Car Launch: Leapmotor B10

New Zealand’s EV SUV market is full of models labelled as family-friendly, efficient and feature-packed - but how many of them are reasonably priced?

That’s the space Leapmotor is stepping into with its newest arrival, the B10: a compact, fully electric SUV pitched squarely at buyers who want space, spec and EV simplicity without the luxury-brand price tag.

On paper, the formula is strong: two well-equipped variants, rear-wheel drive, competitive driving range, and a headline price that lands right in the middle of the most hotly contested segment in the country. And after seeing the B10 up close, it’s clear Leapmotor isn’t trying to be quirky or niche - it’s trying to be the sensible choice that still feels like an upgrade.

So... who is Leapmotor?

If you’re not already familiar, Leapmotor is a Chinese EV manufacturer founded in 2015, and it’s expanding quickly beyond its home market.

The big confidence-builder for many buyers is the brand’s international partnership: Stellantis (the automotive group behind brands like Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat and others) invested in Leapmotor and established Leapmotor International, a joint venture designed to help distribute and support Leapmotor vehicles in global markets.

Leapmotor’s brand promise is often summarised by the line “Excellence Within Reach” - and the B10 is the clearest expression of that idea so far: high perceived value, high level equipment, and a price designed to widen the EV net.

A growing footprint in New Zealand

Leapmotor’s local momentum has been helped by the successful introduction of the Leapmotor C10, putting in the hard mahi by building awareness and getting people into showrooms. And with distribution backed by Auto Distributors New Zealand (ADNZ) and the Armstrong’s dealer network, it seems Leapmotor has a proper local footprint.

Leapmotor has made it clear that it wants to be agile – quick to respond, quick to improve, and quick to iron out any early ownership hiccups as the brand grows. For a somewhat new nameplate trying to earn trust in such a busy segment, the after-sales support needs to be treated as seriously as the product itself.

The B10 is backed by a 4-year/100,000km vehicle warranty and an 8-year battery warranty, adding some reassurance for buyers new to the brand.

The B10 at a glance

Leapmotor labels the B10 as a compact SUV - but it’s one that’s clearly been designed to make the most of its footprint. At 4515mm long with a 2735mm wheelbase, it sits at the roomier end of the compact space, giving it a strong platform for passenger comfort and everyday practicality.

Where the B10 really leans into the EV advantage is storage. There’s a 25L front trunk or frunk for smaller items, plus a 430L boot that expands to up to 1700L with the rear seats folded - the kind of flexibility that suits daily life and weekend plans.

And it’s not just numbers on a spec sheet. Up close, the B10 genuinely feels spacious. The cabin doesn’t feel tight or compromised - it feels like Leapmotor has prioritised rear legroom, a more open interior layout, and storage you’ll actually use.

The two variants

The B10 line-up is kept nice and simple, with two options: the B10 Life (from $42,990 + ORC) and the B10 Design (from $47,990 + ORC).

The big differences come down to battery size and extra features. The B10 Life runs a 56.2kWh battery with a claimed 361km WLTP range, while the B10 Design steps up to a 67.1kWh battery and a claimed 434km WLTP range.

Leapmotor also says the B10 supports DC fast charging, with a claimed 30–80% top-up in around 20 minutes under the right conditions.

Premium at this price

One of the most interesting things about the B10 is how much equipment Leapmotor has chosen to make standard - especially the stuff that normally gets reserved for expensive option packs.

Across both variants, highlights include:

• Large 14.6-inch 2.5k HD floating central console
• 8.8-inch LCD instrument panel
• Panoramic glass roof & electric sunshade
• Smartphone holder and wireless charger
• NFC card entry/start
• 360-degree surround-view camera
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) (powering small appliances/tools)
• Fully reclinable seats

Step up to the Design, and you add the kind of “nice-to-haves” that can genuinely change the feel of everyday driving:

• Heated and ventilated front seats (eco-leather)
• Electric tailgate
• Heated steering wheel
• Ambient lighting
• Upgraded audio (12 speakers)

It’s a very deliberate spec strategy: make the base model feel complete, and make the higher grade feel like a “smart splurge,” not a necessity.

Safety

As of November 2025, an ANCAP Safety Rating for the B10 is not yet available.

Final thoughts

The Leapmotor B10’s pitch is simple: an easy, enjoyable EV that feels spacious, modern, and well-equipped - without pricing out normal buyers. And after seeing it, the potential is obvious.

The things that will make or break it won’t be the spec list - that part is already convincing. The real test will be:

• how it feels on rougher Kiwi roads over time,
• how well the software experience holds up day-to-day,
• and how quickly the growing dealer/service network can deliver the kind of ownership confidence buyers expect.

But as a “first impression” launch vehicle - and as a sign of where Leapmotor wants to sit in New Zealand - the B10 looks like a genuinely promising new contender.