The war for the title of “Australia’s Cheapest Electric SUV” just found a new front line. While Australian buyers are currently bracing for the arrival of the sub-$32,000 BYD Atto 2, a fresh challenger has just broken cover in China that could undercut it even further.

Meet the Leapmotor A10. Unveiled at the Guangzhou Motor Show in late November 2025, this pint-sized electric SUV is not just another concept—it is a production-ready declaration of intent from Stellantis-backed Leapmotor. With a global rollout plan that includes Right-Hand Drive (RHD) markets, the A10 is shaping up to be the next big disruptor on Australian roads in 2026.

At EV Evolution, Australia’s premier digital platform for EV enthusiasts, we have analyzed the reveal to see if this newcomer has the specs—and the price tag—to dethrone BYD.

🌏 The “B03X”: A New Name for a New Market

First, a note for the observant enthusiast: while it launched as the A10 in its domestic market, reports indicate this model will likely be rebadged as the Leapmotor B03X for export markets, including Australia.

This aligns it with the brand’s global naming convention, sitting neatly below the recently launched Leapmotor B10, which has already made waves locally with its aggressive $38,990 drive-away pricing. If the B10 is the “Goldilocks” family SUV, the A10 (or B03X) is the compact city warrior designed to conquer the urban jungle.

🥊 The Matchup: Leapmotor A10 vs. BYD Atto 2

The comparison to the BYD Atto 2 is unavoidable—and deliberate. The Atto 2 has set the current benchmark with a starting price of $31,990 plus on-road costs, offering a 345km WLTP range in a practical compact SUV body.

Here is how the new Leapmotor challenger stacks up based on preliminary data:

1. Dimensions:

• BYD Atto 2: 4,310mm length.
• Leapmotor A10: Approx. 4,200mm length.

The Leapmotor is slightly shorter, positioning it closer to a “light SUV” or a high-riding hatchback (think Toyota Yaris Cross size). This smaller footprint makes it arguably better suited for tight inner-city parking in Sydney or Melbourne, though it may sacrifice some rear legroom compared to the BYD.

2. Range & Battery:

• BYD Atto 2: 51.3kWh LFP battery with 345km WLTP range.
• Leapmotor A10: Expected to offer two battery options (likely 56kWh and 67kWh in high-spec trims), with claimed ranges of 400km to 500km (CLTC). Converted to the stricter WLTP standard used in Australia, we expect a base range of ~320km and a long-range version hitting ~400km.

3. Charging Speed:

This is where Leapmotor claims a significant win. The A10 reportedly features faster charging tech, capable of a 30-80% top-up in just 16 minutes. Compare this to the Atto 2’s respectable but slower ~39-minute charge time, and the A10 becomes a much more viable option for drivers who rely on public charging infrastructure.

🧬 Design & Tech: “Smile” for the Camera

Design-wise, the A10/B03X steps away from the minimalist look of its bigger siblings. It features a playful, “smiley face” LED headlight signature and a rugged, upright stance with short overhangs. It looks tough, approachable, and distinctly modern.

Inside, expect the same high-tech approach seen in the C10 and B10. While final specs are TBC, the domestic model features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip—flagship-level processing power that ensures a snappy, responsive touchscreen experience. It also debuts with a roof-mounted LiDAR in China for advanced autonomy, though this expensive hardware will likely be dropped for the Australian export model to keep costs down.

💰 The Price Prediction: Sub-$30k?

This is the multi-million dollar question. With the larger Leapmotor B10 already priced at $38,990 drive-away, there is a clear gap in the lineup.

Given that the BYD Atto 2 starts at roughly $32k + ORCs (approx. $34-35k drive-away depending on state), Leapmotor has a narrow window to attack. Industry whispers suggest the A10 could target a starting price in the high-$20,000s (before on-road costs), potentially landing a drive-away price of $29,990.

If Leapmotor can hit a sub-$30k price point for a functional, tech-heavy electric SUV, it won’t just rival the Atto 2—it will compete directly with petrol stalwarts like the MG ZS and Kia Stonic.

🇦🇺 The Leapmotor Strategy: Here to Stay

The reveal of the A10 confirms that Leapmotor’s Australian assault is just beginning. Backed by automotive giant Stellantis (the parent company of Jeep, Fiat, and Peugeot), Leapmotor isn’t a fleeting startup. They have the distribution network, the parts support, and the aggressive pricing strategy to become a major volume player in Australia.

For the Australian EV buyer, this competition is fantastic news. It forces prices down, drives feature lists up, and accelerates the transition to electric motoring.

🤖 Join the EV Evolution

The affordable EV market is moving at breakneck speed. With the BYD Atto 2 launching now, the Leapmotor B10 arriving soon, and the A10/B03X on the horizon for 2026, choosing the right budget EV is becoming a complex decision.

Don’t navigate the market alone.

At EV Evolution, we encourage you to try chatting with our AI chatbot. It is trained on the latest global reveals, Australian launch timelines, and real-time pricing data.

• “What is the difference in size between the Leapmotor A10 and BYD Atto 2?”
• “When is the Leapmotor B03X expected to launch in Australia?”
• “Which electric SUV is the cheapest to insure?”

Our AI is ready to assist you 24/7, turning industry news into actionable advice for your next car purchase.

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.