Stellantis is set to introduce the Leapmotor B10 to European markets under the Opel brand, marking a significant strategic shift for the automotive giant. According to reports from Automobilwoche, production of this electric compact SUV could commence at the Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, Spain by 2026. This move aims to mitigate the impact of high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in the European Union.
The Leapmotor B10, a model developed by the Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor, is expected to be the first rebadged vehicle from Stellantis’ partnership with the company. Industry insiders suggest that this SUV could carry the Opel badge as early as next year, allowing the brand to tap into the growing compact SUV market. An unnamed source highlighted that this initiative presents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segment.”
The B10 was unveiled last year and offers both fully electric and range-extender powertrain options, although the latter has yet to be made available in Europe. Built on the LEAP3.5 platform, which it shares with the B05 compact hatchback, the B10 features a high-tech interior equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems.
Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape
In terms of dimensions, the B10 measures 4,515 mm in length, positioning it between the Opel Frontera and the Grandland. This size allows it to compete with other popular models in Europe, such as the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and BYD Atto 3. Current imports of the B10 from China are priced starting at €29,900 in Germany, but local production in Zaragoza could help reduce costs and avoid the EU’s steep tariffs, which currently include a 20.7 percent duty plus a standard 10 percent import fee.
Stellantis aims to keep the pricing competitive, potentially undercutting the B10’s existing price point. The electric Opel Frontera, for instance, is priced at €28,990 in the same market. Notably, Leapmotor has reported selling 16,485 vehicles in Europe during the first nine months of 2025, comprising 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.
Strategic Implications for Stellantis
The move to rebadge Chinese models illustrates Stellantis’ strategy to diversify its offerings in the competitive European EV market. The company has already reached a production milestone of over one million vehicles and is targeting 50,000 to 60,000 exports this year, indicating that Leapmotor is becoming an increasingly significant player in global electric vehicle manufacturing.
As Stellantis continues to explore this new territory, the decision regarding the B10 will likely influence its market positioning in Europe. While Opel has refrained from making any official comments regarding the speculation, the potential introduction of the Leapmotor B10 reflects the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where partnerships and strategic decisions will play a crucial role in future success.
