There was a time when Chinese cars were seen as cheap knock-offs of Western models, with the charisma of a wet mop and the build quality of a plastic shopping bag. But times have changed, and how! Meet the Leapmotor C10 AWD, an electric SUV that looks like a tame family wagon but hides a 585-horsepower beast under its floor. This isn’t a car—it’s a stealth rocket that catapults you from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds. And all for a price that won’t make your wallet cry.
Let’s start with the looks. The C10 AWD doesn’t scream for attention. No spoilers that look like they were nicked from a spaceship, no exhausts roaring like an angry lion, and no wheels bigger than your dining table. Nope, this is a ‘sleeper,’ a wolf in sheep’s clothing. From the outside, it’s just another crossover, the kind your neighbor buys because it’s “practical.” But don’t be fooled. Behind that understated grille and sleek LED light bar lurks a monster that leaves many a sports car in the dust.
Under the skin, this Leapmotor is a technological marvel. Two electric motors, one on each axle, churn out a combined 585 hp. That’s enough to hit 100 km/h in 4 seconds, faster than most Audi RS models or Mercedes AMGs. And this in a car built to ferry your kids to school and haul your groceries home. The battery? A beefy 81.9 kWh, bigger than the 69.9 kWh in the standard C10. That likely means a range well above the standard version’s 420 km, though we’re still waiting for the exact numbers. Thanks to an 800-volt architecture, it charges from 30 to 80 percent in 22 minutes. That’s faster than I can polish off a bag of crisps.
But what makes this car so special? It’s the combo of insane power and a price that doesn’t bankrupt you. Leapmotor, backed by the Stellantis group (yep, the same folks behind Jeep and Alfa Romeo), has a mission: deliver a lot of car for little money. The standard C10 already costs around €36,400, and while the AWD version will be pricier, I don’t expect a figure that’ll have you selling your house. This is a car that makes the big brands nervous. Tesla Model Y? Nice, but it’s starting to sweat. BMW iX3? It’s feeling the heat. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a car that looks like a boring SUV but humiliates your neighbors at the traffic lights?
Inside, it’s no hardship either. The C10 sports a minimalist interior, clearly inspired by Tesla, with a massive 14.6-inch touchscreen controlling everything from navigation to mood lighting. There’s a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker audio system, and even a smart assistant you can boss around without learning Mandarin. The seats are clad in eco-friendly materials, and there are five charging points for your gadgets, including a wireless charger. It’s comfortable, quiet, and surprisingly luxurious for a car that doesn’t cost the price of a small mansion.
But let’s not get too starry-eyed. The C10 AWD isn’t perfect. The standard C10 caught flak for its sluggish 84 kW charging speed, and while the AWD’s 800-volt system is faster, it’s not quite a Tesla Supercharger-killer. And let’s be real, the design isn’t exactly a masterpiece. It’s functional, but it won’t win any beauty contests. Still, for a car this affordable, it’s hard to complain.
This is a car for people who love a surprise. For those who want to cruise in comfort but occasionally humiliate a sports car. For those who want a family SUV that isn’t dull. The Leapmotor C10 AWD proves the Chinese aren’t just copying anymore—they’re innovating. And they’re doing it with a grin that says, “Try and keep up.”
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