Chinese electric car manufacturer Leapmotor has launched in the UK with a Range Rover rival on sale for thousands of pounds cheaper. Leapmotor’s C10 electric SUV is their premium model and will launch before Range Rover’s first electric model.

The C10 comes fitted with a 69.9kWh battery and has an estimated WLTP range of up to 263 miles. Capable of 218hp, the C10 has a top speed of 105mph and can reach 0 to 62 mph in just 7.5 seconds. Inside, the model is packed with tech including a 360-degree surround view camera, heated steering wheel and a 12-speaker premium hi-fi. 

A 14.6-inch touchscreen is also fitted alongside a sophisticated ambient light system which is synchronised to music. 

The C10 has the luxury of a five-star rating from safety experts Euro NCAP and is available in the UK for £36,500. 

Owners will also enjoy a four-year warranty with the battery offered with an extended eight-year warranty for peace of mind. 

Damien Dally, Leapmotor UK managing director, said: “These exciting new electric cars epitomise our bold mission to be the best value EV brand in the UK by delivering the highest level of specification and the highest level of technology, as standard.

“We believe customers shouldn’t have to compromise on quality for affordability and that this is truly a value without compromise proposition for UK car buyers.”

Range Rover’s first Electric SUV is expected to hit the roads in late 2025 but will cost an eye-watering £104,025. 

This would put the Range Rover a staggering £70,000 more expensive than Leapmotor’s new vehicle.

Land Rover is currently testing prototypes on and off the road with months to go before a release date.

Motorists will be able to travel around 300 miles on a single charge but owners will enjoy rapid charging capabilities due to its 800-volt architecture.

Land Rover says the Electric model has undergone “one of the most rigorous engineering sign-off programmes ever”. 

Tests have covered everything from wintery -40 degrees conditions in Sweden to 50 degrees heat in the heart of Dubai.

The model is expected to pack a punch with the model capable of 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds.