Leapmotor B10 Arrives at £29,995
The Leapmotor B10, a fully electric compact SUV, has been launched in the UK with a starting price of £29,995. This model, developed by Chinese automaker Leapmotor in partnership with Stellantis, aims to challenge established rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 by offering a generous equipment list and competitive range at a lower price point.
According to Leapmotor, the B10 is built on the company's LEAP 3.5 architecture and features a 69.9 kWh battery pack. It delivers a WLTP combined range of up to 261 miles, with a 10-80% fast charging time of approximately 30 minutes using a 150 kW DC charger. The vehicle is available in two trim levels: Comfort and Luxury.
Performance and Specifications
The B10 is powered by a single electric motor driving the front wheels, producing 215 bhp and 240 Nm of torque. Leapmotor claims a 0-62 mph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 106 mph. The Comfort trim starts at £29,995, while the Luxury trim is priced at £32,995.
Standard equipment on the Comfort trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera system. The Luxury trim adds 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, a premium sound system, and additional driver assistance features.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the B10 is described as minimalist and modern, with a focus on digital interfaces. The central 14.6-inch screen controls most vehicle functions, including climate control, navigation, and vehicle settings. The cabin offers generous space for passengers, with rear legroom comparable to larger SUVs. The boot capacity is 440 litres, expanding to 1,060 litres with the rear seats folded.
Leapmotor has equipped the B10 with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. The Luxury trim adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a driver fatigue monitor.
Driving Experience
Early reviews suggest the B10 offers a comfortable and quiet ride, with suspension tuned for UK roads. The electric motor provides smooth acceleration, and the regenerative braking system can be adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel. The vehicle's low center of gravity, due to the underfloor battery, contributes to stable handling.
However, some critics note that the steering lacks feel and the infotainment system can be slow to respond. The B10's efficiency is rated at 3.7 miles per kWh, which is competitive in its class.
Market Position and Competition
The B10 undercuts many rivals on price while offering a similar range and feature set. For comparison, the Tesla Model Y starts at around £44,990, the Kia EV6 at £40,995, and the Volkswagen ID.4 at £39,995. Leapmotor expects to attract buyers looking for a value-for-money electric SUV without compromising on technology or practicality.
Leapmotor has partnered with Stellantis for sales and service in Europe, meaning the B10 will be sold through a network of dealers across the UK. The company plans to offer a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty on the vehicle and an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery.
Availability
The Leapmotor B10 is available to order now, with first deliveries expected in the second quarter of 2025. According to Leapmotor, initial demand has been strong, with over 1,000 pre-orders placed in the UK within the first month.
