Chinese start-up launches new electric SUV in Australia

One of China’s top EV start-ups is set to enter the Australian market with a new SUV.

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor is set to make its Australian debut with the launch of its electric SUV – the C10.

Expected to arrive in dealerships later this year, the C10 is the brand’s first global model which promises to offer Australian families a tech-savvy and affordable SUV.

While the price is yet to be revealed by Leapmotor, the C10 is expected to have an entry point of approximately $50,000.

The Leapmotor C10. Picture: Supplied

The C10 is Leapmotor’s first global model and has already garnered international attention, securing the 2024 Gold Award from the French Design Awards.

The vehicle is positioned as an ideal vehicle for modern families with a range of 420 km (WLTP cycle).

It’s available in two trims - Design and Style, each offering two interior choices and five exterior colours.

The Style variant offers 18-inch black double five-spoke wheels and the Design comes with larger 20-inch trident sporty wheels.

It offers ample space with 26 flexible storage areas, a 2.1 sqm panoramic sunroof, and the ability to fold the front seats back to create a “bedroom” space.

Inside, drivers are greeted with a 10.25-inch driver instrument display and a 14.6-inch high definition central screen, alongside a 12-speaker sound system.

The infotainment system is intuitive and allows users to embed apps like Spotify and Zoom, plus manage features like ambient lighting, which syncs with the music playing in the car.

Additionally the vehicle has luxurious features like heat and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control with heat-pump technology that warms the cabin quickly and efficiently.

The 14.6-inch high definition central display in the C10. Picture: Supplied

On the technology front, the C10 boasts some of Leapmotor’s most advanced features, including its four-domain integrated electric architecture.

Leapmotor Vice President Matt Lei said the car’s electronics are a standout feature among competitors.

“This is three years ahead of the industry average,” he said.

Additionally, the vehicle includes a lifetime over-the-air update system ensuring drivers keep their software up to date.

The front seats fold back to make a bedroom in the Leapmotor C10. Picture: Supplied

The C10 is powered by Leapmotor’s CTC 2.0 battery-chassis integration technology combined with a rear-mounted 160kW electric motor and oil-cooled electric drive.

Leapmotor is still waiting for an official five-star ANCAP safety rating for the C10 but Lei is optimistic about its performance.

“It has one of the best torsional rigidity levels in its segment,” he said.

The C10 comes with seven airbags and an extensive range, including 17 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features including lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross traffic alert, all supported by 12 sensors.

The Leapmotor C10 has a 7 year/160,000km vehicle warranty and 8 year/160,000km battery warranty.

Customers who register their interest via Leapmotor Australia’s official website prior to 30th November 2024 are eligible to recieve one-year free charging via Chargefox network when they take delivery of their vehicle before 31st of March 2025.

Founded in 2015, Leapmotor has rapidly grown launching its first vehicle, the S01, in 2019 and following up with several successful models including the T03 hatchback and the mid-size C11 SUV.

By July 2024, Leapmotor had delivered over 400,000 vehicles, cementing its position as one of the top three Chinese EV start-ups.

Leapmotor has ambitious plans for Australia, the company intends to launch six models covering a variety of segments.

As Lei explained, Leapmotor is ready to compete with established EV giants and offer something new and exciting to the Australian market.

“We want to build up the brand in the local market and bring the best technology and products to Australia,” he said.

Originally published as Chinese start-up launches new electric SUV in Australia