Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 23 June 2026
Leapmotor is continuing its expansion in New Zealand, with the new B10 Ultra Hybrid EV arriving in local showrooms from July with pricing starting from $39,990 plus on-road costs.
The newcomer joins the fully electric B10 launched late last year. It’s a plug-in hybrid, using what Leapmotor NZ is calling an ‘electric-first drivetrain’ designed to deliver the feel of an EV without the concern of limited driving range.
The B10 Ultra Hybrid EV will be available in two grades. The entry-level Life is priced from $39,990 plus ORC, while the higher-spec Design starts at $44,990 plus ORC. The BEV B10 ranges in price from $45k to $50k.
Leapmotor’s Ultra Hybrid system uses a rear-mounted electric motor to drive the wheels at all times. A 1.5-litre petrol engine acts solely as a generator, producing electricity to recharge the battery when required rather than directly powering the wheels.
The arrangement is similar in concept to range-extender electric vehicles, allowing the B10 to deliver what Leapmotor describes as a “100 per cent electric driving experience” while providing the reassurance of extended touring range.
The system combines an 18.8kWh battery pack with the petrol-powered generator to deliver a claimed electric-only range of 86km (WLTP) and a total driving range of up to 900km (WLTP). It can be DC charged, at rates of up to 46kW.
Drivers can choose between four energy modes – EV+, EV, Fuel and Power+ – allowing the vehicle to prioritise electric operation, maximise efficiency or boost performance depending on road conditions.
Leapmotor New Zealand general manager Brian Carr says the vehicle has been developed to suit local driving conditions.
“Key to the B10 SUV Ultra Hybrid EV success is Leapmotor’s commitment to delivering cutting edge technology and value. New Zealand customers benefit from experiencing the pure electric drive feel plus lack of range anxiety with an 18.8kWh battery offering 86 km range (WLTP) and a combined range of 900 km (WLTP),” said Carr.
Inside, the B10 features a technology-focused cabin centred around a 14.6-inch 2.5K infotainment touchscreen powered by LEAP OS 4.0 Plus and a Qualcomm 8155 processor. Both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while over-the-air software updates ensure the vehicle remains current throughout ownership.
The Ultra Hybrid carries over a suite of safety technologies from the BEV B10, including seven airbags, 17 advanced driver assistance systems, adaptive cruise control and lane centring assistance.
Measuring 4530mm long, 1885mm wide and with a wheelbase of 2735mm, the B10 sits in the competitive small-to-medium SUV segment alongside models such as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, BYD Sealion 5 and MG HS Super Hybrid.
Leapmotor has a factory-backed six-year/150,000km warranty across its range.
The B10 Ultra Hybrid joins a growing Leapmotor portfolio in New Zealand that now includes the recently launched C10 Long Range BEV (530km range, 800V architecture, 81.9kWh battery, 180kW DC charge capacity, $59,990) and C10 AWD Performance. The brand has also confirmed two additional global models, the B05 and B03X, are scheduled to arrive in New Zealand before the end of 2026.
