Leapmotor C10 4×4: Family rocket at a budget price

When good intentions, good execution, and «stinginess is cool!» come together, things can move quickly: Leapmotor is only ten years old. A year ago, the Chinese brand was as big as Porsche. This year saw its European launch, production doubled, and is currently on par with Seat. The trend is upward. No wonder: despite its electric drive (except for one plug-in hybrid), the range focuses on budget prices, whether it's the T03 city runabout, the B10 compact SUV, or the C10 family SUV.

Accelerates every family rapidly
With the C10 starting at CHF 35,900, the myth that family electric cars are unaffordable no longer applies. And with the world premiere of the all-wheel-drive C10 at Auto Zürich in the fall, Leapmotor is going one step further: fully equipped, with a five-year (battery eight-year) or 200,000-kilometer warranty and – no typo – 440 kW/598 hp, the C10 4×4 costs, hold on to your hats, 39,900 Swiss francs. ’Perhaps the fastest car in its price range,’ says Leapmotor Switzerland boss Patrick von Bachellé. At full throttle, the C10 takes off like a rocket and pushes us back into our seats: 4.0 seconds to 100 km/h.

All-rounder with emphasis on comfort
But that's not the only thing that amazes us on the first test drive. The mix of pronounced comfort (only rumbling occasionally in town) and cornering is just right. Yes, the steering could be a little more responsive—but let's be honest, who drives mountain races all the time? Even the assistance and infotainment systems, which were a source of sweaty palms (when the lane assist intervened too aggressively) and tears of laughter (when the navigation system got its words mixed up) during the first C10 test, seem to have been revised and make as few mistakes as the impeccably crafted interior. Plus: family-friendly space.

Only the almost entirely touchscreen-based operation of the 4.74-meter family SUV is problem-free in itself, but it is distracting. During the short drive, it remained unclear whether the standard range of 437 kilometers (WLTP) is realistic. According to the display, despite the heating being on, the estimated range would have been 380 kilometers – a good figure. Despite its 800-volt technology, the 82-kWh battery can be charged at home with 11 kW (i.e., a full charge overnight) and with 180 kW at a fast charger (20 minutes from 30 to 80 percent).

Autosprint conclusion: Like all newcomers, Leapmotor will need time to establish itself. But the product itself is not the issue: this bargain is sure to attract interest from the 28 dealers.