Stellantis is poised to make a significant move in the European electric vehicle market by potentially rebranding the Chinese-built Leapmotor B10 under the Opel name. According to reports from the German publication Automobilwoche, Opel could launch this model by 2026, with production anticipated to take place at the company’s plant in Zaragoza, Spain. This strategy may help Stellantis sidestep the European Union’s hefty tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles.
The Leapmotor B10, a compact SUV known for its advanced technology and affordability, represents a promising addition to Opel’s lineup. Insiders suggest that while a final decision has yet to be made, this venture could provide an “interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segment.” Currently, Opel has not issued any official comments regarding these developments.
Introduced in 2022, the Leapmotor B10 features both fully electric and range-extender powertrain options, although the latter is not yet available in Europe. Built on the LEAP3.5 platform, which it shares with the B05 hatchback, the B10 boasts a modern cabin equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, showcasing Leapmotor’s expanding capabilities in the EV sector.
Design Prospects and Market Competition
While the specifics of Opel’s branding and redesign of the B10 remain unclear, speculative renderings suggest it could incorporate Opel’s signature Blitz emblem and Vizor grille, along with the Compass lighting signature. In terms of dimensions, the B10 measures 4,515 mm long, positioning it between the Opel Frontera and Grandland in size. Its anticipated competitors in Europe include established models such as the VW ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and BYD Atto 3.
Currently, the Leapmotor B10 is available in Europe, but it is being imported from China. If production begins in Zaragoza, it would not only reduce costs but also allow Stellantis to avoid the EU’s 20.7 percent tariffs on Chinese vehicles, which are in addition to the standard 10 percent import fee. This local production could enable Stellantis to keep the pricing competitive, potentially undercutting the current starting price of €29,900 for the B10 in Germany. For context, the electric Opel Frontera has a starting price of €28,990.
Leapmotor’s Growing Presence in Europe
Data from Dataforce indicates that Leapmotor has sold 16,485 vehicles in Europe during the first nine months of 2025. This figure includes 11,064 units of the T03 urban EV, 5,080 units of the C10 midsize SUV, and just 313 units of the B10 compact SUV. The automaker recently celebrated a production milestone of over one million vehicles and aims to export between 50,000 and 60,000 units in the current year, indicating that Leapmotor is becoming a significant player in the global EV market.
As Stellantis continues to explore opportunities in the EV segment, the rebranding of Chinese models like the Leapmotor B10 could represent a strategic shift in how European consumers perceive electric vehicles. With a focus on affordability and advanced technology, Stellantis may be well-positioned to capture a larger share of this rapidly evolving market.