If you’re looking at the 2025 Leapmotor C10 REEV as a potential entry point into the range-extended electric vehicle SUV market, you might be tempted by its sharp drive-away pricing and promises of modern tech, blended with petrol-electric practicality.
Sadly, our time behind the wheel showed that those promises begin to unravel once the wheels are in motion. From the outside, the C10 REEV Ultra Hybrid presents well. It wears a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette, complete with LED headlights and flush door handles.
A sloping roofline gives it a dash of visual class. The front grille design sets it apart from traditional EVs, hinting at the internal combustion support hidden beneath. Climb inside and you’ll find a 14.6-inch central infotainment screen.
There’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (take that Tesla), and a surprisingly spacious cabin that punches above its weight in this segment. On paper, it promises a WLTC-tested 1,150km combined range thanks to its petrol generator.
It offers an 800km EV-only range (under CLTC conditions), and a strong suite of features. There’s also a level of minimalism inside that attempts to echo the likes of that aforementioned EV manufacturer, but not always to great effect.
Buttons are few and far between, which creates a clean aesthetic but can hinder usability. The first sign of trouble though, comes when you touch the brake pedal, as there’s simply not the progressive feel you’d expect from a modern electrified SUV.
Instead, the pedal feel is inconsistent and springy, making smooth stops a challenge. In heavy traffic, this made the Leapmotor C10 REEV Ultra Hybrid stressful to drive, as we never felt entirely sure how the car would respond. Driver assist didn’t help either.
Lane-keeping was overly assertive, nudging the steering wheel with unnecessary aggression, even when clearly centered in the lane. Amusingly, when attempting to disable the function, it cheerfully reminded us to “focus on driving”.
What should have been a calm, tech-assisted commute instead felt like a constant battle with the car’s systems and its wicked sense of humour. Along with the quirks, the 170kW of peak power and 320Nm of torque provide lack-lustre performance, particularly off the line.
The suspension is well-tuned for everyday Australian roads though. It doesn’t deliver luxury-car plushness, but it certainly manages bumps and surface changes with a level of composure that impressed us, given its price point.
Over speed bumps, undulations, and suburban imperfections, the car remained stable and settled. While it leans more towards the firmer side, it avoids being harsh. Most importantly, it never felt floaty or unsettled at speed.
That said, the steering still lacks meaningful feedback, which dulls the overall connection to the road. It’s easy to point and shoot around town, but enthusiastic drivers may wish for a bit more engagement through the wheel.
The 14.6-inch infotainment display is crisp and visually impressive, offering smooth animations and quick response times. Despite its futuristic appearance, it lacks both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
For a car that boasts so much technology, from ADAS features to an advanced range-extender system, not including basic smartphone integration is a head scratcher. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest conveniences make the biggest difference.
Rear seat space is impressive and easily accommodates adult passengers. Boot capacity sits at 475-litres, expanding to 1,400-litres with the second row folded flat, making it suitable for families.
Standard inclusions are generous, and include a panoramic sunroof, 12 ultrasonic sensors, five HD cameras, 3mm wave radars, wireless phone charging, and a Level 2 ADAS system (including lane departure and adaptive cruise control).
Usability remains a mixed bag though. The AI voice assistant struggled with even basic commands, and climate controls buried in sub-menus meant more time with eyes off the road than we’d like.
Pricing starts from $43,990 drive away for the Style variant, and $48,890 for the better-equipped Design trim. Available colours include Pearl White (as tested), Terra Grey, Jade Green, Midnight Grey and Metallic Black.
The 2025 Leapmotor C10 REEV is a vehicle that shines on paper but struggles in practice. With an eye-catching 1,150km claimed range, sleek styling, and a tech-filled cabin, it could be a serious value proposition.
It’s just let down by its core fundamentals, braking confidence, driving refinement, and intuitive driver aids aren’t quite there yet. In a market where every step forward counts, this Leapmotor might need to take a giant jump before it truly lands.
You can find out more on the Leapmotor website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
The vehicle tested here was provided by Leapmmotor Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia was not paid to review this vehicle.
