Leapmotor B10 EV becomes an instant hit in China; here’s why

KUALA LUMPUR: One of the fastest-growing Chinese EV startups, Leapmotor, has begun pre-sales of its new electric SUV, the B10, in the home market. Within just an hour of opening its order books, the automaker has bagged over 15,000 orders for this high-tech electric SUV.

The Leapmotor B10 is offered in five variants in China with a price ranging from CNY 109,800 approx. RM 67k) to CNY 139,800 (approx. RM 85k). Notably, only two variants of the EV come with the LiDAR sensor.

Let’s know the reasons behind the EV’s overwhelming response. 

World’s first EV with a LiDAR sensor under CNY 120,000 

One of the key reasons that made the Leapmotor B10 an instant hit is its Lidar-based autonomous driving capabilities, which are offered at such an affordable price. As per CarNewsChina, 73% of customers have placed an order for the LiDAR-equipped variant of the EV.

The Leapmotor B10 is powered by an intelligent driving solution that combines best-in-class LiDAR with the Snapdragon Ride Platform. It can analyze maps and complex road conditions and supports 26 functions, including smart parking or avoiding obstacles on the road. 

This makes the Leapmotor the world’s first-ever EV with a LiDAR sensor, priced under CNY 120,000 (approximately equal to RM 73k).

Hi-tech interior

The Leapmotor B10 features an intuitive and customisable digital cockpit, which promises to deliver a sophisticated and premium experience to occupants. Key highlights include - 

• 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 8.8-inch LCD instrument cluster
• Two-spoke D-shaped steering wheel with a gear shifter located behind it
• Two wireless charging pads
• Advanced voice assistant
• 12 speakers
• 1.83 square meters sunroof

Striking exterior design

The B10 is a sleek SUV featuring a modern exterior with clean lines and a dynamic silhouette, appealing to younger customers. The front fascia boasts an enclosed grille flanked by split headlight clusters and LED daytime running lights. A large rectangular air intake is positioned on the bottom of the front fender, playing a crucial role in engine cooling and overall performance. 

Adding to the EV’s striking appearance are relatively short front and rear overhangs, a unique set of taillights, and concealed door handles.

Decent range

Leapmotor offers the B10 in two powertrain options in the Chinese market – an entry-level and long-range variant, both powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor. Here is a detailed comparison of their key specifications - 

E-motor	Single RWD	Single RWD
Max power	177 hp	214 hp and 240 Nm
0-100 kmph	9.3 seconds	6.8 seconds
Top speed	160 kmph	170 kmph
Battery	56.2 kWh LFP	67.1 kWh LFP
Range (on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle)	510 km	600 km

Given the B10’s affordable price point, the driving range is quite good, making the EV ideal for daily commutes and moderate long-distance travel.

The Leapmotor B10 is the brand’s first global C-segment SUV, which slots between the Leapmotor C10 and Leapmotor T03. The former hit Malaysian shores in October last year, while the latter is expected to arrive soon. 

Source: CarNewsChina

Also read: Stellantis Malaysia opens two new facilities; serving Peugeot and Leapmotor customers