Leapmotor Ireland - part of the Gowan Auto group - has just announced pricing for the incoming new B10 electric SUV, and it's going to a be a bit of a bargain.
How much of a bargain?
The lead image may have given the game away a little, but put it this way - the B10 is about the same size as a Ford Explorer or a Volkswagen ID.4, but it's going to cost just €32,984 inclusive of grants and rebates. That makes it a full €10,000 cheaper than the cheapest Explorer.
Does that mean it's a stripped-out model?
Not even slightly, although that base price for the entry-level Style model does only get you 361km of range, thanks to a 56kWh battery. You can upgrade to the Design version with a 67kWh battery and a 434km range for €35,996.
What kind of standard equipment do you get?
As standard, the Style model comes with a panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera system and 17 ADAS safety features. Design models get 'eco-leather' seats, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats and an electric tailgate.
As standard on all models is a 14.6-inch touchscreen with a 2.5K high-resolution display. Both models get a 218hp electric motor, driving the front wheels, with a 0-100km/h time of eight seconds.
You'll be able to charge at up to 11kW on AC power, or 168kW on DC chargers and there's a six-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
James Brooks, managing director of Leapmotor Ireland, commented: "With the launch of the Leapmotor B10, we're expanding our fast-growing portfolio to offer Irish customers a smart, sustainable, and affordable driving solution in the increasingly popular compact SUV segment. Together with the recently launched T03 and C10, B10 supports our 'Take the Leap' promise, making electric driving accessible, without compromise, across the country.”
When can I have one?
The B10 arrives in Ireland this month, and you can read our detailed review of the Leapmotor B10 here.
But wait, there's more - Leapmotor has also just announced a tie-up with legendary German tuning company Irmscher, which has created a tuned and tweaked version of the bigger Leapmotor C10 SUV.
It comes with 590hp, a range of 438km and sharper suspension, as well as a body kit with more presence. Sadly, the 'i C10' is only going to be sold in Germany, and is limited to just 250 units, but it's nice to know that Leapmotor is at least starting to think about what kind of electric machine car enthusiasts might like to see.