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Leapmotor C10 Arrives in Brazil Aiming to Compete with BYD and GWM with 1.5 Engine That Only Generates Power, Up to 460 km Range, and High-Tech Dashboard from Stellantis

Written by Ana Alice
Published on 11/10/2025 at 19:08
Leapmotor C10 estreia no Brasil com apoio da Stellantis, motor 1.5 que gera energia e até 460 km de autonomia elétrica.
Leapmotor C10 estreia no Brasil com apoio da Stellantis, motor 1.5 que gera energia e até 460 km de autonomia elétrica.
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Chinese Leapmotor Launches in Brazil with the Electric SUV C10 and Bets on Stellantis Technology, 1.5 Engine that Acts as Generator and Up to 460 km of Range to Challenge BYD and GWM in the National Market.

Leapmotor will start operations in Brazil in November 2025, with the C10 as the first model and a presentation scheduled for the São Paulo Auto Show (November 22 to 30, at the Anhembi District).

The arrival takes place through a partnership with Stellantis, which organizes the brand’s sales and after-sales network in the country.

The Brazilian offensive includes an initial structure of 34 dealerships and logistical support from Betim (MG), where Stellantis maintains a distribution center and a development hub that will calibrate the vehicles for the local riding standard.

In this context, Marcio Tonani, senior vice president of product engineering at Stellantis, summarizes the technical guideline: “All vehicle systems are considered to deliver content aligned with our culture, our way of driving. When engineering proposes a development work, we have no restrictions on what can be done.”

C10: Electric with Extended Range Option

The Leapmotor C10 is a mid-size SUV, measuring about 4.74 m in length and with a wheelbase of 2.83 m, dimensions close to those of the Jeep Commander.

Leapmotor C10 debuts in Brazil with support from Stellantis, 1.5 engine that generates energy and up to 460 km of electric range.
Leapmotor C10 debuts in Brazil with support from Stellantis, 1.5 engine that generates energy and up to 460 km of electric range.

The model will be offered as a 100% electric (BEV) and also in the REEV (range-extended) configuration, where a 1.5 gasoline engine acts only as a generator, without driving the wheels.

Thus, the behavior remains that of an electric vehicle, with the advantage of extending the total range on trips.

In the electric set, the C10 sold abroad adopts a rear motor with 160 kW (218 hp) and 320 Nm (32.6 kgfm) and LFP batteries.

In European markets, there is a package with 69.9 kWh and a WLTP range close to 424 km; other catalogs show calibrations of up to 231 hp in specific versions.

The REEV configuration combines a 28.4 kWh battery with the 1.5 generator, maintaining electric traction and fast DC charging.

Minimalist Interior and High-Tech Center

Inside, the C10 follows the recipe of Chinese electric vehicles: minimalist cabin, soft-touch materials, and almost no physical controls.

The 14.6″ multimedia center consolidates the functions, including mirror adjustments, and operates with Snapdragon platforms in markets where the brand already operates, integrating OTA updates.

The rotary selectors on the steering wheel replace traditional buttons and operate features indicated on the screen itself.

In driving assistants, the model features an L2 package with 12 high-precision sensors and up to 17 ADAS functions, as well as 360° cameras and perimeter monitoring.

Leapmotor C10 debuts in Brazil with support from Stellantis, 1.5 engine that generates energy and up to 460 km of electric range.
Leapmotor C10 debuts in Brazil with support from Stellantis, 1.5 engine that generates energy and up to 460 km of electric range.

Depending on the country, more complete versions combine cameras, radars, and even LiDAR.

Industrial Strategy and Stellantis’ Involvement

The global expansion of Leapmotor outside of China occurs through the Leapmotor International joint venture, controlled by Stellantis (51%) and created after a € 1.5 billion investment made in 2023, when the European group acquired approximately 20% of the Chinese automaker.

This partnership has exclusive rights to export, sell, and, when it makes sense, manufacture Leapmotor models outside the Chinese market.

For Brazil, Stellantis coordinates the network, logistics, and product adaptation.

B10 Comes Next

After the C10, the brand confirms the B10 for Brazil.

This is a compact/mid-size SUV from the new LEAP 3.5 platform, with a rear motor and two battery options: 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh.

Leapmotor C10 debuts in Brazil with support from Stellantis, 1.5 engine that generates energy and up to 460 km of electric range.
Leapmotor C10 debuts in Brazil with support from Stellantis, 1.5 engine that generates energy and up to 460 km of electric range.

In Europe, the declared ranges are up to 361 km (smaller battery) and up to 434 km (larger battery) according to WLTP standards; in China, the numbers from the CLTC cycle reach 510 km and 600 km, respectively.

The disclosed European powertrain indicates 218 hp and 240 Nm, with 0–100 km/h in 8 s and DC up to 168 kW (30–80% in about 20 minutes).

The interior repeats the 14.6″ 2.5K screen and the focus on connectivity, running Snapdragon 8155 in the main versions, and in higher packages, Snapdragon 8295.

There are variations with LiDAR and Qualcomm 8650 chip for advanced assisted driving, depending on the market.

Positioning Against BYD and GWM

The Brazilian debut targets competitors such as BYD and GWM, which popularized electric and hybrid vehicles in the country.

Leapmotor bets on aggressive pricing, a network, and services provided by Stellantis, in addition to a different technical proposal in the C10 REEV, with the 1.5 that only generates energy.

The presentation at the Auto Show will focus the spotlight on the two SUVs and detail versions, contents, and delivery timelines for the local market.

What to Expect in the November Showcase

Leapmotor C10 debuts in Brazil with support from Stellantis, 1.5 engine that generates energy and up to 460 km of electric range.
Leapmotor C10 debuts in Brazil with support from Stellantis, 1.5 engine that generates energy and up to 460 km of electric range.

In the Anhembi pavilion, the brand should showcase the C10 with a clean cabin, 14.6″ multimedia, roller controls on the steering wheel, and a complete ADAS package, in addition to showing the B10 with its LEAP 3.5 architecture and range options.

The 34 stores network will be active for after-sales and parts, while the engineering center in Betim will adjust mappings and user experience for Brazilian streets.

The confirmation of power, torque, and range data approved by Inmetro will be reserved for the final launch stage.

Does the strategy convince you that there is room for a third Chinese player, with electric traction and combustion generator, to compete with BYD and GWM as early as 2025?

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Ana Alice

Redatora e analista de conteúdo. Escreve para o site Click Petróleo e Gás (CPG) desde 2024 e é especialista em criar textos sobre temas diversos como economia, empregos e forças armadas.

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