Leapmotor B10 2026 News

Leapmotor has responded to alleged camera security risks in its cars in Australia.  An ABC Four Corners report revealed Leapmotor vehicles use Dahua cameras, which were removed from Australian federal and defence sites in 2023 and 2025 Cameras are a key component of the tech-focused electric car brands such as Leapmotor. They provide more visibility and greater safety for drivers, including features like a 360-degree view camera and are critical in the push for self-driving cars. Former national cybersecurity advisor Alastair MacGibbon told the ABC electric car microphones and cameras are an ideal surveillance device.  A spokesperson for Stellantis Australia, parent company of Leapmotor, confirmed to CarsGuide Dahua cameras are fitted in Leapmotor vehicles. They said the brand takes cybersecurity, customer privacy and data protection seriously. Dahua cameras fitted in Leapmotor vehicles are used exclusively to support functionality and safety related features. “The system is not designed to record or store footage as part of its normal operation, nor is it designed to upload camera data to the cloud or transmit it to third parties,” a Stellantis Australia spokesperson said. “Any video recording functionality is customer controlled, and storage requires the use of an external USB device.” Leapmotor vehicles undergo independent cybersecurity assessment and certification, according to the brand. In February 2023 an audit found more than 900 surveillance camera units built by Chinese government-linked companies Hikvision and Dahua were being used in government workplaces. The government said it removed these security cameras due to national security concerns because Dahua is partially owned by the Chinese government and has ties to intelligence laws.  The United States and United Kingdom also moved to remove Dahua cameras from its key government infrastructure. 

Two Chinese carmakers have come under fire in Australia for alleged lax cyber security measures and questions over privacy, following investigations from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).  Technology in EVs bring an increased risk of surveillance and privacy breaches and potential hacking, with Four Corners showing how easy it was to allegedly hack a BYD Shark 6. BYD has now responded to the ABC's claims, stating the footage does not conclusively show its vehicles are open to hacking without first gaining physical access to the vehicle. "The footage from the Four Corners report does not provide conclusive evidence that a remote attack vulnerability exists without physical access to the vehicle. Once unrestricted physical access to the vehicle is established the need for passwords diminishes," a spokesperson said. An ABC investigation uncovered that BYD’s privacy policy said data could be collected "in connection with suspected illegal or improper activities" and that this could be done through "surveillance activities". This broad policy gave BYD significant powers to gather data on owners, and how it could disclose information. The carmaker has since removed all references to China and mentions of surveillance. A spokesperson for BYD Australia told CarsGuide privacy policy changes were not made due to the ABC's investigation. "Any inference that the policy was updated in response to the Four Corners investigation is strenuously denied," they said. The company's high-tech credentials mean its vehicles feature lots of camera and other monitoring equipment primarily to improve safety, combined with over-the-air connectivity technology.  BYD cars use a driver monitoring system that includes a camera pointed towards the driver to detect any drowsiness or a lack of attention.  These systems generate substantial amounts of information about those in the car, what they do and the conversations they have.  The Chinese government recently released a raft of new rules to tighten how its carmakers operate in overseas markets. Carmakers are now required to take necessary measures to ensure any data-processing, including collection, use and cross-border transfers must comply with applicable laws.  They must also adhere to personal information protection regulations and safeguard consumer privacy.  This move is designed to improve buyer trust in overseas markets, but there remains concerns about its application.  Australia’s privacy rules allow for data to be transferred to China, so theoretically owner data could be at risk.  BYD’s new policy states in the event of personal data transfers to other countries, it will comply with data protection laws regarding cross-border transfers.  "We haven't and would not transfer any data of Australians to the Chinese authorities," it said.  Companies must still cooperate with authorities when required under national Chinese security rules.  A spokesperson for BYD Australia said the brand cannot be compelled to provide owner information because Australian law governs its operations.  The ABC also published an article on cybersecurity concerns for new EVs.  Cybersecurity expert Dan Hreszczuk was able to remotely access some of a BYD Shark 6’s functions without even needing a password.  Hreszczuk said he unpicked the software programs controlling different functions, and could blast music over the speakers, remotely switch the car’s lights on and off, and operate the wipers, among other things.  “It’s a little bit scary how open … the BYD Shark is to a hacker,” Hreszczuk told the ABC.  A spokesperson for BYD Australia told CarsGuide it was working through its own investigation, and is querying claims made by the ABC. "We are taking full and immediate action in reviewing alleged claims and will respond in detail once we have completed our investigation," they said. They said BYD conducts its own simulated cyberattack testing to assess the effectiveness of protections and identify vulnerabilities. "In current versions of our infotainment system, third-part apps cannot be installed by users, which helps prevent unauthorised software and potential vulnerabilities being installed on the vehicle," they said. It’s not just BYD making headlines over its in-cabin surveillance. Leapmotor cars feature lots of cameras to provide increased vision and safety for owners, in line with many Chinese EVs. The ABC has reported some Leapmotor models use cameras removed from federal government buildings over surveillance concerns. The cameras in question are made by Dahua Technology, and in 2023, many were removed from federal buildings and defence sites. CarsGuide has contacted Leapmotor Australia for comment to find out which models have Dahua cameras installed in them. Leapmotor currently sells its B10 and C10 fully-electric or hybrid range-extender SUVs, and its B05 hatchback in Australia. It will soon introduce the smaller budget-focused B03X designed to rival some of the most affordable EVs on sale in Australia.

It has never been cheaper for buyers considering an EV in Australia.  Increased demand and more efficient development processes have reduced the prices of electric cars in Australia significantly.  Carmakers continue to battle it out to go cheaper than their rivals, with options now appearing below the $30,000 mark. Some affordable EVs are even cheaper than traditional petrol-powered budget examples.  The BYD Atto 1 has maintained its title as the cheapest electric car in Australia. The compact SUV starts from $23,990, with top-spec models costing $27,990, both before on-road costs. Until the end of the year, the BYD Atto 1 Essential grade is just $19,990 drive-away, making it not just the cheapest EV but the cheapest car in Australia. The Atto 1’s single electric motor only produces 65kW and 175Nm as standard, while its 30kWh battery is good for more than 200km of driving range (WLTP).  The newest member of the below $30,000 club is the Geely EX2, which has already surged towards the top of the sales charts in Australia.  The rear-wheel drive EX2 starts from $26,490, with the range-topping variant priced from $30,990, both before on-road costs.  The base variant has 60kW and 150Nm from a single electric motor, along with a 35kWh battery offering 252km. GAC will launch a short-range version of its Aion UT in late 2026 that is expected to be less than $30,000, as well.  The Atto 1 and Geely EX2 use before on-road costs pricing, so buyers will have to spend an extra up to $5000 on registration and other costs to drive it out of the showroom.  The MG4 Urban is the cheaper front-wheel drive sibling of the MG4, available with a sharp drive-away price of $31,990. Its 110kW and 250Nm as standard bests its cheaper competition, while its more than 316km of driving range is hard to look past at its price point.  While GAC’s short-range Aion UT is not here yet, the current ‘Premium’ grade starts from $31,990 (drive-away).  The Aion UT boasts an electric motor that makes 150kW and 210Nm, besting the MG4 Urban with a quoted riving range of more than 400km from its 60kWh battery. The GWM Ora 5 SUV is available from $33,990, drive-away, as a new cheaper replacement for the Ora hatch. The Ora 5 makes 150kW and 260Nm from its single electric motor. BYD’s affordable EVs continue down the list, with the Dolphin hatchback ($29,990) and the bigger Atto 2 small SUV ($31,990), both before on-road costs.  Leapmotor’s B05 is the brand’s cheapest car on sale, and currently is available with a $35,990, drive-away price until 30 September 2026.  The B05 is a smaller SUV compared to mid-sized Leapmotor’s B10 with its fully-electric variant kicking off from $38,990, drive-away, also until 30 September 2026.  The Jaecoo J5's proportions are on the larger end of the small SUV scale, making it a compelling proposition at $36,990, drive-away.  The J5 has had a strong start to life in Australia, and the best-selling small SUV for May 2026.  

Sharply-priced deals can be the best way for buyers to get into a new car in Australia.  Car sales are surging, with June 2026 an all-time monthly Australian record.  Brands continue to put enticing deals on the table, even for their most popular models. From SUVs to utes and hybrid to electric, there are plenty of cars on offer at a cut price.  Here are some of the best ones we’ve found.  Ford is currently offering $3000 off and five free general services on select Ranger ute and Everest SUV models until the 30th of September.  The 2.0-litre diesel Ranger XLT 2WD top-spec dual-cab model is now available from $49,990, before on-road costs.  The V6-powered Wildtrak grade of the 4WD dual-cab pick-up is available from $72,090. The 4WD XLS and XLT cab-chassis grades start from $55,450 and $63,590, respectively, as part of the offer.  Two grades of the V6 Everest SUV are also eligible for the $3000 discount, with the Sport starting from $73,990, while the Tremor starts from $76,990.  These deals are only available on the Blue Oval’s MY26.5 stock. Peugeot is offering some serious discounts on its hybrid SUVs as it parts ways with its local distributor Inchcape.  The 2008 compact SUV is available on a drive-away offer of $39,990, with it previously on sale from $42,990, before on-road costs.  The mid-sized 3008 starts from $48,990, drive-away, down from $52,990 (before on-road costs).  Peugeot’s 5008 large SUV has a drive-away price of $48,990, contrasting its $52,990, before on-road costs, price tag.  Leapmotor has put a series of sharp deals on the table for its electrified SUV range until September 30.  The mid-sizer C10 range-extender hybrid has a $42,990 drive-away offer, with a $3000 cash-back offer reducing that price to $38,990. The car normally retails from $43,888, before on-road costs.  EV versions of the C10 are also available on a drive-away deal of $47,990, with an additional $3000 cash back decreasing the price to $44,990. This is a sizeable discount on the $45,888 before on-road costs starting price.  The smaller B10 EV is available from $38,990, drive-away, down from $43,888 (before on-road costs). BYD continues to add competitive deals across its line-up in Australia.  Shark 6 cab-chassis and Premium examples are available with a $2500 cash-back until July 31. This reduces before on-road costs pricing on the cab-chassis price to $52,500, and $60,500 on the Premium.  The cash-back offer extends to its Sealion 5, Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 SUV range, with the Atto 3 electric SUV eligible for a $2000 cash back.  Chery similarly has $2000 cash-back offers on most of its range including the Tiggo 4, Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 SUVs.  This deal is only available until 31 August on cars built in 2025. Nissan has slashed the price of its Navara ute range until August 31.  There are heavy discounts on lower grade Navara units, with the base car available from $49,990 (drive-away), down from $53,348, before on-road costs.  The range-topping Navara Pro-4X ute is just $63,990, drive-away, compared to its original $68,418, before on-road costs pricing.  Existing Nissan customers are also eligible for a $2000 loyalty bonus. 

China’s latest budget SUV has just been priced in Australia and it will come with one key difference to some of its hugely popular rivals.  The Leapmotor B10 Hybrid will start from $37,888 (before on-road costs), with the top grade costing an extra $3000.  This makes it the same price as the fully-electric version of the B10 already on sale Down Under. The B10 is on the larger end of the small SUVs segment, shaping up bigger than the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross.  It will be a more direct competitor to other Chinese rivals like the electric-powered BYD Atto 3 ($39,990) and plug-in hybrid Jaecoo J7 ($43,990). Leapmotor is labelling the B10 as a hybrid, but is more akin to a range-extender set-up, representing a point of difference to key competition. Its 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is solely responsible for charging the battery powering the electric motor. A single electric motor drives the rear wheels and produces 160kW and 240Nm, eclipsing many of its competitors in the small SUV segment. This means it can shift from 0-100km/h in less than eight seconds, going on to a top speed of 170km/h. Its 19kWh battery offers an electric-only driving range of 84km, and when the battery is fully charged, fuel efficiency sits at 0.9L/100km.  The range-extender B10 has a total driving range of up to 900km, according to WLTP standards.  A DC fast charge at 46kW takes 20 minutes to charge from 30 to 80 per cent.  The car’s interior features a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and 8.8-inch digital driver display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  Elsewhere in the cabin, there is a wireless phone charger, along with a fixed panoramic glass roof and electric sunshade.  The top-spec grade seats are wrapped in synthetic leather. Both front seats have heating, ventilation with electric operation.  It also comes with a heated steering wheel, 12-speaker audio system and power tailgate.  The B10 comes with plenty of safety gear, such as a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors.  2027 Leapmotor B10 range-extender pricing Australia    

The extremely rapid pace of development maintained by Chinese car brands is impressive and largely comes down to the immense resources afforded to the industry. However, it’s not all money, the tech sector and people-power. Australia has had a significant hand in many of the nimble adaptations made since China’s car brands began looking past its borders for customers. To varying degrees, Australia has been somewhat of a testing ground for new Chinese cars as engineers and designers find the strengths and weaknesses of their work. This is not to say the Chinese car industry is in its infancy, but until recently there was no need for brands to tailor cars to suit global tastes. New car engineers from brands outside China have generally noted the preference, for example, for soft, wafty suspension and driver assistance systems. “We recognise that the Chinese tuning approach is very different from what we need to have here in Europe. So every market has a different taste,” Mazda Europe's Senior Manager of Product Development and Engineering Alexander Fritsche told media last year when explaining the work that went into developing the Mazda 6e electric car as a global model. Based on the Deepal L07, the Mazda 6e underwent major suspension changes and driver assist adjustments to suit Europe, and by extension Australia. “Particularly interesting… is that the Chinese market seems to like very mild, soft ride comfort,” Fritsche said. Preferences between Australia and Europe are more similar than between Australia and China, but the changes Mazda Europe made to the 6e aren’t the only example of this.  Chinese brands have adjusted their approach to global models very quickly in the last few years, with the feedback from Australian customers, media, and even the brands’ own importers or Australian subsidiaries helping deliver cars that aren’t just built for domestic tastes. Stellantis Australia Senior Product Manager Rick Crichton spoke to media at the local launch of the Leapmotor B10 in early 2026 and said Leapmotor’s headquarters was not only receptive to Australian feedback, but regularly sought it. “They are constantly asking for our feedback,” Crichton said. “Us being the closest to the ground, I've got a pretty good handle on the Australian automotive landscape, so they are always curious for my feedback.  “They want my input, and we put requests into them and they're super responsive because they are geared for success.  “Even in some of the requests I've made for simple feature changes via OTA, they're coming through in, you know, lightning quick.” It’s not just brands new to the market like Leapmotor or Deepal that are quickly learning what Australian drivers and car buyers prefer. GWM has been in Australia for approaching two decades, having launched in 2009 as Great Wall. Although only the last decade of that has been factory-backed from headquarters in China, the brand’s long-running presence in Australia compared to its compatriots last year saw GWM take the step of employing one of Australia’s best-known ride and handling engineers, former Holden vehicle dynamics lead engineer Rob Trubiani. “GWM has been actively listening to local customer feedback for several years now with much of this feedback already making its way into the final tuning of new models making their way to the Australian and New Zealand markets,” GWM said in a statement announcing Trubiani’s recruitment in March 2025.   “In hiring Mr Trubiani, GWM’s objective is to strengthen local engineering efforts with a view to further improving vehicle dynamics and, ultimately, customer experience across the region.” While the long-term effects of Trubiani’s presence at GWM are yet to be seen, new entry to the market, GAC, has already locally tested its three models from launch having worked with Toyota in China for decades. “We have learned a lot from them, and we believe that the customer will have a different experience by driving GAC,” Deputy General Manager of GAC Australia Cheney Liang told CarsGuide in November 2025. The Aion V mid-size electric SUV, the M8 plug-in hybrid people mover and the Emzoom compact SUV were the first three confirmed cars from the brand to land in Australia.  “When we picked the models, we came to Australia. We have already done the Australian test,” Liang confirmed. Different approaches, different results, but the common theme that Australia is often the first external market for Chinese brands to learn in is clear. Who knows what the market will look like in a few more years, but it’s likely the increasing quality of Chinese cars won’t slow down.

As Leapmotor looks to cement its place in the developing pantheon of new Chinese electric car brands in Australia, its second model is a statement. But there’s more to come. The 2026 Leapmotor B10 is a competitively priced small electric SUV with more space than rivals, but another Leapmotor is already confirmed on the horizon. The Leapmotor B05, an electric hatchback revealed last year at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, is set to land in Australia in the second half of 2026. While it’s a little bigger than pre-EV era hatches, the 4430mm long, 1880mm wide and 1520mm tall B05 will go up against rivals like the MG4 or GWM Ora, though pricing is yet to be determined. Given it’s smaller than the B10, it’d be surprising if its price landed too close to the roughly-$40,000 of Leapmotor’s just-arrived small SUV. While the B05 is confirmed for arrival, pricing and details aren’t locked-in, and Stellantis Australia Senior Product Manager Rick Crichton wouldn’t be drawn on rough guidelines for pricing. “No pricing,” he said, “I’m not here to talk about B05 pricing or spec, or anything other than acknowledging it’s coming.” While nothing else is locked in yet, Crichton also hinted that the smaller Leapmotor A10 was under consideration for Australia, although it’s had a name change since it was revealed. “So A10 is something that's being considered, but what I can tell you is that Leapmotor has renamed A10 to B03X for export markets.” The B03X is just 4.2m long and 1.8m wide, and in China has a claimed range of 500km under lenient CLTC testing. For its size, the B03X boasts some strong tech including LiDAR-enabled advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), an ‘AI-powered cockpit’ and over-the-air (OTA) updates. It’s expected the B03X would rival the likes of the BYD Atto 1. Finally, the Leapmotor D19, a large electric SUV, is on the radar even though Crichton said there’s nothing to confirm. “It's something that we're always looking at. Nothing we can confirm today, but certainly the product portfolio in China is continuing to expand and it certainly gives us a lot of options to pick .” Speaking with media last year, including CarsGuide, Leapmotor’s Global Head of Brand Strategy, Product and Marketing Francesco Giacalone said the D19 lines sizes up with models like the Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol. "It's on architecture 3.5 with very advanced hybrid technology, based on a range-extender that has been even further evolved for that flagship. The intention is to have a full-size SUV, four-wheel drive, desert-ready."

The Leapmotor B10 and Zeekr 7X are among several models that have received top marks in their Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety tests.  The B10 is an all-electric small SUV, which went on sale in November 2025. The BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona and Kia EV3 rival received some stand out results, including 93 per cent for adult protection and 95 per cent for child protection. Those two results equalled the highest score for those areas under ANCAP’s now outgoing 2023-2025 testing criteria.   The Zeekr 7X (the current 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year best medium SUV under $60,000), also received five stars and was awarded 91 per cent for adult protection and 87 per cent child protection.  The 7X offers a new alternative to big sellers in the mid-size SUV market, such as the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7. Another car to receive a five-star rating was the Geely Starray EM-i, the second Geely model to launch in Australia after the EX5 SUV.  The recently-introduced Kia EV4 has also been rated, receiving five stars. The all-electric sedan arrived in Australia this month, ahead of the hatch variants joining later this year.  The other car to pick up a five-star rating, was the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe, which rated at 93 per cent for adult protection and 86 per cent for child protection.  ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said this latest batch of ratings highlights the importance of maintaining car safety as more brands continue to be introduced to the market.  “As more new models and emerging brands arrive on our roads, independent safety assessment remains critical,” Hoorweg said.  “ANCAP testing provides consumers with clear, comparable information, and ensures vehicles meet the highest standards for protection, regardless of badge or price point.” ANCAP also announced that the MG HS small SUV’s five-star rating now extended to hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants in addition to petrol offerings. There was also an updated five-star rating for the Toyota bZ4X and its sister car the Subaru Solterra. This latest round of rest results will be the final set of cars tested under the previous criteria, with all new cars to be using the four-stage ‘Stages of Safety’ system.  This will examine safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash, but a rating out of five stars will still be awarded for each car. 

The electric car onslaught will continue in 2026 with the announcement of more than 20 new models in Australia.

A new electric SUV will hit the market in Australia.