The Leapmotor B10, with its impressive specifications, enters the electric vehicle market as a game-changer, challenging the conventional wisdom that affordability must compromise quality. Starting at approximately $15,100, or 109,800 yuan, this model impressively outshines its competitors, including the BYD Dolphin and Volkswagen ID.3, by undercutting their prices. Stellantis-backed Leapmotor boasts a captivating blend of premium features, engaging driving experiences, and innovative technology.
Does Leapmotor’s ‘King of Worth’ reputation ring true for its B10 electric vehicle, or is there more to the story than meets the eye? Let’s embark on a rigorous test drive of the B10 on this weekend’s Sunday China Drive and discover its capabilities firsthand.
The B10’s design ethos eschews ostentatious flair for a clean, harmoniously proportioned aesthetic that exudes understated sophistication. The sleek and modern design is enhanced by slender LED light bars that stretch across the vehicle’s width, imparting a cutting-edge yet sophisticated aura. At the rear, a sleek, full-width trim runs unbroken, harmonizing the overall aesthetic, while subtle sculpting along the body panels injects a touch of kinetic energy.
With its sleek dimensions – measuring 4,510mm in length and boasting a 2,735mm wheelbase – the vehicle delivers an impressive amount of interior space. The integration of a roof-mounted laser radar system seamlessly blends with the vehicle’s design, underscoring its cutting-edge driver-assistance features – an unusual attribute at this price point?
While the B10 may not revolutionize automotive design, its refined and mature visual identity guarantees it won’t look like a budget-conscious afterthought, a common criticism of affordable electric vehicles.
Steps contained within the B10 exhibit surprisingly refined features. LeapMotor’s designers have successfully elevated the cabin beyond typical budget-car expectations by incorporating premium materials, subtle metallic accents, and thoughtful design details that collectively conjure an unexpectedly upscale ambiance.
One of the most compelling features is the modular dashboard on the passenger side, boasting six adjustable compartments that allow for personalized configuration. Transforming the space into a mobile workstation or relaxation hub, passengers can enjoy features such as a fold-down desk, an adjustable vanity mirror, and even a GoPro attachment, effectively redesigning the area for a productive or entertaining experience on-the-go. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the integration of these components, concerns persist regarding potential impacts on airbag deployment in the event of a collision, a consideration that Leapmotor should carefully consider.
Practicality proves to be a hallmark of this design, boasting thoughtfully conceived storage solutions throughout the cabin. The cup holders feature silicone grips that prevent rattling, and the integrated tissue compartment in the rear seat offers a thoughtful touch. The foldable front seats lie completely flat, seamlessly merging with the rear bench to generate a versatile relaxation area – ideal for quick power naps during refueling breaks.
The Tech highlights boast a sophisticated dual-AI assistant setup, allowing users to seamlessly switch between Deepseek and Tongyi Qianwen language modes for intuitive navigation, effortless query resolution, and even engaging in whimsical activities such as virtual fortune-telling. The infotainment system, driven by an advanced Snapdragon 8295 processor in higher-end trims, seamlessly integrates user-friendly functionality with enhanced performance, while maintaining a familiar interface for existing Leapmotor enthusiasts.
Despite this, however, the interior is not without its trade-offs. While the rear seats offer ample space, their fixed backrest design may prove uncomfortable for taller individuals embarking on extended trips. The Wi-Fi charging pad’s omission of fast-charging capability is a notable shortcoming, while the single overhead light in the trunk often leaves cargo areas poorly lit at night.
It’s where the B10 truly shines – behind the wheel. Unlike many affordable electric vehicles that emphasize efficiency at the expense of excitement, the B10 provides a driving experience that surprisingly balances refinement with responsiveness.
With its rear-mounted electrical motor delivering 170 kW (228 horsepower), this vehicle accelerates with a sense of vitality, particularly when driving in sport mode. With a swift 0-100 km/h acceleration time of approximately 7.5 seconds, this vehicle stands out as a speedy option within its competitive class.
The suspension configuration—featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear—has been calibrated to prioritize responsiveness over outright comfort, yielding a setup that is as adept at devouring winding roads as it is at soaking up imperfections on everyday drives. The ride’s an automobile that exhibits a keen sense of agility in corners, showcasing minimal body roll and crisp, precise turn-in characteristics. While the damping provides a distinctively European feel to the B10, minor highway imperfections can occasionally transmit subtle harshness into the cabin.
The refinement is a notable aspect, with wind and highway noise remarkably well-contained even at high-speed cruising, thanks to effective sound insulation despite the utilisation of budget-friendly Chaoyang tyres. The regenerative braking system offers a “sturdy” setting, allowing for nearly seamless one-pedal driving without the sudden transitions found in some competitors.
Leaping ahead in innovation, Leapmotor has further enhanced the B10 with advanced driver-assist features, while fine-tuning its overall performance for optimal results. Freeway Assist proves effective in its lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control capabilities; however, the anticipated metropolis navigation system, including traffic light recognition, won’t become available until a late 2025 over-the-air update. The combination of lidar technology and a Snapdragon chipset hints at robust future-proofing, but early adopters will likely prioritize longevity.
The Leapmotor B10 presents an enticing combination of premium features, engaging dynamics, and advanced technology at a price point that significantly undercuts its competitors. While it excels in many areas, this system still has room for improvement – the rear seating could be more generous, wireless charging remains sluggish, and the fully autonomous driving feature is still a work in progress.
At a price tag of 109,800 yuan (approximately 15,240 USD), this move can be considered one of the shrewdest in today’s market, undoubtedly. For those willing to sacrifice prestige for practicality, the B10 is poised to become the most sensible electric vehicle (EV) purchase of 2025. The B10’s innovative design caters seamlessly to the demands of tech-conscious urban dwellers, busy professionals, and those who insist on balancing quality and price without sacrificing an inch.
Stay tuned for upcoming weeks at our platform, where you’ll have the opportunity to read more in-depth, first-hand reviews of Chinese vehicles.
