Leapmotor is now selling the new electric B10 for less than 20,000 euros.

This month marks the first year of this Chinese brand's commercial journey in the European and Spanish markets . They started with just two models, the utility vehicle T03 and the larger C10, and now begin a new assault that has led them to fully enter one of the most competitive categories: compact SUVs, where the B10, in particular, is determined to remain untouched, while Leapmotor, in general, is gaining its corresponding prominence in sales.

To achieve this, the Chinese manufacturer, which has as its main travel companion a partner as important as Stellantis , has left nothing to chance. It attacks with a knockdown price (the main selling point), equipment levels that, as is already the case with the T03 and C10, are above expectations, and a dynamic layout that, supported by the new LEAP3.5 platform , seems more than adequate for its customer profile.

Reference equipment

Measuring 4.52 metres in length , the B10 is powered by a single 218 horsepower (160 kW) electric unit with two battery options: one with 56.2 kWh and a range of 361 kilometres according to the approved WLTP cycle, and a larger one with 67.1 kWh that achieves 434 kilometres.

As we mentioned, the accessory portfolio included in this innovative SUV is another argument in its favor . In this equally important aspect, they rely on their closed-pack policy ( Life and Design, to be more specific) , leaving little out of the question to seriously differentiate themselves from their rivals.

From the outset, the new Chinese SUV has 17 safety assistants , automatic climate control, a 14.6-inch central multifunction screen, a navigator, a 360° camera, 18-inch wheels and a panoramic roof. All this for a total of 19,900 euros , once the discounts and official aid of the Moves III Plan (7,000 euros) plus the CAES incentive (900 euros) have been applied, a price impossible to match by its rivals ( the BYD Atto 3 comes to mind) who will find in this model a tough nut to crack.

Above this, we find the aforementioned Design trim level, which adds heated and ventilated electric front seats (covered in synthetic leather) and an electric tailgate. Here, with the "large" battery , which powers the Design Promax trim, the price list starts at €30,700, which can be sold at just over €22,000 with all discounts.

And a very important fact to keep in mind is that it is practically taken for granted that this model will be manufactured starting next year at the Stellantis plant in Zaragoza , another reason to take into account in this modern model that aims to become a major sales pillar for the Chinese brand.

The B05 hatchback in the chamber

Convinced that this has only just begun, in its clear objective of quickly becoming one of the leading Chinese manufacturers in these latitudes, Leapmotor does not end its powerful landing in the Old Continent with the B10.

The next step is called the B05, which corresponds to a zero-emission compact, like the BYD Dolphin or the MG5, to name two rival examples, with which to shine in this segment with such an expanded number of proposals.

Still shown as a prototype at the Munich Motor Show, which is currently taking place , the shapes and style of the new B05 will change little or nothing when it goes on sale in the middle of next year.

This new electric compact will adequately complete the range and will do so in a completely new segment for them : the compact one.

Also built on the LEAP3.5 platform , some reports have already suggested ranges of up to 650 kilometers and, like its siblings in the range, it will surprise with its significant number of original accessories and price.

The aesthetics of the B05 (in China it will be called Lafa 5) include advanced LED optics, fairly aerodynamic profiles and perhaps a more generous ground clearance than usual in this class to achieve a crossover effect.

Like the B10, Stellantis' Aragonese plant could be responsible for its production, among other things, to quickly and adequately meet the demands of the European market.

With these two new proposals, and considering their pricing and product definition policies, we have no doubt that Leapmotor wants, and we believe it can, break the bank among Chinese brands operating in Europe. They certainly have their reasons, and they have the desire to do so as well.