Leapmotor SUVs debut in Argentina with unique REEV technology and card-based ignition

Stellantis Group, representing brands like Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën, and Jeep, has introduced its first Chinese marque, Leapmotor, to the Argentine market. The brand debuts with two SUV models, the B10 and C10, both equipped with Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology. Visually, the two SUVs present a similar profile, making them potentially difficult to distinguish at first glance.

A "Leapmotor Test Drive Experience" was organized, taking journalists from Colegiales in Buenos Aires to San Pedro. This journey allowed participants to test one model on the way out and the other on the return trip, covering over 300 kilometers. The experience was characterized by "discovery," partly due to the vehicles' unconventional entry and start-up procedures. Neither SUV uses a traditional key or start button; instead, a green card is used to unlock the vehicle by touching the rearview mirror and to ignite the engine by placing it on a specific spot near the driver's right armrest. Once the car is running, the card can be removed, freeing up the space for wireless phone charging.

Inside, both the B10 and C10 offer distinct cabin designs but share a commitment to comfort, featuring highly comfortable seats in both front and rear rows. They also boast minimalist interiors and panoramic roofs. Physical buttons are scarce, with most functions managed through steering wheel controls, voice commands, or the central multimedia touchscreen.

The B10 is the more compact of the two, measuring 4.53 meters long, 1.885 meters wide, and 1.655 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2.735 meters and a 350-liter trunk. The C10 is larger in all dimensions, reaching 4.739 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, and 1.68 meters in height. Its wheelbase extends to 2.825 meters, and it offers a more substantial cargo capacity with a 435-liter trunk that can expand to 1563 liters when the rear seats are folded.