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If the recently launched Leapmotor B10 is the trendy choice for the younger generation, then the Leapmotor C10 is undeniably the "big brother" designed for those who have worked hard and now want a bit more prestige and comfort
While the B10 is easy to zip around the pasar, the C10 is a much larger D-segment SUV, offering a solid feel that is better than the typical family SUV.
For parents who prioritise space for the whole family, this car aims to provide a premium experience without the premium price tag typically associated with European brands.
One of the most impressive features of the C10 is the "first-class" experience provided to those sitting in the back
With a massive wheelbase of 2,825mm, the legroom is truly limousine-like. Even if your tallest nephew or a growing grandchild is sitting behind you, they will have plenty of room to stretch out without touching the front seat.
The front seats are equally comfortable, offering six-way power adjustment and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. Both seats feature an ergonomic design with cooling ventilation for a comfortable drive.
Beyond just sitting, the C10 offers a unique "Couch Mode" where the front seats can fold completely flat to meet the rear bench. This effectively turns the interior into a long sofa, allowing you to take a comfortable nap in air-conditioned comfort while waiting for your spouse to finish grocery shopping.
In fact, we tried out the exclusive "Nap Mode" in the office parking lot to get some shut-eye, and it works magnificently. The driver's seat reclined into a comfortable position, while the centre console played peaceful nature sounds to take you into the mood.
The C10 isn't just big on the outside; the storage space is designed for the busy Malaysian lifestyle
The rear boot offers a generous 435L of space, which is enough to fit about 10 full shopping bags, comfortably beating many of its rivals. If you're heading for a weekend getaway or a golf trip, you can fold the rear seats down to expand the space to a massive 1,410L, easily accommodating multiple golf bags or even a small mattress.
A unique "hidden" feature in the latest local units is the 32L "frunk" (front trunk) under the bonnet. This is the perfect spot to keep items like durian or fresh fish away from the main cabin so the car stays smelling fresh.
To top it off, the power tailgate operates very quietly, so if you're unloading the car late at night, you won't wake up the neighbours.
Comfort on Malaysian roads is a major factor for anyone who has experienced the swaying feeling in some taller vehicles that can cause motion sickness
To address this, the C10's suspension was professionally tuned by the Italian experts at Stellantis who work on the Italian luxury brand, Maserati.
This gives the car very steady, planted handling, allowing it to turn and handle like a sports car. It feels planted and expensive on the highway, ensuring that elderly parents or young children remain comfortable and relaxed throughout long balik kampung trips.
Compared to the B10, the ride is noticeably stiffer, suggesting that the C10 is tuned more for handling, and it does a stellar job. Body roll is kept to a minimum, and swift manoeuvres are done without any complaints from the car.
For health-conscious parents, the interior materials used in the C10 are a significant selling point
Leapmotor has utilised Oeko-Tex Standard 100 materials for the seat covers, which are essentially the same non-toxic silicone and fabric used to make baby pacifiers.
This means the cabin is exceptionally safe for the little ones. If a child happens to spill their drink or drool on the seat, the material is incredibly easy to wipe clean and does not emit the harsh chemical smells often found in new cars. It is a healthy environment designed specifically with the safety of the family in mind.
While the technology under the hood might sound complicated, the benefit for the owner is very simple
The car has a "central brain" that manages everything from the motor to the infotainment screen.
The centre console sports a massive screen that houses all the features you need, such as mirror adjustment, entertainment, sunroof, boot lid control, air conditioning control, and more.
While the C10 we tested was equipped with the older operating system, the upcoming C10 Plus will receive the updated system.
This system also allows the car to receive "updates" over the air, much like how a smartphone receives new features every few months.
Instead of the car feeling old after a few years, it actually gets better and smarter over time without the owner having to visit a service centre for manual upgrades.
Safety is always the top priority, and the Leapmotor C10 acts like a very alert co-pilot that never gets tired or distracted
The vehicle comes equipped with a full Level 2+ autonomous driving suite, which takes a massive load off the driver during those long highway journeys back to the kampung.
Features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centering Control allow the car to automatically follow the vehicle ahead and stay perfectly positioned within its lane, which significantly reduces leg fatigue and stress on busy roads.
Because Malaysian traffic can be quite unpredictable, the C10 remains constantly vigilant with its Emergency Braking and Collision Warning systems. If a motorbike suddenly cuts in front or a vehicle ahead stops abruptly, the car will provide a clear audible "beep" and can even apply the brakes automatically to prevent an accident. This is complemented by Blind Spot Detection, which acts as an extra pair of eyes to warn you of vehicles you might not see before changing lanes.
While some might find the car a bit "chatty" at first — with its various safety chimes or a gentle nudge of the steering wheel if you drift out of position — there is no need to be startled. It is just the car being protective, keeping you and your passengers safe.
When it comes to the battery, you won't have to worry about being stuck on the side of the highway
The Leapmotor C10 comes with a reliable 69.9kWh battery that provides up to 424km of range on a single charge (WLTP). To put that in perspective, you can easily drive from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka and back. In fact, we did exactly that. With the battery level at 93%, we drove from Petaling Jaya to Melaka over the weekend, and drove back to Bangsar, with 80km left to spare.
Range anxiety is never an issue, as even if you do need a top-up during a longer journey, the DC fast charging is very efficient. At a high-power charging station, you can go from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes, which is enough time for a quick snack and a toilet break before the car is ready to hit the road again.
If the B10 is the perfect first car for a young couple, the C10 is the one for the established head of the household
It offers more metal for your money, higher-quality materials, and a sense of luxury that will certainly make the neighbours take notice.
The Leapmotor C10 gets almost everything right and serves as the perfect companion on the road, whether you're on the highway or urban roads.
Watch our video review below:
@saystech It very beeg. #leapmotorc10 #saystech #cars #evmalaysia #leapmotor ♬ original sound - SAYS Tech
