Stellantis' Chinese SUV is maturing. The new Leapmotor C10 offers more power, technology, and range
In short:
The manufacturer from Stellantis has thoroughly modernized its flagship C10 model for the 2027 model year
The changes include the powertrain and range, safety systems, multimedia, and interior features
The result? The electric SUV now delivers 571 horsepower and a range of up to 519 km under WLTP testing
The maximum DC charging capacity has increased from 84 to 120 kW
Leapmotor C10: more than just a minor update
For many cars, a new model year often means only cosmetic improvements. Leapmotor took a more ambitious approach – it introduced the C10 MY27, which retains the spaciousness and family-oriented design of its predecessor while also featuring a range of technical upgrades aimed at boosting the SUV’s competitiveness in an increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.
A key element of the modernization is Leapmotor 3.5’s new electronic-electrical architecture, which enables faster software performance, improved connectivity, and enhanced driver assistance system capabilities.
According to the manufacturer, the new platform offers “better connectivity, more advanced driver assistance features, faster software operation, and improved user experience.”
More Space and Greater Comfort
The stylistic changes are relatively subtle. In the more luxurious Design version, a new LED light strip runs across the entire front width, integrated with automatic LED headlights. This gives the C10 a more modern and distinctive appearance.
The interior focuses primarily on enhancing comfort. The Design version features a frameless electrochromic rearview mirror, electrically adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat in four directions, and double-layer acoustic glass at the front to reduce noise from wind and road vibration.
The car’s functionality has also been improved. In the electric version, the trunk capacity has increased to 500 liters, an increase of 27 liters from before. With the rear seats folded down, the driver has access to a total of 1905 liters of space. Additionally, there’s a 30-liter front trunk that can hold charging cables or smaller items, according to the manufacturer.
Up to 571 horsepower and 519 km of range
The biggest changes, however, have taken place under the hood. The base electric version with a 69.9 kWh battery now delivers 224 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. The top speed has increased to 180 km/h, and the range according to WLTP standards is 430 km.
The manufacturer has also improved the charging capabilities. The maximum DC charging power has increased from 84 to 120 kW, reducing the time needed to charge from 30 to 80 percent to about 24 minutes. Even more impressive is the ProMax version with an 81.9 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive. It generates 299 horsepower, reaches 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and can travel up to 519 km according to the WLTP standard.
At the top of the range is the C10 AWD ProMax. Two electric motors combined deliver up to 571 horsepower and 655 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds, with a claimed range of 479 km.
REEV hybrid for drivers on long trips
Leapmotor also hasn’t given up on the version equipped with a range extender, known as REEV. In this variant, the vehicle is powered by an electric motor with 220 HP, while a 1.5-liter gasoline engine serves as an energy generator. According to the manufacturer, the C10 Hybrid EV can travel up to 145 km solely on electric power, with a total WLTP range of 986 km.
This configuration is intended to meet the needs of drivers who want to enjoy the everyday advantages of an electric vehicle but regularly travel long distances.
ChatGPT on board and new safety systems
The updates also cover the multimedia area. The central element of the cockpit remains a 14.6-inch screen operated by the LEAP OS 4.0 Plus system. A new feature is wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The manufacturer has also enhanced its artificial intelligence-powered voice assistant. The system can understand more natural commands, handle multiple instructions at once, and switch languages during conversations. Additionally, an online search feature based on ChatGPT allows users to retrieve real-time information such as weather forecasts and news, as well as control vehicle functions and navigation — according to the manufacturer’s statement.
The ADAS package has also been significantly expanded. The number of driver assistance systems increased to 22, with new features including automatic lane changing, warning of the vehicle ahead starting to move, a system for detecting cross-traffic ahead with braking function, and monitoring the distance to obstacles on either side of the car.
Oskar Włostowski
