The Leapmotor C10 is priced at RM 159,000 OTR in Malaysia for 2026, offered as a single fully-equipped variant of the brand's D-segment SUV flagship. Launched in October 2024, the C10 is Stellantis Malaysia's first Leapmotor model and the entry into Stellantis's Chinese EV partnership strategy. The 69.9 kWh LFP battery delivers 424 km WLTP range, paired with a 218 PS (160 kW) rear-mounted single motor producing 320 Nm torque. Distributed through the existing Peugeot dealer network with 18 service centres expanding to 27 by 2026.
Leapmotor C10 Pricing and Single-Variant Strategy
| Variant | Battery | Range (WLTP) | Motor | Price OTR (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leapmotor C10 | 69.9 kWh LFP | 424 km | 218 PS rear motor RWD | 159,000 |
Unlike most EV competitors in Malaysia offering multiple trim levels (BYD Atto 3 Standard / Extended, Tesla Model Y RWD / Long Range / Performance, Hyundai Kona Electric Lite / Plus / Max), the Leapmotor C10 launches with a single fully-equipped variant strategy. This simplifies the buying decision and reflects Stellantis Malaysia's pricing positioning to compete directly against the Hyundai Kona Electric top variant (RM 161,388) and the petrol-powered Peugeot 3008 (RM 170,343) from the same distributor.
Standard equipment includes ADAS Level 2 (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera), 6 airbags (dual front, side, curtain), 8-speaker premium audio, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, dual 14.6-inch displays (digital instrument cluster + central infotainment), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the included free wallbox charger with installation worth over RM 4,000.
Powertrain and Battery Specifications
The Leapmotor C10 uses a single permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted at the rear axle, producing 160 kW (218 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. The rear-wheel-drive single-motor configuration provides Tesla Model 3-style driving dynamics with weight distribution favouring rear-axle traction for confident acceleration from standstill. 0-100 km/h takes 7.5 seconds, top speed 170 km/h electronically limited.
The 69.9 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery uses prismatic cell construction with active liquid cooling for thermal management. LFP chemistry offers superior cycle life (typically 3,000+ full charge-discharge cycles to 80 percent capacity) and thermal stability versus NMC chemistries used by Tesla and BMW EVs, making it well-suited for Malaysian tropical conditions. Real-world range in Malaysian highway cruising at 110 km/h is approximately 340-370 km, while urban stop-go with aggressive regenerative braking can achieve 400-440 km.
DC fast charging supports up to 84 kW peak via CCS2 connector. 30-80 percent charging window takes approximately 30 minutes on a 50-84 kW charger. This is slower than the 100-150 kW peak supported by BYD Atto 3 (150 kW), Tesla Model Y (170 kW peak), or Hyundai Kona Electric (100 kW). AC charging via Type 2 connector supports 6.6 kW single-phase, completing a 0-100 percent home wallbox charge in approximately 11 hours.
Dimensions, Cabin, and Utility
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,739 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,825 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,945 kg |
| Seating | 5 |
| Boot capacity (rear seats up) | 435 litres |
| Boot capacity (rear seats folded) | 1,410 litres |
The 2,825 mm wheelbase is among the longest in its price segment, exceeding the Hyundai Kona Electric (2,660 mm), BYD Atto 3 (2,720 mm), Chery Omoda E5 (2,630 mm), and even the larger Tesla Model Y (2,890 mm) by a small margin. This translates to genuinely spacious rear seating with 950 mm of rear legroom, suitable for adult passengers on long journeys. The flat floor (enabled by underfloor battery placement) provides better middle-seat foot space than ICE D-SUVs with central transmission tunnel.
Interior design features a horizontal dashboard layout with metallic-finish trim, dual 14.6-inch screens (one for digital instruments, one for central infotainment), and a small leather-wrapped steering wheel. Voice control supports multiple Chinese-Malaysian language commands, with continuous OTA (over-the-air) software updates expected through the Leapmotor International / Stellantis partnership.
Stellantis Distribution Strategy and Network
Leapmotor's Malaysian distribution through Stellantis Malaysia is part of a broader global strategic alliance between Stellantis and Leapmotor Auto of China. The Leapmotor International joint venture (51 percent Stellantis, 49 percent Leapmotor) provides Stellantis with access to Chinese EV technology and cost-competitive product development, while Leapmotor accesses Stellantis's established European and global distribution networks. This strategic pattern is similar to BMW-Brilliance and Volkswagen-FAW partnerships, but with the new twist of a Chinese-origin brand gaining access to Western distribution rather than the reverse.
In Malaysia, Stellantis Malaysia distributes Leapmotor through the existing Peugeot dealer network of 18 service centres at launch, with plans to expand to 27 locations through 2025-2026. Primary dealer locations include Kuala Lumpur (Petaling Jaya, Setia Alam, Cheras), Selangor (Klang, Subang Jaya), Penang, Johor Bahru, Malacca, Ipoh, Kuantan, and partner locations in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. New standalone Leapmotor showrooms in tier-2 cities are targeted for opening through 2026.
Aftersales infrastructure benefits from Stellantis Malaysia's combined Peugeot + Citroen + Leapmotor service capacity, with shared diagnostic equipment, technician training programmes, and parts distribution warehouses. EV-specific training for Leapmotor technicians is provided through Stellantis Malaysia's Glenmarie training centre and Leapmotor Auto's Jinhua, China facility.
Cross-Shop: D-SUV EV Segment Comparison
| Spec | Leapmotor C10 | Hyundai Kona Electric | BYD Atto 3 Extended | Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price OTR (RM) | 159,000 | 124,188-161,388 | 149,800 | 170,343 |
| Powertrain | EV 218 PS RWD | EV 99-215 PS FWD | EV 201 PS FWD | Hybrid 180 PS |
| Battery (kWh) | 69.9 LFP | 48.4 / 64.8 NMC | 60.48 Blade LFP | 1.2 kWh hybrid |
| Range (km) | 424 WLTP | 305 / 484 WLTP | 410 WLTP | ~1,000 (combined) |
| 0-100 km/h (sec) | 7.5 | 9.7 / 8.0 | 7.3 | 8.5 |
| DC charge peak (kW) | 84 | 100 | 150 | N/A (hybrid) |
| Length (mm) | 4,739 | 4,355 | 4,455 | 4,447 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,825 | 2,660 | 2,720 | 2,675 |
| Vehicle warranty | 6-yr / 150,000 km | 5-yr / 300,000 km | 4-yr / 160,000 km | 5-yr / unlimited km |
| Battery warranty | 8-yr / 160,000 km | 8-yr / 160,000 km | 8-yr / 160,000 km | N/A (hybrid) |
The Leapmotor C10 wins on interior space (longest wheelbase at 2,825 mm), cabin tech (dual 14.6-inch displays), and vehicle warranty duration (6 years). It trails on DC charging speed (84 kW vs 150 kW for BYD Atto 3) and brand recognition versus established Hyundai. Choosing between C10 and Kona Electric Max trim (RM 161,388) is largely a question of brand confidence versus interior space, with Kona Electric winning on Hyundai's longer EV track record and HSDM aftersales network breadth.
Ownership Experience and Running Costs
Leapmotor C10 owners benefit from lower running costs versus equivalent petrol-powered D-SUVs. Daily electricity costs are approximately RM 0.03-0.04 per km based on TNB residential tariffs and home AC charging, translating to RM 360-800 per year for typical 12,000-20,000 km annual mileage. No road tax for EVs in Malaysia through December 2025 per current National Automotive Policy provisions, with renewal expected for 2026-2027 under the upcoming EEV policy framework refresh.
Maintenance is simpler than ICE equivalents due to fewer wear items. Standard service intervals run 12 months or 20,000 km with checks on brake pads, cabin air filter, battery coolant fluid, drive unit reduction gear oil, and 12V auxiliary battery. Typical annual scheduled service cost runs RM 450-750 at Stellantis Malaysia authorised service centres, comparable to other Chinese EV brands in Malaysia and around 40-60 percent lower than equivalent service costs on a Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid over the same period.
Insurance costs are slightly higher than equivalent petrol D-SUVs due to higher OTR pricing (RM 159,000 vs Peugeot 3008 base at RM 170,343) but generally in-line with other EV pricing in the segment. Typical annual comprehensive insurance runs RM 4,500-6,500 depending on driver profile, coverage level, and add-ons like NCD shield, key replacement, and battery damage cover.