The Leapmotor B10 is the latest attempt to solve the range anxiety puzzle for anyone who wants the smooth delivery of an electric motor without the constant tether of a charging cable.

Backed by the industrial muscle of Stellantis, this C-segment crossover is the first of the brand’s models to be assembled in Europe, benefiting from chassis refinement conducted at Fiat’s Balocco test track.

For anyone behind the wheel, it represents a strategic bridge between the low entry price of a new market entrant and the peace of mind provided by an established 71-strong dealer network.

Measuring 4,515mm in length, the B10 Hybrid EV is priced to compete with the Kia Sportage PHEV and MG HS, but it offers an interior that feels a class above many established rivals.

While most competitors in this price bracket rely on traditional plug-in hybrid setups where the engine often helps turn the wheels, the B10 is always driven by its 218hp rear motor. A 1.5-litre petrol engine acts purely as an onboard generator to maintain the battery.

This configuration delivers the smooth, immediate response of a pure electric car for the majority of the time, provided the battery has enough charge. It is an effortless way to drive, removing the jerky transitions often found in complex hybrid gearboxes.

Interestingly, Leapmotor claims the B10 drives better than earlier iterations because the company integrated direct feedback from owners into the hybrid’s final chassis settings. These modifications aim to address earlier criticisms of an unsettled low-speed ride. In a clever move, many of these suspension and steering refinements are expected to be implemented in an over-the-air (OTA) update for the full EV version, allowing the car to evolve while it sits on your driveway. This ‘software-defined’ approach to improvements has become more commonplace in the EV era.

On the move, the European tuning delivers a ride that is undeniably comfortable at motorway speeds. The supple suspension on sensible 18-inch wheels bode well for UK drivers, although we sampled the car on routes in Italy.

But that serenity is noticeably broken when the 1.5-litre generator eventually fires up. While it is quiet enough for urban work, it becomes surprisingly intrusive when you ask for more power, creating a droning presence that jars with the otherwise quiet cabin. It is a reminder that while the system offers a total range of 559 miles, it isn’t without its acoustic compromises during the energy conversion process.

Inside, the B10 follows a minimalist design philosophy, dominated by a 14.6-inch touchscreen. It is a clean, airy space, but the over-reliance on the screen for basic tasks remains a frustration for those of us who prefer a physical button.

By achieving 50 miles of electric range and low CO2, the Hybrid version secures a 10% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rating for the 2026/27 tax year. While the 330-litre boot is disappointingly small for a family car, the high standard specification makes life easy.