Leapmotor B10 Teased Online – Launching Soon? CKD?

Recent spyshot of a partially camouflaged Leapmotor B10 sighted in Malaysia. (Image: MyEVOC).

Having been spotted in partial camouflage undergoing road test locally recently, perhaps this latest official teaser effort on social media isn’t surprising. Yesterday, Leapmotor Malaysia took to its official Facebook page and teased the Leapmotor B10.

Yes, whilst the visual used doesn’t exactly show the compact crossover in full, said global EV SUV offering’s general silhouette mirroring its larger C10 sibling is unmistakable. You can see teaser post embedded below:

“A new chapter begins soon, where every drive finally feels like you. For the moment Malaysians finally meets what’s coming next,” read the caption put forth by the Stellantis-backed upstart Chinese EV maker, along with several market hashtags.

At 4,515 mm long with a 2,735 mm wheelbase, 1,885 mm wide and 16,55 mm tall, the Leapmotor B10 is set to rival against key C-Segment EV SUVs like the Proton e.MAS 7, BYD Atto 3, as well as the MG S5 EV.

Set to enter the competitive C-segment EV SUVs space and face-off against the Proton e.MAS 7, BYD Atto 3, and soon-to-be-localised MG S5 EV, the Leapmotor B10 has a footprint similar to said rivals – it sits 4,515 mm long, 1,885 mm wide and 1,655 mm tall.

Boasting a 2,735 mm wheelbase, the Leapmotor B10 is set to offer generous cabin space too, and it’ll likely mirror what we saw in its larger C10 sibling that slotted right above.

Depending on battery choice, this global model from the Stellantis-backed upstart Chinese EV-maker can cover a maximum range of up to 434 KM.

Underneath, the Leapmotor B10 is again expected to mirror what neighbouring Thailand recently got too. As a refresher, China-made fully-imported (CBU) units offered in said Kingdom packs a rear e-motor and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup offering 218 PS and 240 Nm.

Two LFP-type battery capacity choices are also offered in Thailand – 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh. As for range, up to 361 KM and 434 KM – based on WLTP standards - are touted respectively. Additionally, both 11 kW AC and 140 kW DC charging speeds were confirmed for both too.

The model was shown locally prior in LHD form when Leapmotor and Stellantis Malaysia jointly announced CKD plans, and this could see the B10 rolling off the latter's assembly line in Gurun, Kedah.

Core features expected on board include an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, massive 14.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen that – unlike the C10 – will offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity thanks to an upcoming OTA software patch.

Typically, like any other ‘premium’ Chinese EVs, the Leapmotor B10 should also launch locally with a raft of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features that grants a high-degree of semi-autonomous driving abilities – Level 2+ at least.

Moreover, given the recent local sighting noted prior, plus the fact that CBU tax incentives for EVs expires on Dec 31 this year, speculation is rife that the Leapmotor C10 could be localised (CKD) at the Stellantis Malaysia assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah.

This slightly smaller sibling to the Leapmotor C10 is expected to deliver similar levels of luxe and tech too.

Fuelling that sentiment further is the fact that both Stellantis Malaysia and principals Leapmotor themselves have inked a partnership for said localisation bid earlier this year. The larger C10 model is also expected to be inducted to which.

That said, we can perhaps expect the Leapmotor B10 to launch with equally competitive pricing. For reference, the Proton e.MAS 7 stands as the most affordable of this lot at RM109,800 (Prime) and RM123,800 (Premium) sans rebates of discounts.

Expect more details close rto launch, which could happen soon enough.

Elsewhere, the rivalling BYD Atto 3 in latest ‘Ultra’ guise commands a similar RM123,800 figure, whilst the MG S5 EV recently saw its prices revised to range between RM107,900 (Com) and RM127,900 (Lux Long Range).

We’ll have more once the Leapmotor B10 officially launches. Until then, what do you folks reckon? Can this upstart Chinese EV-making marque’s offering woo Malaysian buyers? Hit the comments below with your take on things…