VM Presentation Leapmotor T03/C10: A Lot of EV for the Money - from the Dealer Around the Corner

The name already fits: Because like a tree frog, the brand "Leap" has nimbly skipped over the combustion engine era since its founding in 2015. This concept from economics is called "leapfrogging," and it can be admired here "par excellence." Impressive, in any case, is the product quality of the two debut vehicles, which, in their diversity, already outline the vast scope set by the emerging Stellantis joint venture from the Middle Kingdom. The T03 is a clever electric microcar that combines elements of the Fiat 500 and Smart 4Four and turns them into an ultra-maneuverable, neat, and agile city vehicle that is not afraid of short highway stretches either.

265 kilometers according to WLTP or 395 in the city (we drove with 10.5 kWh/100 km) are possible with the modern electric platform with a 37 kWh battery, around which a solid "sheet metal bending work" has been crafted, meaning a neatly processed body of a very city-compatible 3.62 meters in length. Sure, everything is budget-friendly, but not cheap, and additionally processed without any creaks. The fact that the many standard assistants (6 airbags, 3 cameras, 5 radar systems, 10 ADAS) beep somewhat wildly can be forgiven for a mini that accelerates swiftly and with a loud whirring sound of the 95 PS synchronous motor and also regeneratively brakes to a stop with a similar whirring, at an "all-inclusive price" of 18,990 euros or 169 euros leasing rate. Customers can only choose from four colors, including "Baby Blue." The panoramic roof and 10" infotainment are not optional but always on board... For the first time, the question arises: How do they do it?!

(Not) Another Electric SUV - but the Price!

The C10 is quite different in design, appearing like a copy of Nio ES7, Tesla Model Y, and Aiways U5, BYD Seal, and so on and so forth. In short, it's essentially a total "me-too" product in the overcrowded upper mid-range electric SUV market. The difference: it costs 36,400 euros, fully equipped - or 379 euros on a monthly lease. And it offers an astonishing amount of electric car for the money. Endless space on comfortable Oeko-Tex-100 certified seats, both in the front and rear, plus a huge trunk, a massive panoramic roof, two ultra-sharp screens as central instrument and infotainment in a Nio or Tesla look and logic, as well as an ample arsenal of 17 driver assistants and a 218 kW fast rear drive, meant to take the not-so-heavy electric car up to 460 kilometers, thanks to an efficient electric platform and a well-utilized 70 kWh battery under the flat floor. The recuperation can be adjusted optionally and at a standstill to "One-Pedal-Drive," further enhancing the cruising character of the entire e-mobile. Concessions have to be made on charging speed, as often with Chinese electric cars. However, the consumption seems quite economical at 16.5 kWh/100 km on the short route.

Spongy Suspension, but High Comfort

Here too: Fine-tuning is still needed, the suspension of the 4.65-meter SUV seems rather spongy, the steering is diffuse, but it's definitely comfortable and super quiet. The sound system is beyond any sound-related doubt, the glass roof creates a bright atmosphere, and the gray-mouse design is pleasantly unpretentious. Also reassuring is the knowledge of the five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test, worlds apart from the collapsing first-generation models from China, a small car age ago. Annoyingly, the numerous built-in assistants beep here too, particularly curious: The attention alert, which asks you to remove your (non-existent) hat. 

The Finishing Touch Is Still Missing

Not everything that shines from China is gold, BUT, for the price, you get so much electric car for your money that even Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares was convinced. The motto: We'd rather bring the "enemy," meaning competition, into our own house and earn from each car than let the China business pass us by. Because Tavares is also clear on this: Europeans won't be able to deliver such affordable quality in the foreseeable future with their high labor and energy costs. For a direct comparison: The Opel Grandland Electric, introduced at the same time under the same roof, is naturally noticeably higher quality and more thoroughly made but significantly less spacious on a multi-energy platform and starts at 46,000 euros, 10,000 euros more, in the basic version, mind you. In this regard, a shirt is closer than a coat. Tavares also knows: Without the Chinese, firstly the climate goals are hardly attainable anymore, and secondly, neither are the fleet limits. Pragmatism is needed in the Stellantis executive suite. If you can't change things, you make use of them.