The Australian electric vehicle landscape continues its rapid transformation as Chinese automotive manufacturer Leapmotor prepares to deliver significant performance upgrades to its C10 electric SUV. Less than five months since its launch in Australia a heavily updated 2026 Leapmotor C10 has been unveiled. Boasting more power, fresh electrics and enhanced technology, the updated C10 has already been confirmed as under consideration by Stellantis Australia.
Since arriving on Australian shores in November 2024, the Leapmotor C10 has positioned itself as an affordable alternative to premium electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y. However, recent developments in China suggest that the brand isn’t content with simply offering value – they’re pushing for genuine performance credentials that could reshape the competitive landscape.
Revolutionary Power Increase on the Horizon
The most significant development for the C10 comes in the form of a substantial powertrain upgrade. The updated model will feature a new drive motor delivering a maximum power output of 220 kW (295 hp), marking a substantial 50 kW (67 hp) increase over the current model’s 170 kW (228 hp). For Australian consumers, this represents an even more dramatic improvement, as the local specification currently delivers 160kW.
This power boost translates into tangible performance improvements that electric vehicle enthusiasts will appreciate. With the bigger unit the C10 is now capable of a 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds – 1.6 seconds quicker than the current C10. Such acceleration figures place the upgraded C10 in direct competition with premium electric SUVs that command significantly higher price points.
The engineering behind this upgrade reflects Leapmotor’s commitment to advancing their electric vehicle technology. Rather than simply tweaking existing systems, the company has fundamentally enhanced the motor design to extract maximum efficiency and performance from their electric drivetrain architecture.
Advanced 800V Architecture: The Game Changer
Perhaps even more significant than the power increase is the introduction of 800V electrical architecture. The all-electric Leapmotor C10 started using the 800V high-voltage system. This technology helps the battery to charge and discharge more effectively. This represents a quantum leap from the current 400V system, bringing the C10 in line with some of the most advanced electric vehicles on the market.
The benefits of 800V architecture extend far beyond technical specifications. For everyday users, this translates to dramatically reduced charging times – a critical factor in electric vehicle adoption. Where the current C10 requires approximately 30 minutes to charge from 30% to 80% capacity at 84kW, the upgraded system promises significantly faster charging capabilities that align with modern consumer expectations.
This technological advancement addresses one of the most frequently cited concerns about the current C10 in Australian reviews. The 2024 Leapmotor C10 shows plenty of promise and is mightily tempting to snap-up with its low projected pricing but, ultimately, we’d hold-off until the MY25 upgrades are rolled out, upgrades that should include an 800V electrical architecture and bring 200kW-plus DC fast-charging.
Enhanced Battery Technology and Range
Accompanying the electrical system upgrade is an improved battery pack. The battery capacity was also improved. The 2026 C10 adopts an LFP pack for 74.9 kWh. The car’s CLTC range reached 605 km. While these figures reflect Chinese testing standards, they indicate a meaningful improvement over the current 69.9kWh battery and 420km WLTP range offered in Australia.
The continued use of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology demonstrates Leapmotor’s focus on longevity and thermal stability rather than pursuing maximum energy density. This approach aligns with the brand’s value proposition, offering reliable, long-lasting battery technology that reduces total cost of ownership over the vehicle’s lifespan.
For Australian drivers, this enhanced range capability addresses range anxiety concerns while maintaining the practical benefits of LFP chemistry. The technology has proven particularly well-suited to Australia’s varied climate conditions, from the tropical north to temperate southern regions.
Stellantis Partnership: Global Credibility
The Leapmotor story in Australia is inseparable from its partnership with automotive giant Stellantis. In October 2023, automotive conglomerate Stellantis – which owns Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Maserati and Fiat, among others – announced it would invest €1.5 billion (A$2.5 billion) in Leapmotor, purchasing about 21 per cent of the Chinese carmaker.
This partnership provides Australian consumers with confidence in after-sales support and service availability. It currently has 12 dealerships across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. There are plans to double its dealer network by the end of 2025, bringing the total number of outlets to between 20 and 30.
The Stellantis connection also brings engineering expertise that enhances the C10’s development. engineers from its Maserati sportscar division provided tuning expertise for the C10’s independent suspension. This collaboration between Chinese innovation and European refinement creates a unique value proposition in the Australian market.
Market Positioning and Competition
Currently, the Leapmotor C10 occupies a strategic position in the Australian electric vehicle market. For context, the BYD Atto 3 is priced from $44,499 to $47,499 before on-road costs, while the most affordable Tesla Model Y – even after recent price cuts – starts at $55,900 before on-road costs.
The C10’s pricing strategy targets both electric vehicle early adopters and traditional SUV buyers considering their first electric vehicle. Leapmotor Australia argues its pricing means it stretches its relevance beyond EVs to buyers of conventional petrol-powered medium SUVs, such as the top-end of the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage range.
With the performance upgrades, this positioning becomes even more compelling. The enhanced C10 would offer Tesla Model Y-level performance at a significantly lower price point, potentially disrupting established market hierarchies.
Technology Integration and User Experience
Beyond powertrain improvements, the upgraded C10 addresses technology concerns that have characterized early reviews. The cabin also gets an important change in the form of an upgraded 14.6-inch infotainment system, which now features the Snapdragon 8295 chip instead of the Snapdragon 8155. The latest tech improves system responsiveness and offers a more seamless and intuitive driving experience.
The integration of advanced computing hardware reflects the broader industry trend toward software-defined vehicles. This approach enables continuous improvement through over-the-air updates, ensuring that vehicles remain current throughout their ownership lifecycle.
Addressing another frequent criticism, Leapmotor has confirmed an over the air update to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to export C10s around August. This development addresses one of the most significant user experience gaps identified in Australian reviews.
Design and Practicality Balance
The upgraded C10 maintains the design philosophy that has earned recognition in international markets. The vehicle combines advanced technology with natural beauty and elegance with its balanced front face and side body featuring flush door handles and the three parallel lines of the waistline, centreline, and skirting of the car creating a strong impression.
Practical considerations remain central to the C10’s appeal. The vehicle offers substantial interior space that competes with larger, more expensive alternatives. Leapmotor claims there’s 581 litres of boot space with the rear seats upright, expanding to 1410 litres with them folded.
This combination of style and practicality positions the C10 as a genuine family vehicle that doesn’t compromise on aesthetic appeal. The design language successfully bridges the gap between mainstream accessibility and premium aspiration.
Australian Market Implications
The timing of these upgrades coincides with an increasingly competitive Australian electric vehicle market. The 2025 Leapmotor C10 is one of a rapidly increasing number of medium-sized electric SUVs predominantly from China. They include the Zeekr X, Xpeng G6, Deepal S07, Kia EV5 and Tesla Model Y.
Early sales figures suggest room for improvement in market penetration. With just 194 C10s finding homes in Australia in 2025, the improved performance, faster charging, increased range and enhanced in-car tech should help Leapmotor – which is exporting beyond China in a financial partnership with Stellantis – prove more competitive in the electric mid-size SUV segment.
However, these modest initial numbers often characterize new brand launches, particularly in the premium technology sector. The enhanced performance and technology package could provide the catalyst for broader market acceptance.
Future Outlook and Market Evolution
The Leapmotor C10 upgrades represent more than incremental improvements – they signal a maturation of Chinese electric vehicle technology that directly challenges established premium brands. The combination of advanced 800V architecture, increased power output, and enhanced user experience creates a compelling value proposition.
For Australian consumers, this development offers the prospect of accessing cutting-edge electric vehicle technology at accessible price points. The Stellantis partnership provides confidence in long-term support and service availability, addressing concerns that often accompany new brand introductions.
The broader implications extend beyond individual vehicle specifications. These upgrades demonstrate the rapid pace of innovation in the electric vehicle sector, where technological advancement cycles compress traditional automotive development timelines.
As the Australian electric vehicle market continues expanding, vehicles like the upgraded C10 will play crucial roles in democratizing advanced automotive technology. The combination of performance, technology, and value positions these vehicles as catalysts for broader electric vehicle adoption across diverse consumer segments.
The enhanced Leapmotor C10 represents a significant evolution in the Australian electric vehicle landscape, offering consumers unprecedented access to advanced electric vehicle technology at competitive price points. As these upgrades reach Australian shores, they may well reshape consumer expectations and competitive dynamics in the rapidly evolving electric SUV segment.