Chinese automakers are throwing all sorts of cars at the Australian market like rice at a Chinese wedding, and the range is diverse — electric, hybrid, and petrol models catering to different preferences and budgets.
By mid‑2025, Chinese‑built vehicles accounted for about 18% of Australia’s new‑car sales, up from just 2.7% in 2020. That dramatic rise makes the People’s Republic the second‑largest source of cars sold in Australia (after Japan), with more than 142,000 Chinese‑made vehicles delivered between January and August 2025.
Australia’s new‑car market is undergoing a rapid makeover. China has surged to claim a large share of sales, driven by budget‑friendly pricing, modern design, and an expanding line of electric (EV), hybrid, and petrol models. In August, four Chinese brands — BYD, Great Wall Motors (GWM), MG, and Chery — all broke into the national top 10 selling brands for the first time.
Now joining their ranks is the Leapmotor C10, a mid‑size crossover SUV produced in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
Leapmotor’s first electric vehicle in Australia offers price parity with petrol models and strong value.
Previously a niche SUV maker, Leapmotor signed a deal with auto giant Stellantis (Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat, etc.) to go global via a new joint venture. Australia is one of the first countries reached by this ambitious program, and the C10 electric SUV is the first model off the boat — joining a wave of Chinese Tesla Model Y rivals launching locally.
Positioned as a “new energy” brand, Leapmotor began with electric models and has since expanded to include plug‑in hybrids.
With so many medium SUV options in Australia, the Leapmotor C10 faces a tough challenge on the local circuit, not to mention competition from other new players such as Deepal, Geely, and XPeng.
The Leapmotor C10 battery‑electric range consists of two variants: the C10 Style and C10 Design. The Style is priced from $45,888 plus on‑road costs, while the C10 Design starts at $49,888. Both grades are also available in range‑extender electric vehicle (REEV) form.
Each variant features a 69.9 kWh battery pack, enabling a claimed range of up to 420 km. A 160 kW/320 Nm single electric motor drives the rear wheels.
Standard equipment includes LED headlights, a 14.6‑inch touchscreen display that serves as the nerve centre for most controls, a 10.25‑inch digital instrument display, dual‑zone climate control (with a heat pump to improve efficiency), wireless phone charging, electrically adjustable front seats, and a large glass roof with a power‑sliding shade.
Opting for the C10 Design adds 20‑inch alloy wheels (instead of 18s), “silicone leather” synthetic seat trim, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, multi‑colour ambient lighting, and interior air‑quality monitoring. Aside from the wheel change, the exterior design remains the same across both models.
Inside, the C10 features a 10.25‑inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6‑inch 2K central infotainment display. It comes with a 12‑speaker 840W sound system and a 2.1 sq m panoramic sunroof. Cargo space measures 435 litres, expanding to 1410 litres with the rear seats folded down. With both front and rear seats folded, the vehicle can even accommodate a 1.8 m × 1.2 m double bed.
The C10 is available either as a range‑extended electric version, with a 1.5‑litre petrol engine and 28 kWh battery capable of 140 km of electric range, or as a fully electric model with either a 52.9 kWh or 69.9 kWh battery pack, offering ranges of 410 km or 530 km respectively.
Overall, while Leapmotor vehicles may not match the luxury standards of German brands, they deliver exceptional value and comfort features typically found in more expensive alternatives.
The C10 REEV is covered by a six‑year/150,000 km warranty, while the battery carries an eight‑year/160,000 km plan. Roadside assistance is also included for eight years. Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000 km, with costs capped at $4000 over eight years — averaging $500 per visit.
Interestingly, the Leapmotor badge is small and discreet, front and rear, leaving many motorists scratching their heads. The brand name and logo are derived from Chinese characters representing “zero” and “run,” symbolising the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the EV market. The logo features sleek stylised letters “L” and “P,” a monogram suggesting motion and dynamism, complemented by clean uppercase design.
In Chinese culture, rice symbolises abundance, fertility, and prosperity. It is a staple food central to traditions and festivals, often associated with blessings and good fortune.
Aussie SUV drivers should enjoy the taste and style — and perhaps Leapmotor will enjoy good fortune with the C10 Down Under.
