Leapmotor C10 REEV first drive – EV-first with petrol peace of mind

It’s not every day you’re piloting a Chinese electric vehicle with Italian plates around Spanish roads. Yet, that’s precisely what we found ourselves doing at the international launch of Leapmotor’s latest model—the C10 Ultra Hybrid. 

While its official title might lean towards ‘hybrid’, make no mistake; this is an EV first and foremost, with petrol power playing a supportive, reassuring role.

So why the international affair? Leapmotor’s global structure is a little complicated, with the Chinese start-up partnering with global power Stellantis to distribute it worldwide. In New Zealand it is handled by experienced operators Auto Distributors NZ, who also take care of Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, Smart and a range of retail outlets. 

Leapmotor C10 REEV – Same but different 

From the outside, the Leapmotor C10 REEV looks familiar. It shares virtually all styling cues with its fully electric sibling. The same runs to specification and finish. 

But the crucial difference lurks beneath the bonnet. Here, a compact 1.5-litre petrol engine acts purely as a generator, replenishing the 28.4kWh LFP battery that feeds a 158kW/320Nm electric motor at the rear wheels. This unique approach gives the C10 a robust 145km WLTP electric-only range and an impressive combined range of 975km.

The engine is a well proven one, a Chinese-manufactured version of the Nissan H15R unit.

Hybrids and plug in hybrids are nothing new. But with the C10 the engine can in no way connect to the wheels, it can’t even directly feed power to the motor. It can only charge the battery. This has few disadvantages and some massive advantages. Firstly, there is no transmission – reducing cost and importantly creating simplicity and removing a significant point of failure. It also makes the car lighter.

Its closest facsimiles? The BMW i3 REX and Nissan’s ePower system. 

We couldn’t get a complete read on consumption, with claims of sub one-litre per 100km performance in normal use. For most commuters the actual figure is likely to be zero, with consumption around 6-litres per 100km on longer runs. 

Close to EV

On the road, the C10 REEV offers a driving experience remarkably close to a full EV. In pure electric mode, it’s silent, smooth, and effortless. Even when the petrol generator activates, it does so unobtrusively, avoiding the usual rev surges associated with traditional hybrids. This ensures a seamless driving experience, to a point. 

Let the car drop below nine per cent – which the car will avoid unless pushed – and you will loose some peak performance. It’s the only real downside to Leapmotor choosing to dump a proper transmission. 

Performance is solid rather than exhilarating, with a 0-100km/h sprint taking about seven seconds—perfectly acceptable for family transport duties. Handling prioritises comfort and ease over outright agility, offering a supple ride quality that absorbs road imperfections adeptly. Steering is light and relaxed, if not particularly engaging, complementing the vehicle’s comfort-focused dynamics.

Multiple drive modes (EV, EV Plus, Fuel, and Power Plus) allow drivers to tailor battery use to their specific needs. EV and EV Plus maximise electric driving, Fuel mode maintains battery level efficiently, and Power Plus aggressively charges the battery—ideal for urban zones or low-emission areas.

Read more 2024 Leapmotor C10 review

Software focus

Inside, Leapmotor continues to impress with a cabin design mirroring its fully electric counterpart. Materials and build quality are commendable, if not class-leading, with a modern digital layout powered by Leapmotor’s own intuitive OS. Features like Spotify and YouTube integration add to the user-friendly feel.

The system isn’t perfect. We are getting mixed information around CarPlay and Android Auto, with indications it won’t be coming on this ‘platform’, though the platform itself could change if the model is updated. A phone mirroring system is on the way, though those options rarely offer the same in levels of integration.

The ADAS systems have improved since we last drove the vehicle in New Zealand, though they are still not perfect – the driver monitoring system can be a little over zealous and the lane keeping system too tight on tolerance. We are told changes have been made to the car through Over The Air updates – 28 to be specific – and more are on the way. 

Access is via a card while there is also the availability of a proper Tesla-like bluetooth key using your phone. 

And yes, it can tow, with a respectable 1500kg tow rating, competitive within its class.

Simplicity the key

Priced attractively at $49,990 plus ORC, the Leapmotor C10 REEV competes strongly against plug-in rivals like the Mitsubishi Outlander, BYD Sealion 6 – while it is line ball on price with the Jaecoo J7. 

It matches the Outlander admirably at a lower cost, though will struggle on hard range and performance against the Chinese competition. For those willing to take a close look at the engineering, and for whom simplicity, refinement  and reliability are important, it really is a winner.