Engine Model C10 REEV is proceeding with caution
The Leapmotor C10 REEV, a mid-size SUV available on the German market, offers a unique blend of features that make it an intriguing choice for consumers. Priced under 40,000 euros, the C10 is a competitive option with a range of impressive equipment.
Driving Dynamics
The C10's powertrain, comprising an electric motor driving the rear wheels and a 1.5L petrol range extender engine, delivers acceptable responsiveness. However, the nearly 2.0-tonne weight limits agility and lightness. The petrol engine operates quietly in the background and doesn't feel intrusive. Real-world energy consumption is higher than official claims, but the combined range can reach about 1000 km, making it practical for daily use. Recharging is moderate, with a maximum DC fast charging rate of 65kW. The car manages daily trips comfortably on electric power alone with overnight charging.
User Interface and Communication
The C10 heavily relies on touchscreen controls, including for basic functions like locking/unlocking the charge port lid. Users found this inconvenient, and the interface includes excessive audio and visual overlays that detract from the overall user experience. A small but practical detail such as a light in the charge port to aid nighttime charging is missing.
Assistance Systems
Leapmotor has improved the assistance systems in the C10 to be more user-friendly compared to competitors, allowing them to be switched off more easily. However, no detailed information is provided about the sophistication or effectiveness of these systems beyond this improvement.
Interior and Exterior
The interior of the C10 features a large touchscreen, steering wheel, and instrument panel similar to Tesla. The design is visually inspired by the Porsche Macan and Tesla. The C10 offers satisfactory space, material selection, processing, and trunk volume. However, most settings have to be made via the display due to the lack of physical switches, and the ventilation strip at the bottom of the instrument panel cannot be individualized for driver and passenger.
Pricing and Availability
The Leapmotor C10 is priced starting at 37,600 euros, with the test car in the Design line available from 39,100 euros. Leapmotor only lists 800 euros for a different paint color than the standard green. However, the intrusive and unrefined assistant system may overshadow the good price-performance ratio as a purchase argument.
In the next software update, Leapmotor will focus on adjusting traffic sign recognition systems. The electric motor always drives the rear axle, while the gasoline engine acts as a generator to charge the battery when it's not being externally charged. The C10 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and continues to the legal speed limit, but becomes sluggish afterwards. The combined range of the battery and gasoline tank reaches nearly 1000 kilometers. The C10's comfortable cruising speed is around 130 km/h, which is also the legal maximum on most roads worldwide.
In summary, the Leapmotor C10 REEV's driving performance is competent but not sporty. Frustrations in user interface and communication design, particularly due to touchscreen dependency and lack of physical controls, are significant drawbacks. Its assistance systems show progress in usability but lack detailed evaluation. The spacious interior and solid fundamentals are positives, but the user experience compromises prevent it from being a standout vehicle in its segment.
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The manufacturing process of the Leapmotor C10 REEV integrates technology to create an electric motor vehicle, which includes a financial investment in the development and production of the vehicle. The available financing options and competitive pricing make the C10 an attractive choice for consumers looking for a mid-size SUV on the German market.
Despite some flaws in the user interface design and assistance systems, the Leapmotor C10 REEV relies on technology to provide a blend of features that make it an intriguing choice for consumers, including a fuel efficient powertrain and an appealing design that resembles the Porsche Macan and Tesla.
