Leap into the unknown! 2025 Leapmotor C10 slashes entry price for medium electric SUVs $10,000 below Tesla Model Y and Kia EV5

October 24, 2024October 23, 2024 Bruce Newton 9468 Views C10, EV5, Kia, Leapmotor, model y, Tesla

The Chinese newcomer Leapmotor has reset the pricing floor in the medium electric SUV segment with the Tesla Model Y-fighting C10 well under $50,000 before on-road costs.

On-sale in Australia in November, the C10 range kicks off with the $45,888 Style and then proceeds to the $49,888 Design.

Even taking into account on-road costs, the 2025 Leapmotor C10 Style will easily undercut the entry-level $55,900 (plus ORCs) Model Y as well as the new Kia EV5, which starts at $56,770 drive-away for the Air Standard Range.

Its pricing even undercuts the top-end of the BYD Atto 3 compact SUV line-up, which in extended range form is $47,499 plus ORCs.

As previously confirmed, the Leapmotor C10 will also be backed by a lengthy seven-year unlimited km warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty in Australia.

That extended protection makes sense as Leapmotor was only founded in 2015 and has virtually no public profile in Australia.

It is being distributed here by the local arm of Stellantis, the automotive giant that owns brands as diverse as Jeep, Peugeot and RAM.

Stellantis has a 51 per cent share in a co-venture with Leapmotor to distribute the brand outside China.

To celebrate its launch in Australia, customers who take delivery of their Leapmotor C10 by March 31 2025 will receive one-year free charging on the Chargefox network.

While both Leapmotor C10 models will have the same rear-mounted 160kW/320Nm e-motor, 69.9kWh battery pack and 420km claimed WLTP range, they will be separated by their equipment lists.

Style features include 18-inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing LED headlights, a 14.6-inch infotainment system, sat-nav, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, wireless phone charger, a fixed panoramic roof, 12-speaker sound system, 360-degree camera and flush door handles..

The Design variant adds 20-inch alloys, LED tail-light bar with animated signature, Silicone leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, interior air quality monitor, multi-colour ambient lighting and rear privacy glass.

Premium paint will be a $990 option for both cars.