The Leapmotor B10 offers impressive comfort and spaciousness at a competitive price, but its driving dynamics and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) need improvement. While the car is quiet and well-designed, the steering and ADAS performance may not meet expectations, especially compared to competitors.
Welcome to our in-depth review of the Leapmotor B10, a vehicle that aims to make a mark in the competitive electric SUV market. In this post, we will explore the car's design, performance, comfort, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The Leapmotor B10 is sensibly sized, offering decent space and a well-detailed interior that stands out for its price point. The expected starting price is around 105,000 RMB, with the model featured in this review priced at approximately 120,000 RMB (around €15,000). This pricing sets the stage for our evaluation of the car's features and performance.
The B10's interior is designed with attention to detail, providing a comfortable environment for passengers. The spaciousness of the cabin is a significant selling point, making it suitable for families and individuals alike. The materials used in the interior are commendable, especially considering the price range.
The Leapmotor B10 is equipped with a 160 kW (approximately 217 horsepower) rear motor and features rear-wheel drive. It boasts a three-link independent rear suspension and weighs in at 1,670 kg, which is comparable to petrol-powered SUVs of similar size. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds, making it reasonably fast for daily driving.
While the B10 offers a smooth driving experience, the sport mode may not be ideal for everyday use. The initial pedal travel in sport mode delivers excessive torque, which can be overwhelming. However, switching to standard acceleration and medium regenerative braking provides a more balanced driving experience.
One notable aspect of the driving dynamics is the steering. At speeds above 60 km/h, the steering feels overly centered, almost as if it is equipped with a constant lane departure warning system. This design choice may enhance high-speed stability but can detract from the overall driving enjoyment. Comparatively, competitors like the Biyun Y High offer a more engaging driving experience, despite having less powerful hardware.
One of the standout features of the Leapmotor B10 is its quietness. Even at speeds of 90 km/h, the cabin remains remarkably serene, which is a rare quality in this price segment. The car's comfort levels are high, making it an excellent choice for long commutes or family trips.
The B10 includes a commute mode that memorizes daily routes, allowing for semi-autonomous driving in urban traffic. This system is powered by the Qualcomm 8650 chip, which theoretically offers superior performance compared to competitors using less advanced hardware. However, the current implementation of the ADAS is conservative and slow, leading to potentially dangerous situations on the road. For instance, the system may adhere too strictly to speed limits, causing significant speed differences with surrounding traffic.
As of March 2023, the software for the ADAS is expected to be updated by Q3 of the year, which may enhance its performance. There is optimism that Leapmotor will refine this system to meet the expectations of its users.
In summary, the Leapmotor B10 is a spacious, comfortable electric SUV that offers a lot for its price. While it excels in comfort and quietness, its driving dynamics and ADAS performance require further refinement. With a competitive price point and potential for improvement, the B10 could become a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
As we await further updates and enhancements, the Leapmotor B10 remains an intriguing option for those seeking an affordable electric SUV with room for growth.
