Leapmotor’s C10 mid-size SUV will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its 2027 model year, Australian executives have confirmed. This update addresses a significant gap in the vehicle’s initial feature set, which lacked these widely demanded connectivity options at its late 2024 launch.
The C10 launched in Australia in late 2024 without these features, which are standard in most new vehicles. Instead, Leapmotor introduced QDLink via an over-the-air update, allowing Android users to mirror their screens. This temporary solution was a direct response to early customer feedback, as the C10’s original hardware could not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Customer feedback drives change
According to Rick Crichton, senior product and marketing manager at Stellantis, customer feedback prompted the addition of QDLink.
“QDLink was added via an OTA into the app store of the C10 post-launch in response to feedback that customers wanted added levels of phone mirroring capabilities,” he said. Crichton further emphasized that QDLink provided a satisfactory solution for many buyers, particularly those who prioritized phone integration. Andy Hoang, Head of Leapmotor Australia, added that while initial customers were aware of the absence of these features, the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the 2027 model year aligns with international updates announced last month.
While QDLink provided a solution for some buyers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained a key request for many in this segment. Hoang noted, “Having said that, we do know that that was one of the key requests for people in that segment, and so on our C10 – that’s model year 27 – we will be adding that as a feature on the car.”
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2027 model year upgrades
The 2027 C10 will adopt Leapmotor’s 3.5 Electronic & Electric Architecture, which underpins other models like the B10 and B05. Crichton explained, “(The) MY27 (range) will adopt the same operating system that B10 has,” marking a shift from the current 3.0 system to the more advanced 3.5 system. This upgrade enables the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as other enhancements.
The ADAS suite now includes five new features: a side distance indicator system, automatic lane change, front vehicle departure warning, front cross-traffic alert, and front cross-traffic braking. Additionally, the MY27 C10 receives Leapmotor’s 1V5R system, which includes one front vision camera and five radars, along with two front corner radars and one forward radar.
Performance and charging enhancements
The BEV variant with the 69.9kWh battery sees a 5kW power increase to 165kW, while torque rises from 320Nm to 360Nm. DC charging power has also increased from 84kW to 120kW.
Luggage space has also been significantly expanded for both variants. The BEV now offers 500 litres of boot space, expanding to 1905 litres with the second row folded, and features a two-level adjustable boot floor. Additionally, BEV variants include a 27-litre frunk.
Meanwhile, the larger 81.9kWh battery variant’s international specifications closely match those of the Design Long Range variant introduced in Australia earlier this year, ensuring consistency across the lineup.
