MOTORING REVIEW: Leapmotor’s mid-size B10 drives into forecourts

Chinese auto company Leapmotor entered the Irish car market just seven months ago, but in that short time, it has launched three passenger car models and appointed seven dealerships across the country, with more planned. Models already launched include the electric T03 city car, retailing from €18,950, and the larger C10 family-sized SUV (from €38,995 for the all-electric version or from €45,420 for the range-extended hybrid EV version with 975km), all of which offer class-leading value for money.

The brand’s latest addition is the mid-sized B10 model, which bridges the gap between the small T03 and the larger C10. The company claims it is poised to become one of Ireland’s best-value electric SUVs. As Leapmotor’s first entry into the important C-segment SUV market, it actually offers B-segment pricing, directly challenging established players in the Irish EV market such as the VW ID.4, Hyundai Kona, and Skoda Enyaq, all excellent vehicles in their own right. Brand Manager at Leapmotor Ireland, Stephen McGrath, says that Leapmotor now provides Irish drivers with a complete range of EVs that ‘prioritise affordability alongside exceptional levels of standard equipment and safety’.

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Size-wise, the B10 measures 1873mm wide, 1652mm high, and has a wheelbase of 4515mm. Inside, the large central infotainment screen features a customisable interface and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Online navigation offers real-time traffic information and displays charging stations along the route when planning long-distance trips. The system comes with pre-installed public apps, including browsers, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and TikTok. A smaller 8.8-inch instrument panel provides real-time driving information.

Both Style and Design trims come well equipped with useful standard features, including a 1.8m panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera system, 17 driver-assistance safety features, and 13 connected services via the Leapmotor app. The Design trim adds eco-leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an electric tailgate. Most sales are expected to be for the higher trim.

Battery options include a 56.2kWh model with a claimed range of up to 361km WLTP and a more powerful 67.1kWh Design trim offering up to 434km. A 30-80 per cent charge can be achieved in around 20 minutes using a suitable fast charger. A petrol-hybrid version, powered by a 1.5-litre engine, will be available later, offering a total range of 900km.

A short trip in this quite spacious five-seater at launch left a positive impression. The cabin is well laid out with comfortable seating, good all-around visibility, and ample head and leg room. You unlock the car by holding the key card against the side mirror housing. Once inside, the key card must be placed in its designated space on the central console.

The B10 has received a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Like the T03 and C10, the new vehicle is backed by a comprehensive 6-year/unlimited mileage warranty.

Leapmotor has established more than 800 points of sale across Europe, selling 35,000 vehicles in Europe and 596,555 worldwide. Looking to further expand in 2026 and beyond, the company unveiled three new models at the recent Brussels Motor Show: a new B03X compact SUV set for production in June, a sporty B05 coupe, and the relay-extended Hybrid EV version of the B10, making six models in total this year, including electric and petrol/hybrid powertrains, covering all of the best-selling passenger car segments.

The B10 is now available for customer test drives across Leapmotor’s nationwide dealer network. Dealerships include Bright Airside (Swords, Dublin); Bright Motor Group (Navan Road, Dublin 15); Dan Seaman Motors (Forge Hill, Cork); Fitzpatrick’s Garage (Naas, Co Kildare); Greenhall Motors (Buttevant, Co Cork); Joe Norris Motors (Navan, Co Meath); and Kenny Galway (Team Road, Galway).

The B10 starts from €32,984, inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT rebate for the all-electric entry-level Style trim; and from €36,996 for the 67.1kWh Design trim, including grants.