Leapmotor C10 REEV: Innovative Range Extender Hampered by Basic Flaws

Daily Car

16/02/2026

The 2026 Leapmotor C10 REEV is a plug in hybrid built to end the fear of running out of battery. A small petrol engine acts only as a generator - the driver still gets the quiet pull of an electric motor while the car carries enough fuel and electricity for more than 1100 km between stops. Tests show that the idea works on the road but the same tests find basic flaws in the electronics, the air conditioning and the driver aids.

Key points

Strengths: The drivetrain runs quietly, the total range is long plus the price is lower than that of many rivals.
Weaknesses: The software freezes, the cabin cools poorly and the assistance systems behave unpredictably.

How the range extender works

A 1.5-litre petrol engine drives nothing but a generator - it feeds a 28.4 kWh lithium ion battery that powers a 212 hp electric motor rated at 236 lb ft of torque. The car covers about 150 km on battery power alone and the petrol supply stretches the total reach to roughly 1150 km. Acceleration from rest feels instant, because the motor responds without delay.

Cabin but also electronics

The dashboard holds almost no buttons - every function is grouped on a 14.6-inch touchscreen that runs a customised version of Android. The screen reacts quickly once it wakes but it needs fifteen seconds to start after the door opens. Apple CarPlay besides Android Auto are absent - navigation depends on a phone bracket. The reversing camera delivers a grainy image and the NFC key card reader often fails to recognise a phone that is meant to act as a spare key.

Comfort and daily use

Even at maximum chill, the air conditioner barely lowers cabin temperature on hot days. Leatherette trim feels soft but scuffs within days as well as the carpets snag lint. Ride comfort is quiet over smooth asphalt but sharp edges send a sudden jolt through the body, hinting that the bump stops contact too early.

Behaviour on the road and safety aids

The petrol generator starts only when the battery drops below a set level and its hum stays in the background. Straight line pace is modest - the sprint from 0 - 100 km/h takes 8.5 s. Adaptive cruise control allows the gap to the car ahead to vary by multiple metres or lane centre assist weaves between the white lines instead of holding the middle. An alert that checks whether the driver watches the road beeps too often, although it shuts off through a menu.

Overall view

The C10 REEV delivers the long distance freedom that pure electric cars still lack and it does so at a lower price than most family SUVs. Until Leapmotor fixes the slow boot up, the weak cooling and the erratic safety aids, the practical appeal of the powertrain remains buried under daily annoyances.

2025-07-02

Bentley Unveils Striking New Logo Ahead of Concept Car Debut

Bentley unveils a sharp new logo, signaling a modern design direction ahead of a concept car reveal on July 8th. The emblem features a streamlined wing profile and a three-dimensional 'B', reflecting the brand's progressive aesthetic.