- The Leapmotor B10 has been launched with the range starting from $44,990.
- It will be available locally in two fully-electric variants - Life and Design.
- Leapmotor is also chopping $2000 off both models as a launch offer.
Auto Distributors New Zealand, the local distributor of Leapmotor, has launched the brand's upcoming second model, the B10 small SUV, with sharp prices that get even sharper with a special launch offer that knocks $2000 off for early adopters.
The fully-electric B10 BEV will join the larger C10 that is already on sale here in BEV and plug-in hybrid forms, and will be available in two different specification levels - Life and Design.
At 4515mm long, 1885mm wide and 1655mm tall (with a wheelbase of 2735mm) the B10 is slightly smaller than a Toyota RAV4, and both models of B10 feature a 25 litre frunk up front, with a 430 litre boot that expands up to 1700 litres with the rear seats folded.
The Life will open the range at $44,990 and offer a 56.2kWh battery with a WLTP-tested range of 361km, while the Design will get a larger 67.1kWh battery and a range of 434km and cost $49,990. Both will use a 160kW electric motor mounted on the rear axle. Both support fast-charging capability, allowing the B10’s battery to go from 30 percent to 80 percent in 20 minutes.
A large 14.6-inch ‘floating’ central infotainment screen is standard in both models, which is complemented by a 8.8-inch driver cluster display along with driver-side wireless smartphone charging, while a Near-Field Communication (NFC) card for smart entry into and starting of the vehicle is also standard in place of a traditional key fob.
Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality, a panoramic glass roof, 360-degree surround view camera, and fully reclinable front seats that Leapmotor says create a "lie-flat bed experience" are also standard across both models, as are LED headlights and taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Design model adds to this impressive haul of standard equipment with eco-leather electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, an electric tailgate, ambient interior lighting, rain sensing wipers, rear privacy glass, a heated steering wheel and an upgraded 12-speaker audio system.
Leapmotor says the B10 is designed with a rigid body structure and advanced crash protection, and comes standard with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), while Leapmotor offers a four-year/ 100,000km warranty, an eight-year/ 160,000km battery warranty as well as four-years roadside assistance.
Leapmotor will be offering both models with a $2000 discount as a special launch period offer, making the Life $42,990 and the Design $47,990.
"We are thrilled to announce that the new Leapmotor B10 will debut with a special launch offer of just $42,990 for the highly specified ‘Life’ and $47,990 for the more lavishly appointed ‘Design’ model,” said Brian Carr, General Manager - Sales, Auto Distributors New Zealand.
"The rear-wheel drive B10 is an eye-catching vehicle which offers a host of premium features not normally seen at this price point and sets new standards for intelligent electric SUVs, offering advanced connectivity, a spacious interior and a dynamic exterior design.
"We believe this offers Kiwi motorists outstanding value for money, considering the high level of standard equipment, plus an unheralded array of outstanding features combining technology and versatility."
The launch event featured a very brief drive in the B10 where it showed off a similar smooth, competent driving experience as the larger C10, with a comfortable ride, responsive power delivery and impressively open, airy and comfortable interior.
The interior was surprisingly roomy and well built, but there are noticeably more areas of hard plastics that are to be expected with the B10's lower price point.
While the short 20 minute motorway blast told us next to nothing about the B10's handling, it did show a very soft suspension set up that will see it shine in an urban environment, but may prove to be somewhat less suited for a spirited drive on your average Kiwi back road.
However, we will know more soon as David Linklater is currently at the international launch of the B10, where he will no doubt experience considerably more time in it, as well as a wider array of roads. Plus we will also have a B10 locally very soon for a full road test. Stay tuned.
