Positioned as a family-friendly option, the Leapmotor C10 EV offers a unique combination of a striking exterior, a plush interior adorned with high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology, and a performance package that promises both efficiency and dynamism. This review delves into the nuanced facets of the Leapmotor C10 EV's design, comfort, and driving experience, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of what sets this vehicle apart in the burgeoning field of electric mobility.
Exterior
The Leapmotor C10 EV adopts a design philosophy that harmonizes technology with natural aesthetics, evident in its exterior styling. The front fascia features a closed grille design, accentuated by a sizeable air duct that includes smoked air intakes, lending the vehicle a dynamic appearance. The integration of unique, through-type headlight assemblies enhances visual appeal when illuminated. These headlights are equipped with LED technology, including adaptive high-beam and low-beam functions, automatic headlight adjustments, and a delay-off feature, all of which can be controlled via the central touchscreen.
From the side, the C10 EV presents a sleek profile with straight waistlines and concealed electric door handles. The black treatment of the A, B, and C pillars, along with the exterior mirrors, adds a modern touch. The vehicle's charging port is conveniently located on the left rear side, complemented by 18-inch alloy wheels. The mirrors offer functionalities like electric adjustment, heating, folding, and memory settings, alongside rain-sensing wipers.
The rear design is full and robust, highlighted by a through-type tail light assembly that stands out in the dark. Raised lines on the upper part outline the vehicle's stature, with the brand's lettering below further emphasizing its identity. A large black surround wraps the lower part, completing the sophisticated exterior look.
Interior
The interior of the Leapmotor C10 EV is dressed in a dual-tone theme, officially named "Sunset Orange," exuding an air of elegance reminiscent of classical beauty. This is complemented by silver chrome accents on the doors and lower dashboard, alongside extensive use of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, enhancing the overall tactile and visual quality. The steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather and offers adjustments for height and reach, with an optional heating function.
Technology-wise, the vehicle boasts a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen powered by the Leapmotor OS and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip. Features include GPS and AR navigation, emergency roadside assistance, Bluetooth/vehicle phone, smartphone mirroring, connected services, OTA updates, facial recognition, voice control, an app store, and karaoke functionality, complemented by a 12-speaker sound system. The user interface is rich and responsive, with customizable widgets and wallpapers, enhancing the digital experience.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the C10 EV is powered by a 231 horsepower permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, delivering a total power output of 170 kW and a torque of 320 Nm. It houses a 69.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, supporting fast charging in 0.5 hours and slow charging in 6.1 hours, with a pure electric range of 530 kilometers. The vehicle features a single-speed transmission for EVs, paired with a front MacPherson and rear multi-link suspension setup.
The vehicle's dynamic performance is geared towards family use, with a sensitive powertrain that provides an immediate sense of acceleration. Sport mode is available for a more vigorous response. Handling is stable and controlled, with no significant body roll during sharp turns. The steering is well-weighted, and the suspension tuning effectively filters out most road irregularities, ensuring a comfortable ride.
Conclusion
The Leapmotor C10 EV stands out as a family-oriented mid-size SUV with a youthful and sharp exterior design, featuring through-type lighting elements that enhance recognition. The interior is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials and advanced technology, providing a luxurious and comfortable cabin experience. Equipped with a Level 2 autonomous driving system and an ample electric range, it meets daily driving needs with ease. The C10 EV represents a compelling package for those in the market for a versatile, electric family SUV.