Leapmotor enters Argentina to oppose BYD that holds 89% of the local EV market – CarNewsChina.com

The Stellantis-backed Leapmotor Chinese electric car brand entered Argentina to fight for market share with BYD, which controls 89% of the market segment so far in 2026. The new brand entered the market with two EREV crossovers priced between 31,990 and 35,500 USD.

The electric car (BEV+PHEV+EREV) segment’s growth surged in Argentina in 2026 with BYD as a core driver. This Shenzhen-originated automaker controls 89% of the local EV market, Inside Climate News reported. In H1 2026, around 10,800 electric cars (including 5,600 plug-in hybrids and 4,200 battery EVs) were sold in Argentina.

On August 18, Leapmotor officials shared that two EREV crossovers reached Argentina, deepening the brand’s market presence in South America. The initial lineup includes the B10 compact SUV and a bigger C10. Leapmotor adopts the existing Stellantis network, offering 12 sales outlets and 20 after-sales points. Moreover, Leapmotor owners can do basic maintenance in over 300 Stellantis after-sales service outlets.

The Leapmotor B10 starts at 31,990 USD in Argentina. It is a compact five-seat crossover with dimensions of 4530/1885/1655 mm and a wheelbase of 2,735 mm. The trunk capacity reaches 350 liters. The car adopts a 1.5-liter ICE that works as a generator, sending power to an 18.8 kWh LFP battery that can be charged with 46 kW DC. The B10 can run up to 95 km in electric mode. Its electric motor has a peak power of 158 kW (212 hp).

The larger Leapmotor C10 is available for purchase for 35,500 USD. It is a mid-size five-seater with dimensions of 4739/1900/1680 mm. The wheelbase reaches 2,825 mm. It has a trunk for 435 liters. The C10 is also a range extender with a 1.5-liter engine under the hood. It sends energy to a 28.4 kWh LFP pack for 170 km of NEDC electric range. It could be charged with 65 kW DC. An electric motor offers the same peak power of 158 kW (212 hp).

For clarity, the BYD Yuan Up DM-i compact plug-in hybrid SUV starts at 33,990 USD in Argentina. The bigger BYD Song Pro DM-i (Sealion 6) is priced between 35,490 and 37,490 USD. BYD also sells the Shark (Shark 6) pickup truck, the Yuan Pro (Atto 2 EV) crossover, the Seal U DM-i crossover, and the Dolphin Mini (Seagull / Dolphin Surf / Atto 1). Leapmotor needs to accelerate the model line expansion to keep up with BYD.

In July 2027, the Leapmotor A10 (B03X) became the China’s bestselling crossover. According to China EV DataTracker, its domestic deliveries reached 26,424 units.