Leapmotor: Chinese electric cars now available in Switzerland

With Leapmotor, another automobile brand from China is trying to gain a foothold in the European market – thanks to a joint venture with Stellantis, with a broad sales network from the start. In Switzerland, Emil Frey AG is responsible for imports. This company has experience with the launch of new, previously unknown brands – the importer brought Toyota to Switzerland in 1966, despite all the sceptics.

Leapmotor has existed since 2015 and mainly builds electric cars. Two of them are now available in Switzerland: the small car T03 and the SUV C10. Both attract attention primarily with their good prices. However, it is not yet known how much they cost in Switzerland – we estimate the T03 to be under 19,000 francs, the C10 to be about twice as much. Both models, however, appear to be solidly made and comparatively high quality.

The T03 is intended to be a cost-effective entry into e-mobility. Its home is the city. There it scores with compact dimensions – just 1.58 meters wide – and low-powered electric drive. At least in town, the 70 kW/95 hp seem sufficient, but at higher speeds it becomes rather sluggish.

Leapmotor sees itself primarily as a software company. Accordingly, the small car is equipped with two displays. The central touchscreen controls all functions, which basically works well. However, the display is detailed. The car can be heated, cooled and located using an app. Leapmotor states a range of 265 kilometers according to WLTP, and charging is only possible with a maximum of 45 kW.

The C10 is the brand’s current flagship. This is reflected in the impeccable workmanship in the interior, plenty of space in the back seat and a large, high-resolution touchscreen. The SUV feels pleasant for the first few meters, especially because it remains pleasantly quiet even at highway speeds. The chassis is a little unbalanced despite the European finish. But considering the price, you can definitely live with that.

The Chinese should improve the brakes; they didn’t seem too strong on the first test drive, even though the electric car is light at 1.9 tons. The WLTP range is given as 420 kilometers, and the SUV can only be fast-charged with a maximum of 84 kW; so it takes 30 minutes for the battery to regain 210 kilometers of range. The C10 is also only available with 160 kW/218 hp rear-wheel drive. Even if the newcomer from China has a lot to offer, you shouldn’t expect miracles at the bargain price.