One car every week. It turns out that almost every week in Croatia we get a new model, and in most cases it is about Chinese products. That’s how we started this week by driving Leapmotor, which releases two models. First, we are talking about another SUV model, admittedly not so unknown, the B10 model, and then the B05 hatchback model. I say the B10 is not completely unknown because the all-electric version has been on sale for some time, while the current expansion is for the plug-in version. So let’s start in order.
During the presentation of the new model, Ivan Spajić, head of the Leapmotor brand, pointed out that their brand is characterized by ‘excellence in an accessible way’. Their goal is to offer advanced, more affordable models with high technological development. Admittedly, I would say that the Chinese models are made according to the same pattern. With the same settings, only with small differences. This is another such model. Similar in appearance, the same in technology, regardless of whether we are talking about the EV edition or the newly arrived plug-in.
Model B10 is an SUV model from the compact C segment that measures 451.5 centimeters in length, 187.3 cm in width and 165.2 cm in height on a wheelbase of 273.5 cm with a ground clearance of 18 cm. It is the model that offers a very enviable level of space in the passenger cabin, but this is felt in the trunk. Perhaps a few centimeters less space for passengers would be better, so the trunk would be more generous than 430 liters.
If we talk about the EV version, it is possible to choose the Pro version, which with a 56.2 kWh battery has a range of 361 km, while the ProMax uses a battery with a capacity of 67.1 kWh, which should be enough for a 434 km range. Now the PHEV edition has arrived, which, in addition to the 50-liter gas tank, also has an 18.8 kWh battery and has a declared combined range of 900 km. Pure EV range is 86 km. This plug-in hybrid is from the Range Extender category. This means that the car is always powered by a 160 kW electric motor, while the 1.5-liter gasoline engine serves as a generator. This means that it does not drive the car directly, but produces electricity that is then used to start the electric motor. That generator is of 50 kW, while direct charging of the battery from an external source can be via an AC charger of 6.6 kW, that is, if we are talking about DC charging, then the charging power is 46 kW.
Four operating modes are foreseen, with two being only for the EV version and two when the gasoline engine also participates in the drive. They are selected independently on the central screen, where all important functions are performed. There are no physical buttons, apart from those on the steering wheel or around it. EV is for everyday driving, EV+ is a mode with more power, Fuel is for longer trips and Power+ when you need the most power.
The aforementioned central screen is a 14.6-inch 2.5K HD display powered by a Qualcomm 8155 chip and Leap OS 4.0 Plus. Vehicle users can also use the Leapmotor application, which can be used to manage all essential functions, and which can also serve as a key to enter the vehicle.
The offer is very simple and consists of two levels of equipment – Style and Design. The entry level brings automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth&NFC key, panoramic roof, Car Play and Android Auto applications, six speakers, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED front and rear lights and 17 ADAS systems. The entry level comes with gray fabric in the interior, while the Design package brings light or dark gray eco-leather. An additional choice is between six exterior colors (blue, purple, white, gray, black and silver).
The richer Design level, in addition to the already mentioned eco-leather, also brings the driver’s seat adjustable in 6 directions, while the passenger seat can be adjusted in four directions. The front seats are heated and ventilated, the side mirrors are automatically folding, the interior is complete with ambient lighting, while the tailgate is electrically operated. The number of speakers has been increased to 12, the B10 is also equipped with a rain sensor and comes with tinted rear windows. It is also interesting that the passenger’s seat can be completely folded, which provides an enviable space for rest in the back seat.
On a very short test route, we had the opportunity to try the B10 PHEV, which performed all tasks as expected, with a bit more ‘pushing’ to make the Power+ mode work at maximum power. In order to start the vehicle, it is important to place the card for entering the vehicle, which is unlocked by touching it to the driver’s rearview mirror, in the space on the central ridge. For more experience, we will have to wait for a real test vehicle.
We also came to the price. The starting price is 29,990 euros for the Style equipment level, while the more richly equipped Design costs 31,990 euros. However, on the occasion of the launch, a benefit of as much as 3,000 euros has been prepared. Thus, the initial B10 PHEV can be purchased for 26,990 euros, that is, for two thousand euros more and a richer package.
Let’s go to B05 now. SUVs are increasingly common in showrooms and on the roads, so it is interesting when a model that is not from that segment arrives on the market. The B05 is a model that will soon arrive in domestic showrooms, and it is an electric hatchback model. In Leapmotor, they mention that it is a sports model, but I am not sure how much that word makes too much sense when almost every electric model brings explosiveness, and sports details are in their infancy. However, they boast the Launch Control function with which this compact reaches a speed of 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The B05 was created on the platform of the same wheelbase of 273.5 cm, with the fact that it is 443 cm long, 152 high and 188 cm wide. The design delivers a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26 which is said to be the best in the segment. It is mounted on 19-inch wheels, while the passenger cabin brings details such as the screen of the B10 model. The battery is integrated into the chassis, which provides more space in the passenger cabin. The impression is even better with the panoramic roof. As with the B10, the boot could be bigger. Only 345 liters of volume are available.
The same batteries as the B10 model are used. It means that the initial one is 56.2 kWh, which due to its lower weight and better aerodynamics brings a range of 401 km, while the larger battery of 67.1 kWh has a range of 482 km. AC charging goes up to 11 kW when it takes 3 or 3.5 hours to charge from 30% to 80%, while with direct current charging goes up to 140 to 174 kW and is replenished to the same level in 16 or 17 minutes.
The drive is on the rear axle, where 160 kW / 218 hp or 240 Nm of maximum torque is delivered. The maximum speed is 170 km/h, but we know very well how rare electric models are driven above the legal limit. Along with 14 sensors and cameras, 21 ADAS systems have been prepared, which contributes to a very high level of safety. As with the B10 model, the Leapmotor application is also available here to control all the essential functions of the vehicle.
Two levels of equipment, Style and Design, are planned, with the initial level coming with a weaker battery, and the richer one with a more powerful one. The Style package with the Pro battery of 56.2 kWh costs 27,990 euros, while the Design package with the ProMax battery of 67.1 kWh costs 30,990 euros. As with the B10 PHEV model, a benefit has been prepared for the first buyers, which amounts to 2000 euros. Thus, the initial model can be purchased for 25,990 euros. The warranty on the vehicle is 6 years, while the battery is 8 years.