Stellantis-backed Leapmotor teases new B10 SUV before it launches in EU markets

Chinese EV automaker Leapmotor is teasing its latest SUV model and the first to arrive on its new “B Platform” architecture. The company posted initial images of its B10 compact SUV before the new EV model makes its debut at the Paris Auto Show alongside joint venture partner Stellantis.

Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd., better known as Leapmotor is a publicly traded EV automaker in China founded in 2015. During its current run, Leapmotor has brought five New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) to market, including the T03 city car and the C01, C10, C11, and C16 SUVs. The company offers all its models as both (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants, except the T03, which is fully electric only.

Leapmotor is unique in that it was one of the first Chinese automakers to establish a strategic partnership with a European automaker in Stellantis. In October 2023, Stellantis took a $1.6 billion stake in the Chinese automaker, forming a joint venture to sell its vehicles in Europe.

By March of this year, the JV was approved as Leapmotor International, giving Stellantis exclusive rights to build and sell its new partner’s EVs outside China. By June, Stellantis had already begun production of the T03 in Europe before officially launching alongside the C10 this week.

Today, Leapmotor began teasing its next generation of SUV, which will make its official debut with Stellantis in Paris next month before entering markets in China and Europe.

Leapmotor’s B10 SUV to debut in Paris, launch globally

Leapmotor shared the three images of its new B10 SUV on its Weibo page earlier today, teasing the new model ahead of its debut at the Paris Auto Show, which begins on October 14, 2024.

The B10 will be the first electric model to debut on Leapmotor’s new B Platform. This platform features the automaker’s latest Leap 3.5 Technology Architecture, designed to “provide young people around the world with top-notch new energy products.” The B10 will be the first of several new models on the platform to hit the market by 2025.

According to Leapmotor, the B10 is classified as a compact SUV similar in size to the BMW X1. It is expected to compete against other BEV models like the Onvo L60 from NIO.

Leapmotor’s JV partner Stellantis will also have a prominent presence at the Paris Auto Show next month, and a recent release detailing its premieres included a blurb about its Chinese partner and the new B10 SUV:

Leapmotor will present its tech-centric, affordable electric mobility solutions. Leapmotor Founder, Chairman and CEO Zhu Jiangming, together with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, will unveil the all-new B10, a C-segment SUV, expanding its product line-up in Europe’s core segment through this unique partnership in the automotive industry. This highly anticipated model is the first global model based on Leapmotor’s new B platform, marking a significant step in Leapmotor’s strategic growth in the region by bringing its advanced technology to an even broader audience.

Leapmotor will also present the C10, a fully equipped, family-oriented D-segment electric SUV, and the Leapmotor T03, a compact A-segment urban EV with B-segment interior space. The Leapmotor C10, built on the LEAP3.0 technology architecture, features central integrated electronic and electrical architecture, cell-to-chassis (CTC) technology, and a flagship intelligent cockpit.

Per Stellantis, Leapmotor International is launching operations in Europe now, beginning with T03 and C10 models through 350 sales points globally by the year’s end. The Leapmotor B10 SUV will follow after it makes its official debut in Paris.

We will be sure to report back when we learn more about the B10’s specs and pricing.

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