Leapmotor C10 Long Range Sharpens Australia’s EV Value Equation

The entry-level BEV Style has been removed from the Australian range, leaving the Design Long Range as the sole rear-wheel-drive battery-electric C10. The upgrade is substantial. Battery capacity rises from 69.9kWh to 81.9kWh, the electrical architecture moves from 400 volts to 800 volts, and claimed WLTP driving range increases from 420km to 510km. Power also steps up to 220kW and 360Nm, giving the family-sized SUV a stronger performance profile without pushing it into premium pricing territory.

For finance-minded buyers, this is the type of update that can change the comparison beyond the monthly repayment. A vehicle that travels further between charges may suit households with longer commutes, regional travel needs or limited home-charging flexibility. Faster charging is another practical gain, with the new Long Range variant supporting up to 180kW DC charging and a claimed 30 to 80 per cent top-up in about 22 minutes. That can reduce public charging downtime, which matters when comparing real-world ownership costs against petrol, hybrid or older EV alternatives.

The wider C10 range still includes the Hybrid EV Style and Hybrid EV Design from MY25 stock, while the high-performance AWD Sports+ Special Edition sits above the Long Range at $53,888 before on-road costs. That gives buyers a broad spread of options, but it also makes careful budgeting important. Stamp duty, registration, dealer delivery, insurance, accessories and charging equipment can all affect the amount financed.

One caveat remains: the C10 still lacks native Apple CarPlay, and Android users rely on phone mirroring rather than a fully conventional setup. Some buyers will overlook that for range and price; others may see it as a daily-use compromise worth testing before signing.

The broader takeaway is that competition in affordable electric SUVs is intensifying quickly. If you are considering the updated C10, take time to compare electric car loans, check whether the vehicle meets lender green-loan criteria, and model repayments using the full drive-away figure rather than the advertised list price.