Leapmotor C10 buyer's guide: is the RM10,000 upgrade from RWD to Plus worth it?

The Leapmotor C10 officially shifted to local assembly (CKD) at the Gurun plant in Kedah in July 2026, marking a crucial step in Stellantis Malaysia's electrification roadmap.

The C10 is currently offered in two variants: the RWD priced at RM129,000 and the Plus priced at RM139,000. This RM10,000 premium is far more than just a minor equipment upgrade; it directly impacts the vehicle's core mechanical substance and everyday usability.

Spec comparison

Note: Bold figures indicate superior specifications. The C10 currently lacks native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, offering QDLink smartphone screen mirroring as an alternative.

Market positioning

The C10 is a 5-seater D-segment all-electric SUV, measuring 4,739 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,680 mm tall, with a generous 2,825 mm wheelbase. Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, it provides 435 litres of boot space alongside a handy 32-litre front trunk (frunk).

Its entry price of RM129,000 sits above the BYD Atto 3 (RM125,800) and Neta X (RM119,888), yet comfortably undercuts the iCaur V23 (RM132,780).

Rather than engaging in a race to the bottom on entry-level pricing, the C10 banks on its D-segment footprint to deliver superior rear cabin room and family-focused practicality.

Significance of local assembly

Stellantis committed roughly 5.3 million euros to upgrade the assembly line and infrastructure at the Gurun facility, establishing the C10 as Leapmotor's maiden CKD model in Malaysia.

The locally assembled model mirrors the outgoing CBU specifications, whilst introducing two new paint options — Violet and Lightning White — alongside an optional physical smart key fob. The high-voltage battery package retains its comprehensive 8-year or 160,000 km warranty.

RWD: What RM129,000 gets you

The RWD variant is powered by a 69.9 kWh LFP battery on a 400V architecture, paired with a rear-mounted single motor delivering 215 hp and 320 Nm. This setup completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds, tops out at 170 km/h, and offers a WLTP-rated range of 420 km.

DC fast charging peaks at 84 kW, AC charging is capped at 11 kW, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) output is rated at 1.7 kW. Annual road tax stands at RM200. Chassis hardware comprises front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent setup.

In real-world conditions — factoring in highway cruising speeds, tropical air-conditioning demands, and typical battery reserve buffers — the 420 km WLTP rating translates to a realistic driving range of roughly 300 to 350 km.

For urban drivers clocking 30 to 50 km daily, a single charge per week is well within reach. However, if you regularly undertake interstate journeys from Kuala Lumpur to Penang or Johor Bahru, the RWD will necessitate at least one charging stop along the North-South Expressway.

An 84 kW DC peak charging rate is somewhat modest by 2026 standards. Taking around 30 minutes to replenish from 30% to 80% SoC, it may feel a little sluggish during quick highway pit stops.

On the equipment front, the RWD is fitted with a 14.6-inch central infotainment screen, a 12-speaker surround sound setup, powered front ventilated seats, a panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera system, a full ADAS package (AEB, ACC, LKA, and BSM included), seven airbags, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

For RM129,000, the kit list is undeniably robust.

Plus variant: What the extra RM10,000 adds

Stepping up to the Plus swaps in an 81.9 kWh battery and upgrades the electrical architecture to 800V. The rear motor output climbs to 295 hp and 360 Nm, trimming the 0-100 km/h sprint down to 6.19 seconds and lifting top speed to 190 km/h, while WLTP range extends to 510 km.

DC fast charging capability jumps to 180 kW, cutting the 30%-80% top-up time to just 22 minutes. AC charging remains unchanged at 11 kW, while annual road tax adjusts to RM305. The larger pack adds 75 kg, pushing kerb weight to 2,055 kg compared to the RWD's 1,980 kg.

The 510 km WLTP range makes non-stop, single-leg trips between KL and Penang entirely feasible. With an estimated real-world highway range of 380 to 420 km, the Plus comfortably covers most Peninsular Malaysia cross-state road trips.

The 180 kW DC charging capability also means that at compatible high-output DCFC stations, a brief coffee break is all it takes to add substantial driving range.

Performance-wise, the extra 80 hp and 40 Nm over the base car result in a 1.31-second quicker sprint to 100 km/h.

In a 2-tonne family SUV, this added punch is immediately tangible out on the open road, providing effortless high-speed overtaking and confident climbing on loaded uphill stretches.

Key differences

The RM10,000 difference buys you 80 hp, 40 Nm, 12 kWh more battery capacity, an extra 90 km of WLTP range, a 96 kW increase in DC fast-charging power, and the thermal and charging efficiencies of an 800V architecture.

Both variants remain completely identical in dimensions, cargo capacity, cabin displays, audio system, seat functions, and safety kit. Every extra ringgit spent on the Plus is funnelled straight into the EV powertrain and electrical hardware, rather than cosmetic trim.

Drawbacks to consider

Neither variant currently supports native Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. While Leapmotor offers QDLink screen mirroring via OTA updates, it remains a stopgap that cannot quite match the seamless usability of native systems.

In a 2026 EV release, this omission is glaring — particularly when rivals from BYD and the Proton eMas 7 provide full integration as standard.

Furthermore, the default NFC card key requires tapping the wing mirror to unlock, followed by placing the card on the centre console or entering a PIN on screen to start.

Thankfully, the newly introduced optional physical key fob and digital smartphone key ease these daily operational quirks.

Verdict

Go for the RWD (RM129,000) if:

Your driving is predominantly urban-based with weekly mileage under 300 km, you have reliable home or workplace AC wallbox charging, and ultrafast DC charging is not a priority.

The RWD's 420 km WLTP range is more than adequate for urban duties, and its 215 hp motor handles city cut-and-thrust and highway cruising with ease. The RM10,000 you pocket can fund your EV charging, insurance, and road tax for years to come.

Opt for the Plus (RM139,000) if:

You travel outstation at least once a month or regularly depend on public DC fast chargers. The Plus variant's 510 km range and 180 kW fast-charging speed prove their worth on the highway — enabling one-shot runs from KL to Penang, with quick 22-minute top-ups keeping downtime minimal.

Its 295 hp output also ensures this 2-tonne SUV stays punchy even when fully loaded with family and luggage. If your budget permits, the 800V architecture and powertrain upgrades in the Plus represent exceptional value and future-proofing over the course of ownership.