KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Stellantis-led JV with Leapmotor will launch two cars in India
- One of these will be the mid-size EV, C10
- We have already covered the smaller TO3 EV hatchback here
As I have said earlier, the next 24 months will see a complete transformation of the mobility space in India. Electric is the future and every single major player will have electric options for buyers. The Stellantis group (they own Citroen & Jeep) too wants a share of this increasing segment and will be launching the Leapmotor brand in the country soon. As part of the initial plans, two cars will be offered - these include TO3, an entry level Tata Tiago EV rival and the C10, positioned against the likes of the MG ZS EV and the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV. Before we move further, make sure to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group community of petrolheads to never miss out on any updates from the automotive world.
What is the Leapmotor C10?
This all-new product was engineered from the ground up, very important for it to be a true global offering. Internationally, Leapmotor will be offering the C10 in two variations of pure electric and plug-in hybrid. It is safe to assume India will get the former option. This SUV made its global debut in September last year at the 2023 IAA Mobility Show. The Leapmotor C10 is based on the company's latest LEAP3.0 architecture, a base that will be used for future products.
Leapmotor C10 : segment & rivals
The C10 EV is a sizeable SUV, measuring 4739mm in length, 1900mm in width and 1680mm in width. This makes it as large as say the Tesla Y and the Skoda Kodiaq. In terms of size, it will offer unbeatable value, just like the MG Hector. In terms of segmentation, the C10 will sit between the MG ZS EV on one hand and the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV on the other. It is also believed that Maruti's upcoming e-SUV will be priced around the same mark.
Leapmotor C10 : Battery & Range
The Leapmotor C10 will excel in this department. According to international reports, this e-SUV gets a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by CLAB (China Aviation Lithium Battery Co) that has a capacity of 69.9 kWh. Thie ensures a range of as much as 530 kilometres as per the Chinese CLTC approval cycle. A real world range of 400-425km can be assumed for Indian driving conditions.
Leapmotor C10 Features
This is another key area where the C10 will excel. Top models are expected to come with a minimalist dashboard (like the Tesla offerings..) with a 14.6-inch touchscreen in the centre. The driver gets an independent 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with loads of information. The C10 will feature advanced ADAS, thanks to a front LiDAR sensor, five radars, 12 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Do note that the infotainment and management functions of the C10 e-SUV will be handled by the Leapmotor OS 4.0 operating system. This is powered by a Snapdragon 8295 chip from Qualcomm
Verdict
More options in the market always benefit the end user. With Leapmotor C10's entry into India confirmed, buyers will have another exciting electric option in the Rs 20-25 lakh bracket.
