2024 Leapmotor C10 EV Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's D-segment SUV market is becoming increasingly fierce. Consumers are paying attention to practical aspects like range and space, while also having higher requirements for intelligent configurations and driving experience. As a new contender in this segment, the Leapmotor C10 EV directly targets the core needs of family users for "high configuration + long range" with an official range of 424 kilometers, standard L2-level driving assistance across all variants, and a price starting at RM 159,000. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying its actual range performance, space utilization, and daily driving comfort to determine whether this vehicle can truly become the "configuration ceiling" in its price range.

Approaching the Leapmotor C10 EV, its overall design is immediately eye-catching — without overly exaggerated electric vehicle elements, it is instead shaped by simple lines that exude the steady demeanor of an SUV. The front adopts a closed grille design, paired with through-type LED daytime running lights, which connect seamlessly with the split headlight units and give it a high-degree of recognition. The trapezoidal air intake at the bottom of the front bumper and the silver skid plate add a touch of off-road aura. The side profile features smooth lines, with a clear and forceful waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear. The 20-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 245/45 R20 tires make the proportions look harmonious. The rear design is also simple, with through-type LED taillights echoing the front end. The "LEAPMOTOR" badge on the tailgate enhances its refined feel, while the silver skid plate on the rear bumper mirrors the front, presenting a unified and aesthetically pleasing look.

Opening the door, a strong sense of technology greets you. The center console features a symmetrical layout, with a 14.6-inch floating central control screen as the visual focus. The screen has a clear resolution and smooth operation, while the 10.25-inch full-LCD instrument cluster on the left clearly displays key information such as speed and range. In terms of interior materials, the upper part of the dashboard and the inner sides of the door panels are all wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by silver trims and piano lacquer panels, delivering a quality that exceeds expectations. In terms of configuration, keyless entry and start are standard across all variants, and the front seats support 6-way power adjustment (driver's seat) and 4-way power adjustment (passenger seat). The heating function enhances comfort. The rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB ports, showing great attention to detail.

The space performance of the Leapmotor C10 EV is one of its major advantages. The vehicle dimensions are 4739×1900×1680mm, with a wheelbase of 2825mm, directly competing with mid-to-large SUVs. After adjusting the front seats to a suitable position, a person with a height of 175cm still has a headroom of one fist and two fingers. The rear legroom is up to two fists, and the headroom is also one fist, making long-time seating comfortable and not cramped. The standard trunk volume is 435L, which can easily accommodate three 20-inch suitcases. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design, which allows expansion to even larger space, meeting the needs of family outings or transporting large items. Additionally, there are multiple storage spaces inside the car, such as door pocket compartments and the central armrest box, making it highly practical.

In terms of power, the Leapmotor C10 EV is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that delivers a maximum power of 160kW (218PS) and a maximum torque of 320N·m, paired with a single-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive layout. During daily driving, the power response is quick, with light starts, and you can feel a noticeable pushback when pressing the accelerator deeply. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.5 seconds, fully meeting the needs of urban commuting and highway overtaking. The driving modes include Economy, Standard, and Sport. In Economy mode, the power output is relatively gentle, suitable for daily commuting, while Sport mode is more aggressive, and the steering wheel becomes heavier, appealing to users who seek driving excitement.

The handling performance is also impressive. The combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort, yet retains a certain level of support. When driving in urban roads, the suspension effectively filters out minor bumps, and vibrations when passing speed bumps are handled relatively gently; when cornering at high speed, the body lean is controlled within a reasonable range, and the steering is precise without noticeable play. In terms of braking, the front ventilated disc + rear ventilated disc brake system offers linear response and short braking distances, providing ample confidence.

Range is the most important concern for electric vehicle users. We conducted an actual range test: half of the journey was on urban roads (50% congestion + 50% clear) and the other half on highways cruising at 110km/h, with air conditioning and music on throughout. In the end, the actual range of the Leapmotor C10 EV reached about 380 kilometers, with a range achievement rate of approximately 89%, performing better than many models in the same class. In terms of charging speed, fast charging from 30% to 80% takes only 30 minutes, while slow charging requires 6.1 hours, meeting different charging needs in various scenarios. The energy consumption performance is also good, with a power consumption of about 16kWh per 100 kilometers, which is close to the official data.

When it comes to driving comfort, the Leapmotor C10 EV performs quite well. The front seats have moderate wrapping and soft padding, ensuring no fatigue during long drives; the rear seats are equally comfortable with ample legroom. The interior noise control is excellent, with minimal wind and tire noise at high speeds, and the sound of the motor running is very low. It's worth mentioning that the energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels, and even at the highest level, the drag is not abrupt, ensuring a smooth driving experience.

Safety features are a strong point of the Leapmotor C10 EV. The entire series comes standard with 7 safety airbags (driver, passenger, front side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags), electronic stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and other L2-level driving assistance functions. Additionally, the 360-degree panoramic camera and front and rear parking sensors make parking easier. These features make it virtually "fully equipped" among vehicles in the same price range, providing a strong sense of security.

In summary, the core strengths of the Leapmotor C10 EV are clear: First, it is "fully equipped," covering almost all mainstream features in the same segment, from smart technology to safety assistance; Second, it has solid range performance, with a high actual range achievement rate, meeting daily commuting and long-distance travel needs; Third, it offers ample space, with a wheelbase of 2825mm, providing generous front and rear space, which is suitable for family users. Compared with similarly-priced models like the BYD Song PLUS EV (priced around 165,000 MYR), the Leapmotor C10 EV has advantages in wheelbase, speaker count (12 vs. 8), and some safety features; compared to the Geely Geometry G6, its SUV body style and space performance are also more suitable for family use.

This car is most suitable for people who value practicality and cost-effectiveness in a family vehicle—they need a spacious, well-equipped, and reliable SUV for daily commuting and weekend family outings. At the same time, young users who appreciate a sense of technology and high configurations will also find that the Leapmotor C10 EV meets their needs.

Overall, the Leapmotor C10 EV is an electric SUV with "no obvious shortcomings," and its price of 159,000 MYR makes it highly competitive in its class. If you are looking for a high-configuration, long-range family electric vehicle, the Leapmotor C10 EV is definitely worth a try.