Gridly
Overview
The Leapmotor B10 Design LR is the fully specified, long-range version of the B10 compact SUV. Where the entry Style uses a 47kWh battery for urban duty, the Design LR steps up to a 67.1kWh battery, delivering 516km of WLTP range and 168kW DC fast charging - a combination that transforms the B10 from a city runabout into a genuinely capable all-rounder.
Leapmotor’s partnership with Stellantis - the parent company of Jeep, Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo - underpins the B10’s service network in Australia. Stellantis-affiliated dealers provide parts and service support, giving the B10 Design LR more robust after-sales infrastructure than most Chinese EV brands entering Australia independently.
At $41,990, the B10 Design LR competes with the MG4 Excite 64 and BYD Dolphin Premium. The Design trim adds premium specification over the Style - improved interior appointments, enhanced driver assistance, and a more complete technology package.
Pricing & Variants
| Variant | Battery | Range | DC Charging | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B10 Style | 47kWh | 361km WLTP | 80kW | ~$38,990 |
| B10 Design LR | 67.1kWh | 516km WLTP | 168kW | ~$41,990 |
For approximately $3,000 more than the Style, the Design LR delivers 155km of additional WLTP range and doubles the DC charging speed. For buyers who will use the car on occasional longer trips, the Design LR is the clear choice.
Performance
The B10 Design LR uses a single rear motor driving the rear wheels. 0-100 km/h takes approximately 8.0 seconds - modest performance that fits the practical SUV character. Top speed is governed to 160 km/h. The rear-wheel drive layout provides natural balance and the responsive throttle typical of EV drivetrains.
Regenerative braking is adjustable and the one-pedal driving mode is well implemented for urban stop-start conditions.
Range and Charging
- WLTP range: 516km
- Real-world estimate: 400-440km at mixed urban/highway driving
- DC charging: 168kW (CCS)
- AC charging: 11kW (Type 2)
- 10-80% at 168kW DC: approximately 23-27 minutes
- Full charge at 11kW AC: approximately 7 hours
The 168kW DC charging is a standout specification at this price point. It puts the B10 Design LR among the faster-charging compact EVs in the segment, ahead of MG4 Excite 64 (135kW) and well ahead of the BYD Dolphin Premium (60kW). The 516km WLTP range is genuinely competitive with the Kia EV3 and within reach of the BYD Seal’s range figures.
Interior and Technology
The Design trim provides a more complete interior than the entry Style. A larger central infotainment display sits centrally, with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto expected as standard. The cabin uses quality materials appropriate for the price point, with ambient lighting and a clean architectural approach that Leapmotor uses consistently across its range.
The driver assistance suite in the Design trim is more comprehensive than the Style - expect adaptive cruise control, lane centring, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring as part of the Design specification.
Practicality
Five seats, a compact SUV body, and a practical hatchback rear make the B10 Design LR suitable for family use in urban and suburban environments. Boot capacity is competitive for the compact SUV segment. No towing capability is rated; V2L and V2H are not available. The 11kW AC charging capability means a full charge overnight from a home wall charger is easily achievable.
Safety
Leapmotor equips the B10 with a suite of Level 2 driver assistance features. AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are expected in the Design trim specification. ANCAP results for the Australian-specification B10 should be verified once published.
Running Costs and Ownership
- Energy cost: (67.1 ÷ 516) × 100 × $0.30 = $3.90/100km at $0.30/kWh
- Warranty: 4 years / 120,000km (confirm current terms)
- Dealer network: Via Stellantis-affiliated dealers Australia-wide
The B10 Design LR’s running cost is excellent - among the lowest cost-per-kilometre figures in the compact SUV segment. The 4-year/120,000km warranty is the key ownership consideration; it is shorter than MG’s 7-year and Kia’s 7-year terms. Confirm current warranty terms and service interval costs with your dealer before purchase.
Verdict
The Leapmotor B10 Design LR is the B10 that genuinely competes across a wider range of use cases. The 516km WLTP range and 168kW DC charging resolve the range anxiety and highway charging limitations of the entry Style. At $41,990 with the Stellantis service network behind it, the Design LR is one of the more compelling value propositions in the compact EV segment.
The 4-year warranty is the main caveat versus Korean competitors. Buyers who prioritise range, charging speed, and lower entry price over warranty length will find the Design LR difficult to dismiss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the B10 Design LR compare to the MG4 Excite 64?
The MG4 Excite 64 ($43,990) offers 450km WLTP, 135kW DC charging, and MG’s 7-year unlimited warranty. The B10 Design LR ($41,990) offers more range (516km), faster DC charging (168kW), and is cheaper - but carries a shorter 4-year/120,000km warranty. On specification per dollar, the B10 Design LR is very competitive; on warranty confidence, MG wins.
Is 168kW DC charging fast for this price?
Yes - 168kW DC at under $42,000 is genuinely strong. It is faster than the MG4 Excite 64’s 135kW and substantially faster than the BYD Dolphin’s 60kW. At 168kW, the B10 Design LR can go from 10-80% in under 30 minutes at a compatible CCS charger.
What does the Stellantis partnership mean for B10 owners?
Stellantis is one of the world’s largest automotive groups. Their partnership with Leapmotor means the B10 is distributed and serviced through Stellantis-affiliated dealer points across Australia - providing access to trained technicians and parts supply chains that independent Chinese EV brands entering Australia without such a partner do not have.
