- 'Blisteringly quick acceleration and robust torque' claimed from 440kW powertrain.
- First Leapmotor with 800V architecture: faster charging, better thermal efficiency.
- On sale now at a $9k premium over the single-motor C10.
When the Leapmotor C10 EV was launched in single-motor rear-drive form last year, the company was very firm on its medium-large SUV being primarily a comfortable family car. It wasn't about high-performance EV acceleration antics.
That was then, and this is now. Meet the C10 AWD, a new dual-motor model that makes 440kW/720Nm, capable of 0-100km/h in just 4.0 seconds (nearly half the time of the standard EV). Range is 437km (WLTP).
Previewed at the Zurich Motor Show just last month, the C10 AWD is now on sale in New Zealand at $64,990, $9k more than the single-motor model.
To read more about Leapmotors plan for a portfolio of "extra vitamin" high-performance models, read our story here.
“The latest addition to the Leapmotor electric SUV lineup is engineered for drivers who value power, versatility, and intelligent control,” says Brian Carr, general manager - sales, Auto Distributors NZ (ADNZ).
Beyond silly-fast acceleration, a key feature of the new model is that it is the first Leapmotor to feature 800V electrical architecture, enabling rapid DC charging to a peak power level of 180kW and better thermal efficiency of the 81.9 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery.
Leapmotor says this results in a rapid charge from 30-80% in 22 minutes, the improved charging efficiency possible without any pre-heating, "resulting in longer life cycle, reduction in stress across key components and excellent usable energy when compared with other battery types".
The high-voltage motors operate more efficiently at high speeds, improving acceleration and power response. The 800V system supports higher-power regenerative braking.
The new model pickes up C10's recent Over The Air (OTA) updates, including enhancements to the driver distraction and fatigue monitoring system. An OTA introduced 360-degree dashcam functionality using the car’s surround-view cameras to record while driving, while a separate update expanded the range of voice recognition functionality accessible via the infotainment system. Digital key sharing is also possible courtesy of the Leapmotor smartphone app.
The Leapmotor C10 AWD is available from Armstrong’s (parent company of ADNZ) dealership locations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.