Leapmotor has launched a limited-edition version of its C10 electric SUV, the AWD Sports+, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y Performance at a significantly lower price. Only 50 units will be available in Australia, starting at $53,888 before on-road costs – nearly $35,000 cheaper than the Tesla.
Performance Boost and Key Specs
The C10 AWD Sports+ features a dual-motor setup delivering 440kW and 760Nm of torque, a substantial upgrade from the standard C10’s 160kW and 320Nm. This results in a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.0 seconds, though still 0.5 seconds slower than the Model Y Performance.
The Special Edition also comes with a larger 81.9kWh LFP battery, providing a claimed WLTP range of 437km – an improvement over the base C10’s 420km range from its smaller 69.9kWh battery. The upgraded electrical architecture allows for faster charging, reaching 30-80% in approximately 22 minutes, down from 30 minutes in the standard version.
Design and Features
The C10 AWD Sports+ is visually distinguished by exclusive color options: Pearl White with black decals or Metallic Black with grey graphics. Standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, and a power tailgate.
Inside, the cabin is available exclusively in black and features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, a 12-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, and power-adjustable front seats with silicone leather upholstery.
Market Context and Warranty
Leapmotor sold 579 C10s in Australia in 2025, including both EV and EREV versions. The launch of the Sports+ model aims to capture a larger share of the performance EV segment by offering compelling value.
The vehicle comes with a six-year/150,000km warranty, eight years of roadside assistance, and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty. Leapmotor initially offered a seven-year warranty upon launch in 2024, later reverting to the six-year term in 2025.
The Leapmotor C10 AWD Sports+ represents a strategic move to challenge established players like Tesla by delivering high performance at a more accessible price point, making it a noteworthy contender in the growing EV market.
