The Leapmotor C10 is a Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV), featuring a rear-wheel-drive electric motor. A 1.5-liter petrol engine functions solely as a generator to charge the battery, not power the wheels directly. It includes a 28+ kWh usable battery providing roughly 140 km of all-electric range and a 50-liter fuel tank for the generator, resulting in a combined range of over 900 km. The vehicle supports AC charging up to 6.6 kW and DC charging up to 65 kW, allowing for a full charge from a DC charger in approximately 30-40 minutes, while overnight AC charging is also possible. The interior is highly minimalist, featuring a large 14.6-inch infotainment system that notably lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Essential driving information is displayed on a small central instrument cluster. An NFC card serves as the key, used by tapping it over the mirror. The center console offers a wireless smartphone charger (observed not working during the review), cup holders, and USB ports. Rear occupant space is ample, contributing to the vehicle's practicality. The boot space is estimated to be over 500 liters, exceeding the claimed 400+ liters, and extends to over 1400 liters with a flat-folding rear floor. Overall build quality feels decent, and no major red flags were identified during the drive. The electric drivetrain is quiet, but cabin noise from wind and tires is noticeable. This unique hybrid approach could be a good fit for the South African market, with potential pricing around R740,000 based on European conversion, though local pricing is unconfirmed.
