2025 Leapmotor C10 Review Australia – The Secret EV Gamechanger Nobody Expected
2025 Leapmotor C10 Australia Review: Discover this value-packed electric SUV with 420km range, smart tech, great pricing, and full specs. Is it the best EV under $50K?
“Leap-what?” That was the general reaction of most Aussies when the 2025 Leapmotor C10 landed on our shores. An electric Chinese SUV? Less than $50K? Packed with gizmos, room for the rugrats, and a stylish sparse cabin that makes some prestige brands break a sweat? Too good to be true, perhaps?
But here's the kicker: it's not just great—it's perilously close to genius.
The Leapmotor C10 could be the most overlooked EV to hit Australia in 2025. It’s not trying to get noticed. It’s trying to put itself right up in the driveways of Tesla-hungry, money-conscious Aussies who crave EV thrills without breaking the bank.
Let’s explore why this new Chinese EV rival could be the family SUV electric Australia didn’t realize it needed.
A Brief History: Tech DNA with Wheels
Leapmotor is no ordinary automaker. Developed out of China’s tech and semiconductor industry, it started in 2015 as an AI and chip engineering company. While others developed cars around engines, Leapmotor developed theirs around algorithms. It’s EV-first, software-driven, and utterly ambitious.
Their mission? To democratize EV technology without sacrificing design, safety, or intelligence. The C10 is their first global model—and Australia is among the first right-hand drive markets to get it.
Leapmotor C10: Where Technology Meets Daily Life
Get inside and it’s as if someone borrowed a page from a Scandinavian design book, tossed in some Tesla seasoning, then painted a discount sticker on it.
You have a 14.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, a panoramic sunroof, and plenty of smart storage. The rear seats? Plush. The boot? A spacious 581 litres—with space for prams, pups, or Bunnings weekend runs.
Build quality is remarkably robust for the price. Where plastics allude to the cost, panel fitment and finish are much more upscale than you might anticipate in a sub-$50K EV. It’s minimalist, breezy, and well-proportioned.
Performance: Whisper Quiet, RWD Smooth
No, it will not melt your face off in Ludicrous Mode—but the rear-mounted 160kW electric motor provides more than sufficient zip for town duty and high-speed overtakes. With 320Nm of torque and 0–100km/h in approximately 7.7 seconds, it’s quick without frightening the children.
Ride comfort? Top-notch. The suspension is tuned for Australian roads (yes, even the bad ones), soaking up bumps with ease. At 1,870kg, it feels planted—thanks to the battery’s low center of gravity.
But there’s a catch—DC fast charging is capped at 84kW, so if you’re planning a Sydney to Melbourne EV road trip, bring snacks and patience.
Safety First. Maybe a Little Too First
Leapmotor loads up the entire alphabet of safety acronyms: AEB, ACC, LKA, RCTA, BSM—you can name it. It’s all normal. The ADAS is ever so slightly overprotective, like a kindly mum who incessantly asks if you’re applying enough sunscreen.
Driver monitoring is a bit too keen. Lane keep assist occasionally thinks it’s trying out for Fast & Furious 12. And frustratingly, you can’t completely turn off some alerts.
None the less, the basics are solid. Chassis strength is good, with six airbags, ISOFIX points, and battery fire protection that’s up to global standards.
Ability: School Runs to Camping Grounds
It’s not an off-road stiff, but for the real-world adventures most Aussies have—school drop-offs, IKEA shopping raids, soggy gravel roads, or running the blender at a beach party—it’s ideal.
With V2L capability, you can charge anything from a laptop to a coffee maker. Add that to a large boot, fold-down seats, and a flat floor—and it’s a camper van holiday machine.
Price and Value: Game-Changer Country
C10 Style: AU $45,888 before on-roads (~AU $47.5k drive-away)
C10 Design: AU $49,888 (~AU $51.5k drive-away)
And if you place an order before mid-2025, you receive a free home charger + 12 months of Chargefox inclusion. Beat that, Elon.
With a 7-year/160,000km warranty and 8 years for the battery, the C10 isn’t about saving money upfront—it’s about peace of mind down the line.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Excellent value under AU $50K
Sleek, roomy interior with high-tech design
Smooth RWD drive and whisper-quiet cabin
Bumper warranty and ownership benefits
Real-world range of ~420km (WLTP)
Cons:
Slower charging than competitors
ADAS system is a bit too aggressive
Climate controls and mirrors only available through the touchscreen
No Android Auto (yet)
Brand reputation and dealer footprint still few in Australia
Last Verdict: The EV Underdog That Deserves a Test Drive
The 2025 Leapmotor C10 isn’t ideal—but it doesn’t have to be. It’s genuine, clever, and astonishingly well-finished for global release. It offers proper EV functionality, family usability, and sci-fi pizzazz—all for under budget.
If you’re tired of overpaying for badges and underwhelmed by legacy brands still catching up, the C10 is your chance to leap forward—without looking back.
FAQs – Leapmotor C10 Australia
Q: How much is the Leapmotor C10 in Australia?
Q: How far does the Leapmotor C10 go?
A: It has a maximum 420km range (WLTP) supported by a 69.9kWh LFP battery.
Q: Is the Leapmotor C10 in Australia yet?
A: Yes, deliveries started in June 2025 at major metro dealerships and online orders.
Q: Is the Leapmotor C10 suitable for family use?
A: Yes, it boasts a large cabin, flat floor, 581L boot, robust safety features, and smooth ride—ideal for families.
Q: Does the C10 offer fast charging?
A: It is DC fast charging capable of up to 84kW—not class-leading but suitable for every-day driving or overnight charging.
Q: What is the warranty on the C10?
A: A 7-year/160,000km car warranty and an 8-year battery warranty.
