Stellantis Launches Leapmotor C10 Electric SUV In Malaysia

Stellantis Malaysia has introduced its first new energy vehicle (NEV) brand, Leapmotor, to the Malaysian market with the official launch of the Leapmotor C10. The debut of this  electric SUV marks a significant milestone for Leapmotor International, a 51:49 joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, which was formed to promote the brand’s high-tech, cost-efficient electric vehicles outside of Greater China. The joint venture has seen rapid progress since its inception just a year ago, with Stellantis investing €1.5 billion to acquire a 21% stake in Leapmotor itself.

Ranked among the top 3 electric vehicle startups in China, Leapmotor has shown impressive growth with cumulative deliveries reaching 460,000 units by September 2024. To grow even further, the brand has set its sights on the global market, leveraging Stellantis’ extensive sales and service network.

Malaysia Is First Southeast Asian Market Debut For C10

The Leapmotor C10 makes its first appearance in Southeast Asia, in Malaysia. This global-ready EV is designed to cater to modern families and professionals with a blend of performance, safety, and intelligent features. With driving optimisation by Maserati, the C10 boasts an award-winning design that appeals in both style and substance. The SUV’s value proposition is further enhanced by Leapmotor’s approach of using self-developed and self-manufactured components, which make up over 60% of the vehicle.

Advanced Design & Engineering

The Leapmotor C10 stands out with a contemporary design that recently won the 2023 International CMF Design Award and the 2024 French Design Award. Built on the advanced Leap 3.0 platform, the C10 offers a spacious D-segment SUV layout. Its dimensions of 4,739 mm (length), 1,900 mm (width), and 1,680 mm (height), along with a wheelbase of 2,825mm and ground clearance of 180 mm, making it suitable for ferrying passengers in comfort in diverse driving conditions.

The SUV’s minimalist aesthetic is highlighted by its rounded rectangular shape, accented with LED-powered angel-wing headlamps integrated with sequencing daytime-running lights, and an aerodynamic front bumper with Active Grille Shutter as well as horizontal side intake aprons finished with a sculpted bumper inlay trim. Other notable exterior features are the 20″ Trident wheels, airfoil-styled spoiler with hidden rear wiper, and an animated LED light bar.

Pioneering Electric Technology

The C10 is built with Leapmotor’s innovative Cell-To-Chassis (CTC) 2.0 technology which integrates the battery pack into the vehicle structure. This setup provides a 17.5% improvement in battery space efficiency, along with flexible charging options, including support for 800V / 400V and 4C / 2C supercharging technology. The vehicle also boasts a torsional rigidity of 42,500Nm/deg for enhanced safety and a thermal management system that can prevent heat spread for up to 720 minutes.

Providing energy to the Permanent Magnetic Synchronic electric motor is a 69.9 kWh Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery. This setup offers 160 kW (214 hp) and 320 Nm of torque, and enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, and offers a driving range of 424 km (WLTP) or 477 km (NEDC).

The vehicle’s battery and electric motor cooling systems (liquid and oil cooling, respectively) also ensure consistent performance and extended lifespan under demanding conditions. The C10’s battery utilises “pressure free” technology, requiring fewer assembly components for better weight reduction. It also makes use of Ai Battery Management Systems (BMS) to reduce battery capacity loss, preserve battery lifespan and ensure stability.

The onboard charger provides a maximum AC charging capacity of 6.6 kW and maximum DC charging capacity of 84 kW. With DC charging, it will take 30 minutes to charge from 30% to 80% state-of-charge (SoC). As is common, the V2L (vehicle-to-load) output is 3.3 kW, allowing you to plug in electronic appliances.

Integrated Digital Connectivity

The Leapmotor C10’s CTC architecture integrates with Leapmotor’s ‘Four-Leaf Clover’ Central Electronic and Electrical Architecture (E/E) that is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. This system centralises control of key functions of the cockpit, driving, power, and body domains, to ensure seamless communication between the SUV’s various components to achieve cabin, driving, and parking integration, and eradicating all forms of low latency in communication between critical components.

Central to this is a 14.6″ infotainment screen with Leap OS 4.0 (with Over-the-Air feature), and a 10.2″ instrument cluster. The interior is also keeps to a minimalist design and offers an alternative intuitive experience through the voice command feature thus eliminating the need for physical buttons.

Luxurious And Practical Interior

Inside, the C10 provides a premium experience with high-quality materials, including OEKO-Tex Standard 100 baby-friendly silicone textiles. The cabin is equipped with supportive, ventilated seats, piano-style electric air vents, and a PM2.5 filtration system. The C10 offers class-leading cabin room with its 1.8-metre length and 1.2-metre width. The rear space offers generous legroom and headroom, while customisable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker surround sound system, with 4 concert hall modes, further enhance the premium feel of the cabin.

Providing a range of seat adjustments with memory settings, the driver’s seat boasts a 6-way power adjustment, and a 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat. Both seats feature 3D-ergonomic design with cooling ventilation for a comfortable drive, and a Driver Seat Departure reminder to alert when a mobile phone is left behind. With features like fold-flat rear seats and modes for camping and napping, the C10 emphasises versatility. It also includes practical amenities such as wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a powered tailgate for access to the 435-litre boot.

Safety And Driver Assistance

The Leapmotor C10 comes with 7 airbags and Leap Pilot, a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite. The system offers features:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane Centering Control (LCC)
• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
• Front Collision Warning (FCW)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
• Door Opening Warning (DOW)
• Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
• Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert And Braking (RCTA + RCTB)
• Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)
• Driver Drowsiness Alert Warning (DDAW)
• Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW)

Additionally, parking and navigating tight spaces is made easier with the 360° panoramic camera and transparent chassis bird-eye view.

Pricing and Availability

The Leapmotor C10 is available at an introductory price of RM149,000 (on the road without insurance) for bookings made before 30 November 2024. Subsequent to which, the price will be RM159,000.

The C10 is offered in 4 exterior colours i.e. Glazed Green, Pearly White, Canopy Grey, and Tundra Grey. There are 2 colour options for the interior i.e. Criollo Brown (available only for Glazed Green) and Midnight Aurora.

Warranty And Aftersales Support

Owners of the Leapmotor C10 will benefit from a 6-year (or 150,000 km)* vehicle warranty, along with an 8-year (or 160,000 km) battery warranty. Service intervals are fixed at 1 year or 20,000 km, whichever comes first.

Stellantis Malaysia will oversee sales and service, with 18 points of sale already established. In the plan is another 9 more points of sale in 2025. There will also be 16 authorised service centres by 2025, with 6 of these already scheduled to be operational by Q4, 2024.

* Coverage is a 4-year manufacturer warranty plus an additional 2-year full extended warranty.