Leapmotor C10 2024 Review

Recently, the D-segment electric vehicle market in Malaysia has become increasingly lively. Many brands are launching models in this range. When choosing a car, consumers are not only paying attention to range and power but also have higher expectations for space and features. Today, we will talk about the 2024 Leapmotor C10 EV, a newly launched contender in this segment. It focuses on spaciousness, high configurations, and a reasonable range performance, with an official price of 159,000 MYR. How much surprise can this price bring? In this test drive, we will evaluate its static experience and dynamic performance based on daily usage scenarios to see if it lives up to expectations.

In terms of exterior design, the Leapmotor C10 EV adopts a simple and stable style with not too many fancy lines. The front features a closed grille paired with a through-type LED daytime running light, which offers decent recognizability when illuminated. The air intake design on the lower bumper is quite neat, and there are fog lights embedded on both sides, enhancing practicality. The side profile has smooth lines, with a waistline extending cleanly from the front to the rear. The 20-inch wheels paired with 245/45 R20 tires give the side a strong presence. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights echo the front design. The light clusters are neatly arranged, providing clarity when lit. There's also a slight spoiler design on the edge of the trunk lid, giving the overall look a low-key yet elegant appearance.

Sitting inside, the materials and layout of the interior are quite impressive. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented with silver trims, making it feel pleasant to touch. A 14.6-inch central control screen serves as the visual focal point. It offers high resolution, smooth operation, and supports functions like navigation, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity, which are sufficient for daily use. The instrument panel is a 10.25-inch full LCD display that clearly shows information such as range, speed, and driving assistance status. In terms of features, the whole series comes standard with keyless entry, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, 6-way electric adjustment for the front seats, 4-way electric adjustment for the passenger seat, independent rear air vents, and USB ports. Safety configurations are also very comprehensive, including seven airbags, a 360-degree panoramic camera, ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active braking, providing a strong sense of security for everyday driving.

In terms of space performance, the dimensions of the Leapmotor C10 EV are 4739mm × 1900mm × 1680mm, with a wheelbase of 2825mm, which are considered standard in the D-segment. After adjusting the front seats to a comfortable position, there is one fist and two fingers of headroom and ample legroom. For the rear seats, there is over two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, making it comfortable even for three adults without feeling cramped. The trunk capacity is 435L, which is sufficient for daily storage of several suitcases. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, which can expand the storage space, making it convenient for transporting larger items.

In terms of power, the Leapmotor C10 EV is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power output of 160kW (218PS) and a maximum torque of 320N·m. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration is 7.5 seconds. During actual driving, the power response at startup is very direct, and you can feel a noticeable push-back effect with a light press of the accelerator. It makes overtaking and lane changes during city commutes effortless. There are three driving modes available: Economy, Standard, and Sport. In Economy mode, the power output is smoother, making it suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the throttle becomes more responsive, with more power reserved, making high-speed overtaking more confident. The chassis adopts front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, ensuring passengers inside the car do not feel too much discomfort. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and stability is satisfactory.

In terms of range, the official pure electric range is 424km. During this test drive, mainly conducted on urban roads with a small amount of highway driving, the air conditioning and music were on throughout the trip. The final range achievement rate was about 85%, performing as expected. Fast charging takes 0.5 hours (30%-80%), while slow charging requires 6.1 hours. In daily use, if you have a home charging station, slow charging overnight should basically meet your needs. At highway service areas, using fast charging allows for an 80% recharge in just half an hour, so there’s no need to worry about range anxiety during long-distance trips. As for energy consumption, it’s around 15kWh/100km on urban roads and approximately 18kWh/100km on highways, which aligns with the normal level of electric vehicles in this class.

In terms of ride comfort, the Leapmotor C10 EV delivers commendable performance. The cabin is well-insulated; below 60km/h, outside noise is barely audible. On highways, tire noise and wind noise become slightly more noticeable, but they do not interfere with normal conversations. The seat padding is relatively soft but supportive enough, ensuring long-term comfort without fatigue. The regenerative braking system is adjustable in three levels, and in the lowest setting, it feels similar to the coasting experience in a gas-powered car, without obvious drag—making it easy for newcomers to adapt.

Overall, the 2024 Leapmotor C10 EV offers spaciousness and features that exceed what you’d typically expect for the price of 159,000 MYR. Its safety and comfort features are especially more advanced compared to many vehicles in the same class. Performance is sufficient for daily use, the range is adequate for most scenarios, and the chassis tuning leans toward comfort, making it very suitable for families. Compared to competitors in the same price range, such as the BYD Atto 3 or Neta V, the Leapmotor C10 EV provides more space and better configurations, standing out for its value.

If you are a family-oriented user who values space, features, and comfort, or if you need an electric vehicle for daily commuting and occasional long-distance travel, the Leapmotor C10 EV is a good choice. It does not have any particularly obvious shortcomings and performs quite evenly across all aspects. Its price of 159,000 MYR is also highly competitive. In conclusion, the Leapmotor C10 EV is a pragmatic and practical electric vehicle, suitable for consumers seeking value for money and balanced performance.