A 598-horsepower Leapmotor C10 AWD debuts in Zurich

Leapmotor's latest model, the C10 AWD, will get its first public showing at the Auto Zurich Car Show, running from October 30 to November 2, 2025. The C10 is a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive machine built on a high-tech 800-volt platform. Leapmotor clearly hopes the combination of power and technology will attract the European buyers.

Leapmotor says the C10 AWD is built for drivers who want cutting-edge technology and a thrilling ride. The company is targeting people it calls "tech-savvy" and "performance-oriented." But the company is also targeting another group: eco-conscious families and professionals. For them, Leapmotor highlights the vehicle's safety, smart features, and large cargo space.

There is no hiding from the fact that the C10 AWD is a fast SUV. The 800-volt system powers two electric motors for an all-wheel-drive system. Leapmotor claims a peak power figure of 598 horsepower. That specific number is just two shy of 600, suggesting some very precise engineering — or maybe a splash of modesty. This power is paired with 531 lb-ft of torque, which is the magic sauce that gives electric cars their famous instant push. All this hardware allows the C10 AWD to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.0 seconds flat.

These figures are suspiciously close to the specs of the new Tesla Model Y Performance - 627 peak horsepower, 547 lb-ft of torque, and 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds. Taking into account that the C10 is similar in size, it's not hard to imagine which competitor the Chinese automaker has in its sights.

The Leapmotor C10 AWD uses an 81.9 kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery, and because the C10 uses an 800-volt architecture, it is supposed to charge very quickly. But Leapmotor says the battery can go from 30% to 80% full in 22 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger, which isn't really a revolutionary result.

It turns out the new C10 can handle a peak charging power of up to 180 kW, which is rather disappointing. Tesla, with its older 400 V architecture, supports speeds up to 250 kW, and it takes pretty much the same time to replenish its battery. Interestingly, the company claims the system works well even in freezing weather without needing to preheat the battery first. That's something drivers in cold climates will surely appreciate.

Inside, the focus is on technology and space. The dashboard is dominated by a large 14.6-inch infotainment screen with 2K resolution. The driver gets their own 10.25-inch digital cluster for speed and range information, and music lovers will enjoy the 12-speaker sound system with 840 watts of power.

A large panoramic glass roof should make the cabin feel open and airy. For family duty, the SUV offers up to 49.8 ft³ of cargo space, making it practical for trips and shopping. Leapmotor also mentions the C10 has an "AI Smart Electric Drive" system, which can receive updates to improve the car over its lifetime.

Leapmotor is launching the C10 AWD at the 39th Auto Zürich Car Show, one of Europe's major auto shows, attracting over 70 brands. It gives the new C10 a big stage, but while Leapmotor shared many details about performance and features, the company did not announce a price for its new electric SUV.

Details on the vehicle's official driving range are missing from the initial announcement. These will likely be the big news when the car makes its official debut and we will be watching closely. If Leapmotor manages to undercut Tesla on pricing, the C10 AWD won't have any problem finding new owners.

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