The Chinese car that could be 'rebranded' as an Opel

What if Opel adopted a Chinese model for its lineup? The possibility could even be on the table, rebranding the Leapmotor B10 as an all-electric SUV.

The information comes from French publication Les Echos. The Asian manufacturer has a partnership with Stellantis (where Opel is located) and currently produces the model only in China. However, next year, it will also begin assembling it in Spain, according to Reuters, which cites the brand's vice president, Danilo Annese.

The chosen location is reportedly Zaragoza, where the Opel Corsa is currently produced. The B10 assembly line is expected to have a capacity of 150,000 to 200,000 units per year.

If it were to be 'pulled' into Opel's lineup, the Leapmotor B10 would slot between the Frontera and the Grandland, measuring 4,515 meters in length. It's a compact SUV with a rear-mounted electric motor and 218 hp.

It has a 56.2 kWh or 67.1 kWh battery, with ranges of 361 km and 434 km, respectively (using the WLTP cycle). It can be recharged from 30 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes with fast charging.

The car is fully equipped with features such as a panoramic sunroof, an 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel, a 14.6-inch floating central display, and 17 intelligent driver assistance systems (ADAS). It's available to order in Portugal starting at €27,600.

Although the announcement of the agreement reached in 2023 did not directly mention the 'renaming' of models, it was billed as leveraging the "strengths of both companies" in a "strategic global relationship" aimed at creating a global powerhouse in the electric car sector.

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