Why the Leapmotor C10 is Malaysia’s most overlooked EV (For Now!)

Malaysia’s electric vehicle market is starting to become a bustling arena, filled with contenders vying for attention. Yet, standing quietly but confidently among them is the Leapmotor C10, an EV that deserves far more recognition than it currently receives.

It’s not just an affordable alternative to mainstream EVs—it’s a breath of fresh air, a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With an amalgam of practicality, cutting-edge technology, and a surprisingly premium feel, the C10 is an EV that invites you to take a second look.

So, what’s it really like to live with one? Buckle up, because we’re taking you on an exciting ride through everything you need to know about Malaysia’s most underrated electric SUV.

What is the Leapmotor C10?

Think of the Leapmotor C10 as that unassuming but incredibly talented newcomer in the room, one that doesn’t shout for attention but wins hearts with its sheer substance. This is Leapmotor’s first global model, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for us Malaysians.

Leapmotor might be a fresh name to Malaysians, but it’s already making waves globally thanks to its deep commitment to in-house tech development.

Unlike brands that rely heavily on outsourcing, Leapmotor prides itself on designing and engineering everything—from battery systems and electric motors to intelligent software—in-house. This means tighter integration, better quality control, and an EV that feels genuinely special.

With the C10, Leapmotor isn’t trying to dazzle us with flashy gimmicks. Instead, it delivers exactly what many Malaysians have been craving: solid range, innovative tech, and effortless practicality, all bundled into an attractive package.

Malaysians are warming up to EVs, and the C10 arrives as an option that makes practical electric mobility genuinely attainable. With a price of RM159,000, it stays within reach compared to the usual suspects that command hefty price tags, all while delivering a package that feels far from ‘budget.’

At first glance, its design is modern yet effortlessly stylish. It doesn’t try to be overly aggressive or futuristic—no unnecessary theatrics, just a well-proportioned and polished SUV that looks right at home on Malaysian roads.

But honestly, as handsome as the exterior is, the real magic happens when you step inside. The cabin greets you with a sense of space that immediately makes you wonder, “Wait, how is this so affordable?”

Measuring 4,739 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,825 mm, it offers a D-segment-sized interior at a C-segment price tag. The materials feel refined, the layout feels intuitive, and there’s an undeniable air of comfort that makes long drives something to look forward to rather than endure.

Five passengers fit with ease, with plenty of legroom to stretch out and enjoy the ride, thanks to the generous 951 mm of rear legroom.

The boot? Let’s just say it’s a cavernous space that’s ready for whatever life throws at you. Grocery runs? No problem. Weekend getaways? Absolutely.

Need to haul a full-sized baby stroller? It fits with room to spare. Heck, someone recently managed to squeeze an entire piano inside—yes, you read that right, a piano.

Fold down the seats, and you can even load up a full-sized bicycle without breaking a sweat. With 435 litres of boot space that expands to a massive 1,410 litres with the seats folded, it’s a testament to just how versatile this EV is.

Whether you're heading out for a road trip, tackling errands, or spontaneously deciding to transport musical instruments, the C10 is always ready to roll.

Technology is another ace up the C10’s sleeve. A 14.6-inch high-definition touchscreen takes center stage, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, ensuring a smooth and lag-free experience.

Paired with an in-house developed 840-watt amplifier, 12-speaker HIFI surround sound system, it delivers an audio experience that rivals luxury cars. It’s the kind of experience you’d expect from a far more expensive EV, yet here it is, within reach of more Malaysians.

Daily Ownership: Features & Practicality

Living with the Leapmotor C10 is where it truly cements its place as a lovable companion. Offered exclusively in a single-motor rear-wheel drive setup, the C10’s electric motor churns out 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm, ensuring every tap of the accelerator delivers a seamless surge of power.

No engine noise, no vibrations—just pure EV serenity. Despite its 1,980 kg weight, it still manages a brisk 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds, eventually topping out at 170 km/h. It glides through city traffic with an almost meditative ease, making the daily commute feel far less stressful.

There’s also a delightful simplicity to its one-pedal driving mode. Instead of constantly switching between the accelerator and brake, lifting your foot off the pedal slows the car down, reducing driver fatigue in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Regenerative braking works quietly in the background, harvesting energy to stretch out the range, which is already more than adequate for a full week of city driving on a single charge.

The real surprise, however, is in how well the C10 handles the road. With suspension tuning overseen by Maserati engineers (yes, you read that right), it offers a ride that is both comfortable and composed.

It soaks up bumps with grace, ensuring that whether you’re navigating pothole-ridden streets or cruising on the highway, the experience remains plush and refined. The 20-inch ‘Trident’ alloy wheels wrapped in 245/45 Dunlop e.Sport Maxx tyres not only enhance grip but also add to the premium feel of the drive.

Charging? It’s a non-issue. If you’ve got a home wallbox, an overnight charge keeps it ready for the next day’s adventures. The 69.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery offers a WLTP-rated range of 424 km, more than enough for most drivers.

And for the occasional long-distance trip, Malaysia’s expanding network of DC fast chargers makes pit stops relatively painless, with the C10 capable of an 84 kW DC charge, taking it from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Maintenance & Servicing: What to Expect?

Owning an EV like the Leapmotor C10 feels like a liberation from the age-old rituals of petrol car maintenance. Gone are the days of oil changes, spark plug replacements, and timing belt worries. With fewer moving parts under the hood, the chances of breakdowns and unexpected repair bills are significantly reduced.

That’s not to say maintenance is nonexistent. Regular battery health checks ensure longevity, and thanks to the independent liquid cooling system for the battery, occasional servicing keeps temperatures in check, preserving battery performance and lifespan. It’s a small effort for peace of mind, ensuring your EV remains in optimal condition for years to come.

Tyre rotations and brake fluid checks remain a necessity, but thanks to regenerative braking, your brake pads will last much longer than in a traditional car.

Ultimately, the cost of keeping a C10 running smoothly is far lower than a petrol-powered equivalent, making the transition to EV ownership all the more enticing.

Warranty & After-Sales Support

Warranty is often the deal-breaker for new EV buyers, and Leapmotor knows this. The C10 comes with a six-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty, ensuring long-term peace of mind.

That said, after-sales support will be a crucial piece of the puzzle. As a new brand in Malaysia, Leapmotor is rapidly laying the groundwork for a strong servicing network—an essential step in winning over buyers. The faster it expands, the easier it becomes for potential owners to take the leap with confidence, knowing that support is always within reach.

Leapmotor’s Growing Dealer Network

A great car needs a great support system, and Leapmotor is taking its expansion seriously. By employing a hub-and-spoke model, the brand is working to establish key service hubs in major cities while building smaller service points across the country.

With 13 dealerships and point-of-sales locations already operational alongside 6 active service centres (comprising 1 hub and 5 spokes), Leapmotor's network is rapidly expanding. By the end of this year, the brand aims to complete a total of 18 dealerships/point-of-sales outlets and 11 service centres.

As Leapmotor continues to strengthen its presence, consumer confidence in the C10 is expected to grow. To find your nearest Leapmotor dealer, visit their official dealership page.

Why You Should Consider Buying the Leapmotor C10

The Leapmotor C10 isn’t just another EV—it’s a statement. It’s for the urban parent who needs a spacious, comfortable, and efficient ride for the family. It’s for the tech-savvy driver who values modern conveniences without breaking the bank. It’s for the budget-conscious motorist who wants an EV that delivers practicality without sacrificing quality.

So, should you buy one? Absolutely. The C10 might be a relatively unknown name for now, but it has all the makings of a game-changer. It delivers where it matters most—comfort, technology, efficiency, and affordability.

It’s an EV that doesn’t just make sense—it makes you question why it’s not already the talk of the town. The only reason? Most haven’t seen it, let alone experienced what it truly offers. But as Leapmotor strengthens its presence in Malaysia with a solid after-sales network, it’s only a matter of time before the C10 gets the spotlight—and the recognition—it rightfully deserves.

For now, it remains a hidden gem. But not for long.