Leapmotor A10 is the next model for Malaysia – EV B-SUV will be called B03X, launch end 2026 or Q1 2027

The Leapmotor range in Malaysia will soon grow to three models. In 2024, the EV brand kicked off with the C10 SUV, which was followed by the smaller B10 late last year. The trend points to a smaller SUV to complete the range, and such a car was introduced in China last month – say ni hao to the A10.

First, let us clarify the name situation. This car is called the A10 in China, but will be badged B03X for overseas markets, including Malaysia. We understand that the change is to avoid the market confusing the A10 for an A-segment SUV – Leapmotor says that the A10 is actually a B-segment SUV, just like how the B10 is a C and the C10 is a D.

They have the dimensions to back it up. The B03X (‘B zero three X’ sounds a bit robotic and unwieldy, but we’ll call it this from now) is 4,270 mm long and 1,810 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,605 mm. For context, the BYD Atto 2 – which is a fellow electric B-SUV – is 40 mm longer and 20 mm wider, and its wheelbase is 15 mm longer. Same ballpark.

What do you think of the B03X design? It’s a more rounded car than the more sterile B10 and C10, and it departs from the full-width light bars of the two larger SUVs. There’s also an attempt to sprinkle some playfulness in and out – cutesy cues that we spotted include the Leapmotor font on the front ‘mouth’, the robot ‘easter eggs’ that are hidden throughout the cabin, and the ‘Haha’ tail lamps. Yes, Haha!

Chinese buyers can choose from Seaweed Green, Acorn Brown, Berry Blue, Tundra Gray, Galaxy Silver and Morgan Pink colours. Leapmotor had an olive green retro-style unit at Auto China 2026, and the dressed-up example gives me previous-generation MINI Countryman vibes.

In China, the A10 is powered by a single electric motor in two outputs – 94 hp (70 kW) and 121 hp (90 kW), both with 150 Nm of torque. The corresponding 0-100 km/h figures are also modest, 10.5 and 12.0 seconds respectively, with a top speed of 160 km/h.

There are two LFP battery options: 39.8 kWh and 53 kWh, delivering 403 km and 505 km of range respectively on the lenient CLTC cycle. Expect WLTP figures to be around 330 km and 415 km. Claimed energy consumption is 10.7 to 11.3 kWh per 100 km, while DC fast charging takes SoC from 30% to 80% in 16 minutes.

Inside, the B03X comes with the requisite digital meter panel (8.88-inch) and large centre screen, which in this case is 14.6 inches wide. The latter provides access to an infotainment system that integrates Qwen’s AI assistant, powered by a Qualcomm SA8295 chip.

The passenger end of the central air con vent cluster has an attachment for accessories such as ambient lighting, fragrance dispenser or a humidifier, among other things.

Moving back, the driver’s seat back has a flip-down table and the rear seat base lifts up to reveal extra storage space. Speaking of that, the boot floor opens to a surprisingly large cavity that holds 106 litres of gear. It’s a practical compact car for active urban folks, as the tennis gear and folding bike in the Beijing show car illustrates.

One big selling point of the domestic A10 is the availability of LiDAR, which is uncommon on a compact car like this. Aside from the roof-mounted LiDAR sensors, you can tell that A10 has advanced self-driving capabilities from the blue lights at both ends of the car. However, L3 ADAS isn’t applicable in most overseas markets and these items are likely to be omitted. In China, the A10 is priced from 65,800 yuan to 86,800 yuan (RM38,174 to RM50,357).

So, what do you think of Leapmotor’s smallest SUV? Stellantis – which holds a stake in Leapmotor and markets the carmaker’s products outside of China – has a local factory in Gurun, which could help the B03X escape Malaysia’s high CBU EV tax barrier. Expect the B03X to arrive in Malaysia by the end of 2026 or early next year.

GALLERY: Leapmotor B03X in China

GALLERY: Leapmotor A10 at Auto China 2026

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