Peter Lyon
April 18, 2025
According to local media reports, Stellantis Malaysia intends to debut several Leapmotor models in Malaysia shortly, including the B10 and C10 Range Extender variant.
Although the company was tight-lipped with information ahead of the launch, it did suggest that they would be locally assembled at the Stellantis Gurun plant in Kedah, which it hopes will become the ASEAN region’s production hub.
The Leapmotor B10, which is expected to be unveiled later this year, will spearhead the brand’s growth in Malaysia. However, Stellantis ASEAN Managing Director Isaac Yeo pointed out that the carmaker is still in talks with the government to get clarification on the tax structures for range extender electric vehicles (REEVs), so it may take longer for the C10 Range Extender to arrive in showrooms.
The brand’s first model created especially for international markets is the Leapmotor B10. This compact C-segment SUV model will represent a significant step in the brand’s global expansion efforts, especially in Europe.
While the SUV shares several styling elements with its older sibling, the B10 actually sits on a newer LEAP3.5 platform, which enables more technologically advanced features such as a LiDAR-powered advanced driver assistance features.
The Leapmotor B10 is available in China with two distinct powertrain options, both of which are single-motor driven. With a rear axle motor producing 179 horsepower, the base model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, which is definitely not quick for an EV.
The Long Range model produces 214hp and a claimed 600km range
The 0-100 time falls to 6.8 seconds by upgrading to the Long Range model, which generates a more potent 214 horsepower and 240 Nm. As the name implies, the Long Range also has a larger 67.1 kWh battery pack and an EV range of 600 km with a CLTC rating—which roughly translates to a figure of around 480km in the real world.
The C10 Range Extender basically replaces the standard battery electric vehicle (BEV) C10’s enormous 69.9 kWh battery pack with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and a smaller 28 kWh battery. This variant has a 950 km (WLTP) range when its extender and fuel tank range are combined.
The engine in the REEV however merely serves as a generator to provide electricity to charge the battery. As a result, the model’s 214 horsepower and 240 Nm are identical to those of the Long Range variation, and the drive is provided by an electric motor mounted on the back axle.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Leapmotor is making a name for itself around the world, especially after showcasing its latest product at the Paris Auto Salon late last year. Boasting both EVs and range extender models, the brand is sure to appeal to a wide range of customers looking for lower emissions and higher range.
