Chinese EV maker Leapmotor has launched its first crossover in Europe, the B10, a car it claims is the key to its global expansion aims.

The B10 has been positioned in a highly competitive segment against the likes of the new Renault 4, Jeep Avenger and Mini Aceman. 

Based on the firm's Leap 3.5 architecture, it features a host of active safety tech, a customisable driver’s display and “intelligent driving capabilities”.

Leapmotor hasn't yet revealed battery or power figures, but the B10 is expected to mirror that of the larger C10.

That car offers just one powertrain, with a single rear-mounted 215bhp motor and a 69.9kWh battery, giving it a 262-mile range.

The B10 is the first of Leapmotor's B-Series models, which are designed specifically for global markets, the firm said.

Leapmotor founder and CEO Zhu Jiangming said: “The B10 embodies our vision for an electric future, offering not only superior performance and smart connectivity but also making that future accessible to consumers worldwide.” 

In Europe, Leapmotor already sells the C10 SUV, larger C16 SUV and T03 city car. 

The C10 and T03 are coming to the UK, priced from £36,500 and £15,995 respectively – making the latter one of the cheapest electric cars on sale here.

When the B10 arrives in the UK next year, pricing is expected to start at below £30,000.