LEAPMOTOR, B10 (Latest Model)

The fully electric Leapmotor B10 has been offered in the UK in a generously equipped Design ProMax specification, with pricing around £30,000–£32,500 depending on manufacturer support and current offers. The car uses a 67.1kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a rear-mounted electric motor producing 218PS, equivalent to approximately 215bhp. Power goes to the rear wheels. Acceleration from 0–62mph takes approximately eight seconds, which is entirely adequate for a family SUV. Official WLTP range is up to 270 miles. Unlike some competitors, Leapmotor has concentrated on providing a comprehensive equipment package rather than a complicated selection of trims and expensive option packs.

The Design specification includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, a panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade, electric tailgate, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging and a 360-degree parking camera. A heat pump is also included, helping reduce the energy required to heat the cabin in colder weather. The interior technology is equally generous, with a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, an 8.8-inch driver display and a comprehensive selection of connected features. Other European markets offer different battery and trim combinations, but UK buyers should check the latest locally available specification rather than assuming every international version is sold here. For the money, the B10's equipment list is difficult to criticise. Many competitors require substantial upgrades before offering a similar level of comfort.

The B10 has a clean, modern exterior with smooth bodywork, slim LED lights and relatively restrained detailing. It is attractive without being particularly distinctive, and some buyers may struggle to identify it among the growing number of compact electric SUVs. The interior makes a stronger impression. A large central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, while the absence of conventional buttons creates a spacious, uncluttered appearance. The materials are pleasant for the price, with soft-touch surfaces in prominent areas and comfortable seats that give the cabin a more expensive feel.

The driving position is good, with generous adjustment and a clear view ahead. Heated and ventilated front seats are particularly welcome in a car positioned as an affordable family option. The panoramic roof helps create an airy atmosphere, while the flat floor and thoughtful storage arrangements make good use of the available space. The 14.6-inch display looks sharp and responds quickly. Navigation, media, vehicle settings and climate functions are all accessed through the system. Unfortunately, Leapmotor has taken touchscreen integration too far. Simple adjustments that would be easier using conventional buttons require interaction with menus, which can be distracting while driving. Smartphone connectivity, voice control and over-the-air software updates help, but they don't entirely compensate for the lack of physical controls. The overall cabin quality is impressive for the price. Leapmotor has clearly invested in the features buyers notice during everyday use.

The Leapmotor B10 is best approached as a comfortable family car rather than an entertaining one. Its rear-mounted motor produces approximately 215bhp, providing smooth and immediate acceleration. The eight-second 0–62mph time is competitive enough, and there is ample performance for joining motorways or overtaking slower traffic. Around town, the B10 is easy to drive. The electric powertrain responds predictably, visibility is reasonable and the 360-degree camera helps when manoeuvring into tighter parking spaces.

The suspension is generally tuned for comfort, dealing reasonably well with ordinary road surfaces. It also benefits from the quietness typical of electric cars at lower speeds. On faster roads, the B10 remains composed enough for relaxed journeys, although road and wind noise become more apparent as speeds increase. The steering is light and offers limited feedback, while the car's weight is noticeable when changing direction quickly. It doesn't encourage enthusiastic driving, and the Skoda Elroq and Kia EV3 provide a more satisfying experience on winding roads. Body movement is controlled adequately for normal use, but there is little sense of agility. Drivers moving from a conventional family SUV are unlikely to find this troublesome, whereas those accustomed to a well-sorted hatchback may notice the difference.

The B10 offers adjustable regenerative braking and driving settings, allowing owners to choose how strongly the car slows when lifting off the accelerator. For commuting, school runs and motorway travel, the Leapmotor is pleasant enough. Its comfort and ease of use matter considerably more than its lack of sporting character.

The B10's 67.1kWh battery provides an official WLTP range of up to 270 miles. For everyday UK driving, approximately 210–240 miles from a full charge is a reasonable planning estimate in mild weather. Motorway speeds, cold temperatures and heavy use of cabin heating will reduce that figure. During winter motorway journeys, drivers should allow for approximately 170–200 miles, depending on conditions. These are estimates, not independently measured test results.

The B10's strongest advantage over several similarly priced rivals is its rapid charging capability. Maximum DC charging power is 168kW, with Leapmotor quoting approximately 19–20 minutes for a 30–80% charge under suitable conditions. That is significantly faster than the Jaecoo E5's maximum 80kW charging capability and makes the B10 more appealing for drivers regularly travelling longer distances. Actual charging speeds depend on battery temperature, the charger's output and the battery's state of charge. The maximum figure will not necessarily be maintained throughout a charging session. AC charging is supported at up to 11kW. On a typical 7kW home charger, a full recharge would take approximately ten to eleven hours, allowing for charging losses. Owners using cheaper overnight electricity tariffs should benefit from relatively low running costs. A heat pump can also help preserve efficiency in colder weather. The B10 uses an LFP battery, a chemistry known for its durability and widespread use in affordable electric cars, although long-term vehicle reliability remains a separate consideration.

The Leapmotor B10 measures 4,515mm long, 1,885mm wide and 1,655mm high, with a 2,735mm wheelbase. Those dimensions place it firmly in the compact family SUV category, although its interior space is particularly impressive. Front passengers have plenty of headroom and legroom, while the relatively flat dashboard and open centre console help make the cabin feel larger. Rear-seat passengers benefit from generous legroom and a flat floor. Two adults can travel comfortably in the back, and the B10 is better suited to taller passengers than several smaller electric SUVs.Families will also appreciate the rear air vents, practical storage spaces and comfortable seating position.

The boot is less impressive. Capacity is 430 litres with the rear seats in place, which is adequate for most families but smaller than the luggage compartments in the Jaecoo E5 and Skoda Elroq. Folding the rear seats increases capacity to approximately 1,700 litres, making the B10 useful for transporting larger items. There is also a 25-litre storage compartment under the bonnet, ideal for charging cables and smaller belongings. The wide tailgate opening makes loading straightforward, although buyers who regularly carry pushchairs, large suitcases or bulky sports equipment should compare the boot with alternatives. The B10's greatest practical strength is passenger accommodation. It offers an unusually spacious cabin for its price.

The Leapmotor B10 has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, providing reassurance for families considering a less familiar manufacturer. Safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and a 360-degree camera system. Seven airbags are included, along with ISOFIX mounting points for child seats. As with many modern electric cars, the number of driver assistance features is impressive. Their everyday usefulness depends on how smoothly they operate and how easily drivers can adjust their settings.

Long-term reliability is harder to judge. The B10 is still relatively new, and there is insufficient UK ownership history to draw firm conclusions about high-mileage durability. Leapmotor's relationship with Stellantis should help with dealer access, servicing and parts distribution, although buyers should confirm local support before purchasing. Software updates may improve functionality over time, but buyers should assess the car as it operates today rather than relying on future improvements. Warranty terms should be checked carefully, including separate battery coverage, mileage limits and the conditions applying to servicing.

The Leapmotor B10 is a strong contender in the affordable electric SUV market. It combines excellent passenger space, generous equipment, a comfortable cabin and rapid charging performance that compares favourably with more expensive rivals. Its weaknesses are relatively straightforward. The driving experience lacks excitement, the boot could be larger and the heavy reliance on touchscreen controls becomes irritating.

Nevertheless, the B10 delivers where many family buyers need it to: comfort, practicality, range and value. The Design ProMax 67.1kWh is the version to choose. For buyers willing to consider a newer manufacturer, the Leapmotor B10 deserves a place near the top of the shortlist.