Leapmotor C10 vs. XPENG G6: A duel of Chinese electric C-segment SUVs under €45.000

The C-segment SUV has become the main battleground for Chinese brands in Spain. Competitive prices, ample technology, and an open war to win over buyers who, until recently, were considering a Volkswagen Tiguan or a Peugeot 3008. Within this group, two cars better encapsulate the current dilemma of the electrified buyer: the Leapmotor C10 with its REEV (plug-in hybrid with range extender) and the XPENG G6 Standard Range, a fully electric vehicle. Both are priced under €45.000. Both have a zero-emissions label. Opposing philosophies.

From the list of previous candidates, we have ruled out BYD in the segment: according to our editorial criteria, the recent evolution of the Chinese SUV-C has left its offering a step below what more recent rivals offer today in terms of overall product balance, and we prefer to focus the duel on two brands that more clearly represent the two paths of electrification that the Spanish buyer has today.

We go with them.

Two philosophies for the same budget

Here's the crux of the matter. The Leapmotor C10 REEV has a range extender: a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that doesn't power the wheels, but instead recharges the battery when needed. It's an electric car with a safety net. The XPENG G6 Standard Range takes the old-school approach of modern electric cars: large battery, zero liters of gasoline, and relying on plug-in charging for your convenience.

Which makes more sense? It depends on where you live, how you carry your gear, and what kind of trips you take. And no, it's not a comfortable answer, but it's the truth.

Leapmotor C10: the electric car with life insurance — from €36.764

The C10 arrives in Spain with the REEV formula as its main selling point. On paper, it functions as an electric vehicle—145 km of range in zero-emissions mode with its 28,4 kWh battery—and when the battery is depleted, the 1.5-liter gasoline engine kicks in to generate electricity. The combined result is a homologated fuel consumption of 0,4 l/100 km and approximately 10 g/km of CO₂. These are laboratory figures, of course, and in real-world use, they will depend heavily on how you charge the car.

The total advertised power is around 215 hp. It's not a car designed for epic performance—the top speed of 170 km/h makes that clear—but it's more than adequate for family use and mixed journeys.

The interior boasts a large central screen, surprisingly high-quality materials for its price range, and a minimalist design that appeals to today's buyers. In our opinion, the C10's strongest selling point isn't a specific statistic, but rather the underlying promise: electric driving during the week, long journeys without anxiety on weekends. For those without a garage with a charging point, this isn't a minor detail. It's the difference between buying an electric car or not.

XPENG G6: Pure electric with a serious battery — from €43.083

The G6 is a different beast altogether. Standard Range, 252 hp, a battery of approximately 68,5 kWh, and a homologated range of 455 km. No gasoline tricks, no auxiliary generators. An electric vehicle like the ones we started seeing a few years ago from European premium brands, but with a lower price tag.

The G6's appeal lies with buyers who have their charging needs sorted at home or work and want nothing more to do with gas stations. In terms of pure performance, the XPENG feels more substantial: its 252 hp propels a car that, despite being a C-segment SUV, moves with ease. We already discussed this when talking about choosing an electric compact with around 500 km of range : the official range of 455 km usually translates to about 380-400 km in real-world highway driving , a figure sufficient for the vast majority of journeys without planning for intermediate charging stops.

However, when the journey does exceed that figure, managing the stop becomes necessary. And that's where the G6 requires a different type of owner than the C10.

Summary table and editorial rating

Rating from 1 to 10 based on Highmotor criteria. Prices are manufacturer's recommended retail price, excluding discounts, dealer promotions, and any applicable Auto+ Plan incentives.

Which one should we buy?

It depends. And anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to sell you something.

If you live in an apartment without a garage, frequently take long trips, and don't want to rely on public charging infrastructure, the Leapmotor C10 is the most honest answer on the market for under €40.000. Zero emissions label, urban use in electric mode, and gas station when necessary. That safety net has an added value that isn't always reflected in the statistics.

If you have a wallbox at home and your life fits almost entirely within 400 km of daily driving, the XPENG G6 is a more refined electric vehicle in terms of dynamics and offers better battery life per euro. It costs €6.319 more to start, but it offers more power, greater pure electric range, and no combustion engine parts to worry about in the long run.

In other words: Leapmotor wins in flexibility, XPENG wins in purity . And there is no overall winner.

Before signing, check the current Auto+ Plan aid on the official website: the amounts change and can tip the scales between these two cars more than you might think.

FAQ

Which Chinese electric SUV is the best to buy in Spain for less than 45.000 euros?
If you need range without relying on charging points, the Leapmotor C10 REEV (starting at €36.764) is the most practical option. If you have home charging available, the XPENG G6 Standard Range (starting at €43.083) offers a homologated range of 455 km and more dynamic performance.

Does the Leapmotor C10 REEV have a ZERO emissions label even though it has a gasoline engine?
Yes. As a plug-in hybrid with over 40 km of certified electric range —it is rated at 145 km— it qualifies for the DGT's ZERO emissions label, with the associated benefits in low-emission zones.

How much real-world autonomy does the XPENG G6 Standard Range offer?
It has a WLTP range of 455 km with the ≈68,5 kWh battery. In real-world use, the figure tends to range between 380 and 430 km depending on speed, temperature, and driving style.

Do the prices include any subsidies or discounts?
No. The figures quoted are the manufacturer's recommended retail price (MSRP) without dealer discounts, special offers, or assistance from the Auto+ Plan. Please consult the official Auto+ Plan website to find out the current price applicable to your situation.