The Leapmotor B10 has arrived in South Africa with prices starting at R499,900 for the B10 Style and R549,900 for the B10 Design.
The compact SUV uses range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) technology, combining an 18.8 kWh battery, a 158 kW electric motor and a 1.5-litre petrol engine that operates as a generator rather than driving the wheels directly. [1]
Leapmotor claims up to 86 km of electric-only range and up to 900 km of total range, giving South African buyers an electric-first vehicle without relying exclusively on charging infrastructure for longer journeys. Orders opened on 18 August 2026, making the B10 the second Leapmotor model offered in South Africa after the C10. [1]
Leapmotor B10 Price in South Africa
The South African B10 range consists of two derivatives:
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Leapmotor B10 Style | R499,900 |
| Leapmotor B10 Design | R549,900 |
Both prices include a 5-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km service plan. Cars.co.za also reports an 8-year/150,000 km battery warranty. [1][2]
The R50,000 difference between the two derivatives largely reflects additional comfort, convenience and interior equipment rather than a different powertrain.
Leapmotor B10 South Africa Specifications
| Specification | B10 Style | B10 Design |
|---|---|---|
| Price | R499,900 | R549,900 |
| Power | 158 kW | 158 kW |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Battery | 18.8 kWh | 18.8 kWh |
| Electric range | Up to 86 km | Up to 86 km |
| Combined range | Up to 900 km | Up to 900 km |
| Petrol engine | 1.5-litre generator | 1.5-litre generator |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 sec | 7.5 sec |
| Top speed | 170 km/h | 170 km/h |
| Vehicle warranty | 5 yr / 100,000 km | 5 yr / 100,000 km |
| Service plan | 5 yr / 100,000 km | 5 yr / 100,000 km |
| Battery warranty | 8 yr / 150,000 km | 8 yr / 150,000 km |
Stellantis officially confirms the 158 kW output, 18.8 kWh battery and claimed 86 km electric and 900 km combined ranges. The 240 Nm torque figure, 7.5-second 0–100 km/h time and 170 km/h top speed are reported in the detailed South African specification published by Cars.co.za. [1][2]
How Does the B10 Range Extender Work?
Although Leapmotor markets the South African B10 as a Hybrid EV, its drivetrain differs from a conventional hybrid.
The wheels are driven exclusively by the electric motor.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine has no mechanical connection to the wheels. Instead, it generates electricity when required to support the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range. [1]
This architecture is generally known as a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV).
In practical terms, the B10 is designed to behave more like an electric vehicle during driving while retaining a petrol-powered generator for longer trips.
That distinction could be particularly relevant in South Africa, where buyers interested in electric mobility may still have concerns about charging availability on longer routes.
Leapmotor B10 Range and Battery
The B10 uses an 18.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. [1]
Leapmotor claims:
- up to 86 km of pure electric range;
- up to 900 km of combined range using the range extender. [1]
The vehicle also has a 50-litre fuel tank, according to the South African specification reported by Cars.co.za. [2]
Leapmotor quotes combined fuel consumption of 0.9 L/100 km, but this figure needs context. It incorporates operation using the vehicle’s initial electric range and therefore should not be interpreted as the petrol consumption a driver would necessarily experience after the battery’s electric range has been depleted. [1]
Real-world energy and fuel consumption will depend on charging frequency, trip length, driving conditions and how often the petrol range extender is required.
Leapmotor B10 Style vs Design: What Does the Extra R50,000 Buy?
Both South African derivatives use the same basic REEV powertrain, so the R50,000 premium for the Design model is primarily an equipment upgrade.
The B10 Style already includes equipment such as a panoramic sunroof, 14.6-inch central touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument display, 360-degree camera, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors and seven airbags. [2]
The B10 Design adds features including:
- Eco-leather upholstery;
- electrically adjustable front seats;
- heated and ventilated front seats;
- heated steering wheel;
- powered tailgate;
- electrically folding exterior mirrors;
- rain-sensing wipers;
- second-row centre armrest;
- 64-colour ambient lighting;
- 12-speaker audio system instead of the Style’s six-speaker setup. [2]
For buyers primarily interested in the drivetrain, range and core technology, the Style therefore offers the same fundamental performance at the lower price.
The Design is aimed more at buyers willing to pay an additional R50,000 for comfort and convenience features.
Interior, Infotainment and Connectivity
A 14.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen is one of the B10’s most prominent interior features.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, while the Leapmotor App provides additional connected functions. [1]
Through the app, owners can access functions including:
- remote locking and unlocking;
- remote climate-control activation;
- battery and range information;
- driving statistics;
- charging scheduling;
- over-the-air software updates. [1]
This connectivity forms part of Leapmotor’s strategy of competing not only on price and electrification but also on software and digital features.
Size and Practicality
The B10 measures approximately 4,515 mm in length and offers seating for five.
Cars.co.za reports a luggage capacity of 330 litres, expanding to 1,600 litres when the rear seats are folded. [2]
Those dimensions position the B10 as a compact crossover rather than a direct replacement for Leapmotor’s larger C10.
That distinction is also reflected in pricing: the B10 gives Leapmotor a lower entry point into the South African new-energy SUV market.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Leapmotor says the B10 includes:
- seven airbags;
- 17 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS);
- a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. [1][3]
The ADAS package is intended to provide a broad range of active safety and driver-assistance functions.
As with other vehicles equipped with advanced assistance systems, these technologies should be treated as driver aids rather than substitutes for driver attention.
Is the Leapmotor B10 Good Value in South Africa?
The R499,900 starting price puts the B10 into an increasingly competitive part of South Africa’s new-energy vehicle market.
Its main proposition is unusual: buyers receive an electric-driven vehicle with meaningful short-distance battery range, but the petrol generator reduces dependence on public charging during longer trips.
That could appeal to motorists who can charge regularly at home or work and complete much of their daily driving within the claimed 86 km electric range, while still wanting the flexibility to travel substantially farther without planning every journey around charging stations.
However, price alone should not determine the decision.
Prospective buyers should also consider real-world electric range, charging access, long-term servicing, resale value, insurance, battery performance and how often their driving pattern would require the petrol range extender.
Because the B10 is newly introduced in South Africa, independent long-term ownership data remains limited.
Leapmotor’s Expansion in South Africa
The B10 is Leapmotor’s second model in South Africa, following the larger C10 range-extended SUV.
The expansion forms part of Leapmotor’s broader international strategy with Stellantis. The B10 itself is based on the company’s LEAP 3.5 architecture and has been introduced in multiple international markets. [1][3]
For the South African market, the B10 gives the brand a more affordable compact SUV with which to compete for buyers considering electrified alternatives to conventional petrol vehicles.
Its commercial performance will help indicate how receptive South African consumers are to the REEV concept at prices below the larger premium electric-SUV segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Leapmotor B10 in South Africa?
The Leapmotor B10 Style costs R499,900, while the higher-specification B10 Design costs R549,900 at launch. [1]
What is the electric range of the Leapmotor B10?
Leapmotor claims up to 86 km of pure electric driving from the 18.8 kWh battery. [1]
What is the total range?
With the petrol range extender available to generate electricity, Leapmotor claims a total driving range of up to 900 km. [1]
Does the petrol engine drive the wheels?
No. According to Leapmotor, the electric motor always drives the wheels. The 1.5-litre petrol engine functions solely as a generator. [1]
How powerful is the B10?
The rear-mounted electric motor produces 158 kW and 240 Nm. The quoted 0–100 km/h time is 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h. [1][2]
What is the difference between B10 Style and Design?
The drivetrain and range are essentially the same. The Design costs R50,000 more and adds equipment including Eco-leather upholstery, powered heated and ventilated front seats, powered tailgate, ambient lighting and a 12-speaker audio system. [2]
Sources and Information
[1] Stellantis Media / Leapmotor. “Leapmotor B10 Hybrid EV joins South African line-up from R499,900,” 17 August 2026.
Official Stellantis release
[2] Cars.co.za. “Leapmotor B10 REEV (2026) Price & Specs,” 18 August 2026.
Detailed South African specifications
[3] Stellantis Media / Leapmotor. Leapmotor B10 model information and safety releases.
Leapmotor B10 official media page
[4] TopAuto. “New Chinese hybrid SUV launched in South Africa – Pricing and features,” 17 August 2026.
South African launch coverage
Image credit: Leapmotor / Stellantis