Leapmotor B10 SUV provides big comfort
Whatever the model lacks in styling is more than made up by the space it offers, big comfort, long list of standard features, and competitive pricing.
January this year saw the arrival of the new Leapmotor B10 compact SUV, available in both all-electric or hybrid options, bridging the gap between the T03 city car and larger C10 family car already on sale here. B10 competes in the all-important C-SUV segment against well-established EVs such as the VW ID.4, Hyundai Kona, and Skoda Enyaq.
B10 measures 1,652mm in height, is 4.5 metres long and has a wheelbase of 2,735mm, which provides big interior space. Whatever the model lacks in styling (it’s a bit bland looking compared to rivals), is more than made up by the space it offers, big comfort, long list of standard features, and competitive pricing.
I’m not a fan of hidden door handles as they can hinder first responders gaining access to occupants in the cabin should an accident occur.
You unlock or lock your car with an NFC card, tapping it on the dedicated spot on the driver’s side mirror but it can take two hands to actually open the driver’s door handle. Why not just do it through an ordinary key fob? Then you must place the NFC card on a pad on the flat of the central console to be able to start the car.
Interior space is best-in-segment with very good head and leg space and there is an airy feel to the cabin from the panoramic sunroof (standard) with electric sunshade, that stretches far back behind the heads of rear passengers. Very comfy front seats have power adjustments, can be heated and ventilated, and can recline completely.
Build-quality is good and the interior looks and feels premium standard.
However, there are no physical knobs or switches for key functions, which means having to go through the 14.6-inch floating central screen, which manages almost all the car’s functions - even for simple things like adjusting the side mirrors and the steering wheel, to open the tailgate or set its height, select the steering modes, or adjust the rear view mirror, or open or close the sunroof. To select the Driving Menu, you go to the Settings menu to choose modes of Comfort, Standard, or Sport. This is all way too distracting for the driver.
Thankfully, there are some virtual buttons for heating, ventilation, seat heating, 360-degree camera, fan, and access to the car’s settings.
The onboard navigation provides real-time traffic information and shows charging station locations along your route when planning long-distance trips. The system comes with pre-installed apps, including browsers for Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and TikTok.
The smaller 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster covers driving data including speed, battery level, mileage, and active safety (ADAS) features.
The transmission selector is located on the steering wheel.
There’s a decent glovebox, a big storage area below the floating-style centre console that will take an iPad or handbag, two foldable cupholders, both USB-A and USB-C USB ports, a 12v power socket and wireless phone charger.
The rear offers very good head and legroom for three adults, and a flat floor. The middle seat back comes down to reveal two cupholders. But seats here can’t recline. The boot opens wide, with an electric tailgate; boot capacity is 430-1,700 litres with rear seats folded flat. The 25-litre frunk can store charging cables and adapters.
Style trim has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED auto headlights, LED taillights and rear through-lights, rear parking sensor and 360-degree surround view camera, auto air conditioning, six speakers. Design adds Eco-leather seats, twelve speakers, auto folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, heated steering wheel, and electric tailgate.
I didn’t like the loud beep when I locked the car, especially at night. I turned off many of the annoying ADAS features, having to go through several menus on the infotainment screen to find them, because they were too distracting, mostly to do with multiple lane departure warnings. But I retained the very good blind spot assist, the audio door opening warning, rear collision warning and rear cross traffic alert, all excellent systems. I also disliked the camera on the driver’s A-pillar that can keep an eye on you and warn if you become distracted.
With the Leapmotor App, you stay connected to your car anytime, anywhere, giving you control over essential functions from your smartphone.
DC charging time from 30-80% takes around 20 minutes.
Battery options are a 56.2 kWh with claimed 361km WLTP, or a more powerful 67.1 kWh battery offering a range of 434km.
The car offers a smooth, quiet drive, instant torque and good acceleration, and the option of one-pedal driving.
The car achieved the maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.
In Europe, Leapmotor is a joint venture by Stellantis (51%) and the Chinese company. The brand is distributed in Ireland by Gowan Auto.
PRICES: The BEV is from €32,984 to €35,996 (EV prices include SEAI grant and VRT rebate).
