Leapmotor C10 Hardware Refresh Arrives in 2027
Leapmotor plans a significant hardware update for the C10 in early 2027, but the company has not confirmed if Australian buyers will receive the changes or if the fix will resolve the lack of smartphone mirroring.
Leapmotor is preparing a hardware-focused update for its C10 electric SUV, with the changes expected to land in early 2027. The company describes the modification as an evolution of the current model rather than a full mid-cycle facelift. However, executives have been vague about the specific components involved, leaving buyers uncertain about what improvements can actually be expected.
The update is reportedly driven by a new electronic architecture. This is significant because the current C10 relies on older hardware that prevents native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from being added via software updates. While the new B-series models already support these features, the C10 remains stuck with legacy systems unless the 2027 refresh replaces the underlying cabin electronics.
Uncertainty Over Australian Availability
Despite the planned international rollout, Leapmotor has not confirmed that the updated C10 will arrive in Australia. Danilo Annese, the commercial head for Enlarged Europe, explicitly stated that the Australian introduction is not guaranteed. This creates a potential gap where local buyers might continue driving vehicles with outdated infotainment hardware while markets elsewhere receive the upgraded version.
The company has also avoided specifying which variants will receive the update or if existing owners can upgrade their current vehicles. This lack of detail makes it difficult for consumers to determine if the investment in a C10 today is future-proof. The ambiguity extends to whether the refresh applies to battery-electric and extended-range models simultaneously or if there will be a staggered release.
Hardware Limitations Define Current Features
The current limitation of the C10 is rooted in its LEAP 3.0 electronic architecture. Leapmotor Australia has previously confirmed that the absence of smartphone mirroring cannot be fixed through an over-the-air update because the necessary hardware is missing. This distinguishes the C10 from newer Leapmotor models, such as the B10 and B03X, which utilize more recent electronics that support wireless connectivity features out of the box.
Powertrain Upgrades Already Delivered
Australia has already seen significant powertrain improvements for the C10 without corresponding cabin technology upgrades. The 2026 Design Long Range model introduced an 81.9 kWh battery, an 800V electrical architecture, and a more powerful rear motor. These changes increased the claimed range to 510 km and allowed for faster DC charging at up to 180 kW.
A limited-run AWD Sports+ variant also brought dual-motor all-wheel drive with 440 kW of combined power. However, neither of these recent updates addressed the infotainment hardware, leaving the core user experience unchanged. The upcoming 2027 refresh is the first opportunity for Leapmotor to potentially rectify this specific gap, though the company has not explicitly linked the new hardware to the addition of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. As reported by GN technics/hardware, the exact nature of the hardware change remains undisclosed, and clarity is expected only as the launch date approaches.
