Leapmotor B10 Hybrid launched promising 900km range for under $40k

Leapmotor has expanded its New Zealand lineup with the launch of the Leapmotor B10 Ultra Hybrid EV, a range-extender SUV that promises a driving range of up to 900km, without the range anxiety associated with battery-powered (EV) cars.

Arriving in local dealerships from July 2026, the new B10 Ultra Hybrid joins the existing battery-electric B10 range and is available in two grades, priced from $39,990 plus on-road costs.

Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid, the B10 Ultra Hybrid's rear wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor. A 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine acts solely as a generator, producing electricity to recharge the battery when required and never mechanically driving the wheels.

Leapmotor says the setup delivers what it describes as an "electric-first" driving experience, combining the smoothness and instant response of an EV with the ability to travel longer distances without relying on public charging infrastructure.

The B10 Ultra Hybrid uses an 18.8kWh battery pack and offers a claimed electric-only driving range of 86km under the WLTP testing cycle. Total driving range is rated at up to 900km, while combined fuel consumption is claimed at 2.5 litres per 100km.

Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 160kW of power and 240Nm of torque. The vehicle can be charged via AC power at up to 6.6kW or DC fast charging at up to 46kW, with a claimed 30-minute DC charging time from 30 to 80 per cent.

Inside, both variants feature a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by Leapmotor's LEAP OS 4.0 Plus software, alongside an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while over-the-air software updates allow the vehicle's systems to be updated remotely.

Safety equipment is extensive, with the B10 sharing the same platform as the five-star ANCAP-rated B10 EV. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane centring, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera, and a total of seven airbags.

Measuring 4515mm long, 1885mm wide and 1655mm tall, the B10 sits in the heart of the small-to-medium SUV segment. A 2735mm wheelbase contributes to generous cabin space, while luggage capacity is rated at 430 litres.

Leapmotor New Zealand general manager Brian Carr said the B10 Ultra Hybrid had been developed to suit local driving conditions.

"New Zealand customers benefit from experiencing the pure electric drive feel plus lack of range anxiety with an 18.8kWh battery offering 86km range (WLTP) and a combined range of 900km (WLTP)," said Mr Carr.

The launch comes as Leapmotor continues its rapid expansion in New Zealand, following the recent arrival of the longer-range C10 BEV and the high-performance C10 AWD Performance.

The Chinese brand has also confirmed two new models are due before the end of 2026, including the B05 hatchback and B03X SUV.

Leapmotor has also upgraded its aftersales support, with all new vehicles now covered by a six-year/150,000km factory-backed warranty.

Pricing and range