Leapmotor B10 Reev Hybrid, how's the Chinese suv that only runs on electric power and fills up with petrol

There is plenty of space on board for the first and second rows, thanks to the flat floor, while the boot is more B-segment than C-segment. Only 330 litres in five-seat configuration; for comparison with a similar SUV in terms of external dimensions, the Volkswagen Tiguan plug-in claims a load capacity of 490 litres with the same configuration.

Leapmotor B10 Reev, how it works

A plus of the Leapmotor B10 Reev over the competition is the range extender technology used, where the electric motor with 218 horsepower and 240 Nm of maximum torque is the only one to provide traction to the wheels without recharging anxiety thanks to the power supply via a socket but above all thanks to the 1.5-litre four-cylinder heat engine used as a generator and fed by a 50-litre tank. This architecture results in an all-electric range of 86 kilometres and an overall range of around 900 km. It can be charged up to 6.6 kW in alternating current and 46 kW in direct current, while the 50 kW on-board generator recharges through braking and the combustion engine.

Leamotor B10 hybrid, how it goes

Tested in an initial contact over about 100 kilometres on motorways, motorways and in an urban environment, the B10 Reev Hybrid convinced us by its range extender system operation. Starting with a fully charged battery, the best and recommended situation on all plug-in hybrids, the B10 Reev offers four different operating modes - Ev+, Ev, Fuel and Power+. Two of these modes are purely electric - Ev and Ev+ - and operate with the engine completely switched off, ensuring zero tailpipe emissions and offering a fully electric driving experience for urban use and daily commuting.

The other two modes - Fuel for maximum autonomy and Power+ for maximum power - activate the on-board generator, providing additional energy when more autonomy is required, more power is needed or in specific driving conditions.

Its strong point is its smoothness of use, even in thermal engine operating modes, and the recent Ota update added a one pedal driving function (where you just lift your foot off the accelerator for more braking and regenerative force) that is ideal in an urban environment. Steering and set-up reflect the character of a family SUV, with a calibration that favours comfort over driving precision and roll control. Consumption is low even with a flat battery, not too far from the 6.1 litres per 100 km declared by the Chinese manufacturer.

Leapmotor B10 hybrid, what it costs

Further added value comes in the price, because the B10 Reev Hybrid is on sale for around 30,000 euro for the Life trim and 31,400 euro for the Design, the protagonist of our test. Figures to which we have to add 1,100 euro for road preparation and 650 euro for optional colours. The equipment is already complete in the access version, including 17 adas, the entire infotainment compartment, 18-inch alloy wheels and 360-degree camera. The Design adds electric tailgate and electric, ventilated and heated front seats as accessories.