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Stellantis’ Secret Weapon Against Chinese EVs In Europe Turns Out To Be A Chinese EV

  • Leapmotor has introduced a smaller fully electric SUV, named A10/B03x.
  • It will be sold in China and Europe with a range of up to 311 miles.
  • A related small electric hatchback will reportedly join the lineup soon.

Update: This story now includes new photos and fresh details on the Leapmotor A10 / B03x, following its world premiere at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China and Stellantis’ confirmation of its launch in Europe.

Stellantis’ Chinese partner Leapmotor continues to expand its model lineup, this time setting its sights on one of the most competitive corners of the market: small SUVs. Its latest offering is called A10 in China and B03x in Europe, positioned below the slightly larger B10.

The new EV made its first public outing at the Guangzhou Auto Show and has also been confirmed by Stellantis for European markets including Germany. The SUV is expected to be joined by a mechanically-related small hatchback set to be unveiled in 2026.

More: Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

The bodywork reflects the smooth surfacing and rounded contours seen across Leapmotor’s lineup, complemented by a Citroen-like wraparound greenhouse, discreet plastic cladding, and LED lighting with darkened clusters. The graphics on the taillights look like smiling emojis, adding a playful note to the rather generic design.

The model rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and will be available in six shades – including the pictured Seaweed Green and Acorn Brown. A roof-mounted Lidar unit and visible sensors along the profile indicate that the model will include a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems.

New Platform And Modern Tech

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According to the company, the SUV measures over 4,200 mm (165.4 inches) long, 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) wide, and 1,600 mm (63 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of over 2,600 mm (102.4 inches), placing it within the small SUVs segment.

More importantly, the A10/B03x is the first model to ride on Leapmotor’s new global A-Segment platform. While technical details remain undisclosed, the EV will be fitted with an “extremely high-energy-density LFP battery” offering a CLTC range of 500 km (311 miles), most likely combined with a single electric motor.

More: Stellantis’ Leapmotor Found An Unlikely Ally In Germany’s Tuning Scene

While no interior photos were released and the show car’s windows remained heavily tinted, the cabin is expected to carry on Leapmotor’s familiar minimalist theme, combining a large infotainment display with a clean, uncluttered dashboard and seating for five. The company promises generous space inside, an AI-driven cockpit, and full over-the-air update capability throughout the vehicle’s life cycle.

The A10/B03x and the related supermini are both planned for European release, joining the T03, B05, B10, and C10 already offered there. In China, Leapmotor’s lineup is broader, spanning the B01 and C01 sedans along with the C11, C16, and D19 SUVs.

Who It’s Up Against?

 Stellantis’ Secret Weapon Against Chinese EVs In Europe Turns Out To Be A Chinese EV

At home, the A10 will go head-to-head with the BYD Yuan Up (also known as the Atto 2), priced between ¥96,800 and ¥119,800 (equivalent to about $13,600–$16,900 at current exchange rates).

In Europe, it will enter a crowded field of compact electric crossovers including the Citroen e-C3 Aircross, Opel Frontera Electric, Renault 4 E-Tech, Kia EV3, Peugeot E-2008, Fiat 600e, Jeep Avenger, Alfa Romeo Junior, Ford Puma Gen-E, and the forthcoming VW ID.Cross and Skoda Epiq.

Stellantis says the B03x is intended for “rational customers who are looking for an affordable yet high-quality second vehicle, as well as newcomers to electric mobility who are switching from a compact car with a combustion engine, without wanting to compromise on safety, space or intelligent technology.”

Joint Venture And Growth

 Stellantis’ Secret Weapon Against Chinese EVs In Europe Turns Out To Be A Chinese EV

Stellantis holds a controlling 51 percent stake in Leapmotor International, the joint venture managing the Chinese brand’s distribution across Europe, Southeast Asia, and other regions outside China. The partnership followed Stellantis’ €1.5 billion ($1.73 billion) investment in Leapmotor back in 2023.

Between January and September 2025, Leapmotor delivered 395,516 vehicles globally, a 129% increase year-on-year that pushed its cumulative sales past the one-million mark. October extended its winning streak to a sixth consecutive month of record-breaking results, with 70,289 units sold.

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Stellantis’ Leapmotor Found An Unlikely Ally In Germany’s Tuning Scene

  • Irmscher-tuned Leapmotor i C10 limited to 250 units in Germany.
  • Subtle styling and chassis upgrades enhance the EV’s overall appeal.
  • Based on the flagship AWD trim with 590 hp and 272-mile range.

Despite rising import tariffs, Chinese automakers continue to flood Europe with an army of electrified models. Leapmotor, partly owned by Stellantis, has now gone a step further by teaming up with German tuner Irmscher for a special edition of its C10 electric SUV

The model, known as the i C10, was first teased a few months ago by Irmscher. It has now joined Leapmotor’s official German lineup as a limited run of just 250 units.

Irmscher has built its reputation on refining Opel models and occasionally dipping into Fiat territory, which explains its connection with Stellantis.

According to the announcement, the i C10 marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Irmscher and Leapmotor, suggesting that similar treatments could soon reach other models in the brand’s range.

More: Volvo’s Favorite Tuner Just Crossed Over Into China’s EV Scene

The sporty version of the midsize SUV rides on a new set of five-spoke alloys, looking larger than the 20-inch wheels of the high-spec variant. The exterior appears to be carried over without a bodykit, although there is a more prominent rear spoiler.

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The tuner has also added a red stripe on the profile, along with matching accents on the front splitter and center caps. Furthermore, there is “i C10” badging on the tailgate right under the Leapmotor lettering.

Under The Skin

Beyond the visual upgrades, Irmscher has fitted a firmer suspension setup designed to sharpen handling. This is the only mechanical alteration, as the dual-motor powertrain remains unchanged.

Fortunately, the i C10 is based on the most potent dual-motor AWD version of the SUV, producing a combined 590 hp (440 kW / 598 PS). The result is a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 4 seconds, according to Leapmotor.

Review: I Drove Stellantis’ Chinese Electric SUV That Rivals Tesla For Just $30K

The AWD model carries an 81.9 kWh battery providing a range of 437 km (272 miles). The same battery extends to 510 km (317 miles) in the RWD variant, which uses a single 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) motor.

Leapmotor continues to offer the standard C10 with RWD and a smaller 69.9 kWh battery allowing 420 km (261 miles) of range. Finally, there is a range-extender version of the SUV with a 1.5-liter engine, a 212 hp (158 kW / 215 PS) electric motor, and a 28.4 kWh battery promising over 950 km (590 miles) of combined range.

What It Costs

In Germany, the Leapmotor i C10 by Irmscher starts at €49,900 ($58,200). That’s €5,000 ($5,800) more than the flagship C10 ProMax AWD, which lists at €44,900 ($52,400). For reference, the entry-level RWD model with the smaller battery begins at €36,400 ($42,400)

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Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

  • Opel may rebadge the Leapmotor B10 for Europe by 2026.
  • Production could begin at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain.
  • Local output could help avoid steep EU tariffs on Chinese EVs.

Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender.

German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segment.” For now, Opel has declined to comment on any speculation surrounding its future product plans.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

The Leapmotor B10 was introduced last year as a compact SUV with fully electric and range-extender powertrain options, although the latter has yet to reach the Old Continent.

Built on the LEAP3.5 platform shared with the B05 compact hatchback, it features a high-tech cabin and a full suite of driver-assistance systems that reflect the brand’s growing technical capability.

What Could It look Like?

While the scope of Opel’s redesign remains uncertain, we produced a speculative rendering that applies a few subtle styling tweaks. These include the brand’s Blitz emblem, Vizor grille, and Compass lighting signature to the front of the Chinese model, while the rest of the bodywork stays untouched

In terms of size, the B10 measures 4,515 mm (177.8 inches) long, which makes it 130 mm (5.1 inches) longer than the Opel Frontera and 135 mm (5.3 inches) shorter than the Grandland, so it slots between the two. Rivals in Europe include the VW ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and BYD Atto 3, among others.

 Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe
Our speculative rendering of an Opel-badged version (above) and the original Leapmotor B10 (below)
 Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

The Leapmotor B10 is already available in Europe, but it is currently being imported from China. However, Stellantis is reportedly considering producing it in Zaragoza, Spain starting from 2026. The same factory is where Opel builds two subcompacts, the Corsa hatchback and the Mokka SUV.

More: This Stellantis SUV Without An Infotainment Screen Has Everyone Confused

Local production would also help sidestep the European Union’s steep tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles, which add 20.7 percent in duties on top of the standard 10 percent import fee.

Fighting China with China

The aim, insiders suggest, is to keep pricing competitive, possibly undercutting the current €29,900 ($34,700) starting figure in Germany. For comparison, the electric Opel Frontera begins at €28,990 ($33,700) in the same market.

According to Dataforce, Leapmotor has sold 16,485 vehicles in Europe in the first nine months of 2025. These can be broken down to 11,064 units of the T03 urban EV, 5,080 units of the C10 midsize SUV, and just 313 units of the B10 compact SUV.

The automaker recently passed the one-million-vehicle production milestone and now aims for 50,000 to 60,000 exports this year, a sign that Stellantis’ Chinese partner is becoming a more significant player in global EV manufacturing.

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Sources: Automobilwoche

Stellantis’ Chinese Brand Built A 724 hp SUV For The Price Of A RAV4

  • Leapmotor D19 is a new flagship SUV with loads of power and range.
  • It will offer both fully electric and range-extender hybrid powertrains.
  • The large SUV targets premium rivals with high-tech features and style.

Update: Leapmotor has pulled the wraps off its newest flagship, the D19 SUV, releasing images and preliminary specifications ahead of its market debut next year. We’ve gathered all official details and photos below.

Leapmotor, the Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, continues to expand its lineup into new segments. Fresh off the debut of the B05 / Lafa 5 hatchback at the Munich motor show last month, the company has introduced a new flagship SUV.

Named the D19, this full-size model is set to go on sale in China during the first half of 2026, promising premium comfort and advanced technology at a price designed to appeal to a broad audience.

Big SUV Energy

The styling of the new model is modern yet somewhat generic, its proportions aligning with other full-size electric SUVs from China such as the Li Auto L9, Dongfeng Yipai 008, Chery Fulwin T11, GAC Trumpchi S9, Zeekr 9X, Nio Onvo L90, and Geely Galaxy M9.

That isn’t necessarily a drawback. Buyers in this segment usually care less about making a design statement and more about space, comfort, and the kind of quiet authority a big SUV delivers.

More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch

One of the most distinctive design elements is the thick chrome trim that wraps around the side windows and obscures the D-pillar, giving it a Rolls-Royce Cullinan meets Mercedes-Maybach GLS vibe. Leapmotor has also added a unique lighting signature for the split headlights and full-width taillights.

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The D19 also also features chrome-finished disc wheels that further echo styling cues from Rolls-Royce and Maybach. Measuring 5.2 meters (204.7 inches) long with a generous 3.1 m (122 inches) wheelbase, the SUV is roughly the same size as a BMW X7 or a Mercedes GLS.

We haven’t seen the interior yet, but it’s expected to feature an advanced digital cockpit with a dedicated passenger display, along with high-quality materials throughout the cabin. The D19 will run on dual Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 chipsets, one handling infotainment, the other powering the sophisticated ADAS suite.

Another unusual feature is the built-in oxygen generator, capable of producing 8 liters per minute. The company says it keeps the air clean and breathable in traffic or at altitude, which at best feels like an acknowledgment of how bad urban air has become, and at worst, a gimmick.

Powertrain Options

In terms of powertrain options, the D19 will be offered in both fully electric and range-extender forms. The battery-electric version generates 724 hp (540 kW / 734 PS) with a massive 115 kWh battery offering 720 km (447 miles) of CLTC range.

The hybrid combines dual electric motors with a range-extender combustion engine producing a total of 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS). The 80.3 kWh battery offers 500 km (311 miles) of EV-only range, hinting at a really impressive combined figure between charging and refueling stops.

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How Much Will It Cost?

Perhaps most noteworthy detail is pricing. Leapmotor has indicated a starting price between ¥250,000 and ¥300,000, which converts to around $35,000 to $42,000. And yes, that figure sounds like a bargain for anyone trying to buy a car in the West these days.

In fact, that’s roughly what you’d pay for a hybrid Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V here in the States, or, worse still, a mid-level Toyota Yaris Cross if you happen to live in Germany. And that’s not even getting into the more painful pricing realities in other parts of Europe.

Even so, you might be surprised to learn that the D19 won’t be the cheapest in its class. The Geely Galaxy M9 undercuts it with a current starting price of ¥173,800 ($24,400), thanks to discounts.

A Growing Lineup And A Production Milestone

 Stellantis’ Chinese Brand Built A 724 hp SUV For The Price Of A RAV4

Naturally, the D19 will sit above the T03, B01, B10, C01, C10, C11, and C16, making it the new range-topper in Leapmotor’s domestic lineup. Spy shots have also hinted at a flagship minivan currently in development, which may share the same platform as the large SUV.

More: China’s Trumpchi S9 Is Here To Make Luxury SUVs Great Again For The People

On September 25, Leapmotor announced that its one millionth vehicle had rolled off the production line. The automaker reaffirmed its commitment to “fully in-house R&D” and its goal of becoming a “respected, world-class smart electric vehicle company.”

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Leapmotor

You Can Buy A New Dacia EV For Just $4,600 In Italy, But It’s Not For Everyone

  • New Italian incentive cuts EV prices by up to €11,000 for eligible buyers.
  • The scrappage bonus is limited to low-income families living in urban areas.
  • Dacia Spring now costs €3,900, while Leapmotor T03 can be had for €4,900.

At a time when prices of new cars keep climbing out of reach for many households, Italy has launched a surprisingly generous scrappage scheme that makes some EVs almost absurdly affordable. Under the program, low-income buyers who trade in a car registered before 2015 could drive home in a brand-new Dacia Spring for as little as €3,900 (about $4,600 at current exchange rates).

The €597 million ($700 million) initiative is designed to increase electric car sales to at least 39,000 units by June 2026. Right now, fully electric vehicles represent only 5.2% of Italy’s market, far behind the European Union average of 15.8%.

More: The Cheapest Peugeot 308 Has Something You’ll Miss In Pricier Trims

To qualify for the full €11,000 ($12,900) discount, prospective EV buyers must scrap a Euro 5 (or earlier) vehicle, live in an urban area with more than 50,000 residents, and have a family income below €30,000 ($35,200). Households earning up to €40,000 ($46,900) can still access a reduced €9,000 ($10,600) bonus. Small companies also benefit, with subsidies covering 30% of an EV’s cost capped at €20,000 ($23,500) per new vehicle.

Pocket-Sized Prices

Dacia has trimmed the Italian starting price of the Spring EV from €17,900 ($21,000) to €14,900 ($17,500). With the full scrappage bonus applied, the figure falls to the headline-grabbing €3,900 ($4,600). That entry point is for the Essential Electric 45 trim, equipped with a 44 hp (33 kW / 45 PS) motor and a 26.8 kWh battery, good for a range of 225 km (140 miles).

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Stellantis has also dropped the cost of the Leapmotor T03 from €18,900 ($22,200) to €15,900 ($18,700), meaning it can be purchased for €4,900 ($5,800) under the same scheme. As reported by Autonews, the Chinese brand claims that the heavily discounted price is “less than what you paid for your bicycle.”

More: Kia’s K4 Just Struck A Killer Blow To The VW Golf

Electric vehicles from other automakers are also eligible under the same scheme. Fiat offers the 500e from €9,950 ($11,700) and the electric version of the Grande Panda from €11,950 ($14,000). The closely-related Citroen e-C3 starts at €12,900 ($15,100), while the spacious e-C3 Aircross SUV is now offered from a discounted €15,790 ($18,500).

These prices are undeniably attractive, but the strict eligibility requirements mean the incentives only reach a narrow slice of the population. For now, the question is whether the subsidy will genuinely reshape Italy’s car market or simply deliver a short-term boost among those who qualify.

 You Can Buy A New Dacia EV For Just $4,600 In Italy, But It’s Not For Everyone

Citroen

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