Is Opel working on its own version of the Leapmotor B10?

Opel is reportedly considering adding the Leapmotor B10 to its portfolio as a low-cost C-segment electric SUV, avoiding high development costs. The carmaker itself has not confirmed the media reports, but neither has it issued a clear denial.

According to the German Automobilwoche, a senior source close to Opel’s parent company Stellantis indicated that the company is internally discussing using the Leapmotor B10 for additional Stellantis brands through “re-branding” or “badge engineering” – in this case, for Opel. Using shared vehicle platforms within a group to create brand-specific models is standard practice. Badge engineering is more common in commercial vehicles, where essentially the same vehicle is sold under multiple brands with minimal changes.

“Nothing has been decided yet, but it would be an interesting way to offer a well-equipped and affordable electric model in the C-SUV segment,” the insider said. Reports suggest the discussions are indeed taking place, as there are multiple sources: the French business newspaper Les Echos first reported the developments, citing two people familiar with the matter.

Opel declined to comment on the information. “We do not comment on speculation,” said a spokesperson from Rüsselsheim.

The Leapmotor B10 is a 4.52-metre-long SUV sold in Germany with a battery-electric drivetrain starting at €29,900. In the UK, the EV sells for £29,995. A 56.2 kWh LFP battery provides around 360 km WLTP range, while a larger 67.1 kWh pack offers over 430 km, likely with high charging power for short stops. The B10 does not boast exceptional figures but delivers solid technology at a highly competitive price: an Opel Grandland Electric is 13 cm longer but starts at over €46,000.

In Europe, the B10 and other Leapmotor models are sold by Leapmotor International, a joint venture between Leapmotor and Stellantis. Stellantis holds a 51 per cent majority, with 49 per cent owned by the Chinese manufacturer. From next year, the B10 will also be produced in Europe at the Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, alongside the Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa and their electric variants.

automobilwoche.de (in German), lesechos.fr (in French)

This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.