After the T03 and the C10, the Leapmotor B10, a 100% electric SUV aimed at the C segment, one of the most competitive in the market, is finally arriving in Portugal at the end of this month of October. It is produced by the Chinese brand distributed in Portuguese territory, and in other parts of the globe outside China, by the Stellantis Group, which competes in the same class with the Peugeot E-3008. Unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show and announced as a “concentrate of technology”, it is the first model from the Asian manufacturer specifically designed for export markets, confirming its ambition to become a global player in the sector.
Developed based on the modular Leap 3.5 platform and tested on the Italian circuit of Balocco, where the creations of the brands from the now-defunct Fiat Group have historically undergone the same process, it showcases a modern and elegant appearance, highlighted by fully LED exterior lighting. With a length of 4515 mm, a width of 1885 mm, a height of 1655 mm, and a wheelbase of 2735 mm, it promises to offer ample space, particularly in the rear seats – with trunk capacity varying between 430-1700 liters. The emphasis on technology will be another of its strengths, prominently featuring an 8.8” digital instrument panel and a 14.6” central touchscreen for controlling the customizable infotainment system with 3D graphics, based on the Snapdragon 8155 processor, the most advanced from Qualcomm for this type of application, and the Leap 4.0 Plus system.
With a high-strength steel structure, the B10 also features 7 airbags and 17 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), aiming to achieve the highest rating in Euro NCAP safety tests. At the same time, the weight distribution of 50% for each axle, the independent suspensions on all four wheels, with a multi-link type at the rear, the 18” wheels (shod with tires measuring 225/50 in the front and 235/50 in the rear), and a chassis tuning defined by Stellantis engineers, are intended to ensure dynamic performance capable of meeting the high demands of European drivers in this regard.
As for the propulsion system, an electric motor of 218 hp and 240 Nm is mounted on the rear axle, allowing the B10 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 km/h. To power it, there are two battery options: Pro with 56.2 kWh, for a range of up to 361 km in the WLTP cycle; and Pro Max with 67.1 kWh, which can achieve a range of up to 434 km in the same cycle. In both cases, the onboard charger is 11 kW, and the fast charging at 168 kW allows for recharging the battery from 30-80% in less than 20 minutes. The driver has three driving modes available, along with several levels of energy regeneration intensity during deceleration.
In Portugal, the B10 is offered with two equipment levels, with the most complete reserved for the version equipped with the larger capacity battery. The Life level includes, in addition to the mandatory features at this level, elements such as a panoramic glass roof with an area of 1.8 m2 and an electric rear curtain, a 360° parking camera, or the complete set of ADAS – which is complemented in the Design level by, among others, Eco leather seats, ambient lighting, or the front seats that are electrically adjustable, heated, and ventilated. Prices will surely be one of the strongest arguments for the newly arrived Chinese SUV, with Leapmotor asking €29,285 for the B10 Life Pro, €31,285 for the B10 Life Pro Max, and €32,785 for the B10 Design Pro Max.
