Indian car buyers love SUVs, and the competition is about to get hotter. Stellantis, the global automobile giant that owns brands like Jeep and Citroën, is bringing a new electric car player to India: Leapmotor.

Their star product, the Leapmotor C10, is a mid-size electric SUV that promises premium features at a competitive price. Unlike many small EVs, this is a large, family-sized vehicle that could challenge popular cars like the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV, and the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV.

Here is everything you need to know about the Leapmotor C10, its expected price, range, and why it is a big deal for the Indian market.

What is Leapmotor and Why Does it Matter?

You might not have heard of Leapmotor before. It is a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker known for high-tech, affordable cars.

However, this is not just another Chinese entry. In 2023, Stellantis acquired a 20% stake in Leapmotor. This partnership means Stellantis will manufacture and sell Leapmotor cars outside China. For India, this is excellent news because Stellantis already has factories and dealer networks here (used for Jeep and Citroën).

The C10 is their first global product, designed for international markets, including Europe and India.

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Leapmotor C10 Design and Features

The C10 is a smart-looking SUV. It has a clean, minimalist design similar to Tesla cars but with a more traditional SUV shape.

Key Design Highlights:

• Size: It measures 4,739 mm in length. This makes it larger than the Hyundai Creta and Tata Curvv, and closer in size to the Tata Harrier or Mahindra XUV700.
• Exterior: It features flush door handles (pop-out style), a “shark nose” front design, and full-width LED light bars at the front and back.
• Interior: The cabin is very modern. It has almost no physical buttons. Everything is controlled through a massive 14.6-inch floating touchscreen.
• Comfort: The seats are made of eco-friendly silicone leather (baby-friendly material). The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, making it great for Indian families.

Battery, Range, and Performance

The Indian version of the C10 is expected to come with powerful specs that suit both city driving and highway trips.

• Battery Pack: It uses a 69.9 kWh LFP battery. LFP batteries are known for being safer and longer-lasting in hot climates like India.
• Range: The company claims a WLTP range of 420 km to 424 km. In Indian driving conditions (ARAI), this could be certified higher, possibly around 500+ km.
• Power: It features a rear-mounted motor that produces 218 hp (170 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds.
• Charging: It supports fast DC charging, capable of going from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Expected Price in India

This is the most critical part. Since the C10 is larger than the Creta EV but comes from a new brand, aggressive pricing is expected.

Stellantis is likely to localize production in India to avoid high import taxes.

• Estimated Price: ₹20 Lakh to ₹25 Lakh (Ex-showroom).
• If they manage this price, the C10 will offer Harrier-sized space for a Curvv-sized price, offering massive value for money.

Rivals: Who Will It Compete With?

The electric SUV segment in India is becoming crowded. The Leapmotor C10 will directly fight against:

1. Tata Curvv EV (Popular, feature-rich)
2. MG ZS EV (Established, reliable)
3. Upcoming Hyundai Creta EV (Highly anticipated)
4. Mahindra BE.6 / XEV 9e (Upcoming stylish SUVs)
5. BYD Atto 3 (Premium rival, though likely more expensive)

Launch Date: When is it Coming?

Stellantis has confirmed that Leapmotor is entering India. While the official date is not fixed, industry reports suggest:

• Official Debut: Late 2025
• Sales Start: Early to Mid 2026

Stellantis is currently testing the market and setting up the supply chain to ensure a smooth rollout.

Summary: Should You Wait for It?

If you are planning to buy a premium electric SUV in 2026 and want something spacious, high-tech, and different from the usual Tatas and Mahindras, the Leapmotor C10 is definitely worth watching. With Stellantis backing it for service and support, it addresses the main worry people have about new car brands.

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