city car, which competes directly with the Dacia Spring and is available to order from £15,995. 

Long commute? These are the longest range electric cars on sale...