EXCLUSIVE: Leapmotor C10 and T03 First Drive Review: Stellantis’ Chinese EVs Headed for India

Leapmotor. It’s a new brand, and chances are you haven’t heard of it before. Honestly, it’s not something that would typically be directed at our market. But Stellantis, after struggling to find success with Citroën and Jeep in India, is taking a leap of faith with this Chinese EV-only brand.

So, what makes it interesting? Leapmotor will be sold alongside Jeep and Citroën, and the first two products for India are expected to be the C10 SUV and the T03 hatchback. These are also the cars that spearheaded Leapmotor’s entry into other global markets.

Stellantis’ Strategy With Leapmotor

When Stellantis signed its joint venture with Leapmotor, India was always meant to be part of a later phase. That phase seems close now. The two cars don’t share a family design identity apart from the logo, but the real play here is affordability. Exactly how affordable remains to be seen, because European prices converted directly are alarmingly high. Local assembly is expected to bring costs down, and Stellantis will have to optimise production to make these EVs competitive in India.

Leapmotor C10: A Rival to the Hyundai Ioniq 5?

The Leapmotor C10 is a compact SUV positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Globally, it is offered in two versions — a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and a Range Extended EV (REEV). The REEV uses a small petrol engine that only fires up to charge the battery, with the wheels driven purely by electric power. The pure EV, which we drove, gets a larger battery and claims a WLTP range of 425 km.

Step inside and the C10 feels well-built, though the cabin materials come across as a little basic given the potential price tag. On the road, the SUV is easy to drive, surprisingly light on its feet, and very manoeuvrable. In fact, it feels smaller than its actual size. The steering is simple and smooth — perhaps too soft and lacking feedback for enthusiasts, but it could suit Indian buyers who prefer effortless driving. The technology, screens and ADAS features, however, are well executed and add to the appeal.

Leapmotor T03: The Fun Little City EV

If the C10 is the family-friendly option, the T03 is the city specialist. At just over 3.6 metres, it’s smaller than a Tata Tiago EV but larger than the MG Comet. Despite its size, it doesn’t compromise on capability. With a 37.3 kWh battery, 94 bhp and 158 Nm of torque, it offers a claimed range of 265 km.

On the road, the T03 is unexpectedly fun. Its tiny steering wheel and compact dimensions make it a joy in city traffic, darting through gaps with ease. The steering is light, but it suits the car’s purpose perfectly. Ride quality is also surprisingly good, making it feel more substantial than its dimensions suggest. The ADAS features can be a bit aggressive, but once you adapt, the T03 comes across as a cheerful, practical and genuinely enjoyable urban EV.

The Pricing Challenge

And here’s the catch. In Germany, the T03 starts at around EUR 19,000, which translates to over ₹19 lakh. The C10, meanwhile, starts at EUR 37,600 — close to ₹38 lakh. At those prices, neither car stands a chance in India. The hope is that local assembly will bring these figures down to a more competitive level. Stellantis will need a sharp pricing strategy if Leapmotor is to succeed where its other brands have stumbled.

Verdict: Can Leapmotor Break Stellantis’ India Jinx?

The Leapmotor C10 and T03 are very different propositions — one a practical SUV, the other a compact urban hatchback. Both are competent, both are likeable, and both leave a strong first impression. 

But their future in India rests entirely on how Stellantis decides to price them. If the company gets that right, Leapmotor could finally be the breakthrough brand Stellantis has been waiting for in India.