A couple asked via the backend, with a budget of around 100,000, planning to buy a somewhat reliable pure electric SUV. After looking at the Changan Qiyuan New Q05 and Leapmotor A10, they both seemed good, but which car is actually worth buying? In my opinion, there is still a huge difference between these two SUVs, and their attributes and characteristics are completely different, making the choice not hard. So today, let's compare these two SUVs and see how to choose?
Specifically, we compare the Changan Qiyuan New Q05 2026 Model 506 Max+ at a benefit price of 95,900, and the Leapmotor A10 2026 Model 505 LiDAR Version at a guide price of 86,800. Both are their respective best-selling configurations, representing versions chosen by most users, with a relatively small price difference.
(Changan Qiyuan New Q05)
Currently, both SUVs are best-selling products, even exported overseas. The Changan Qiyuan New Q05 launched in Thailand in May, and will enter Uzbekistan, Central and South America, Europe, etc. within the next few months. Without unexpected issues, it will be seen globally in the future. The Leapmotor A10 will also enter the European market in the future. Both cars are sold globally, and products that can become global cars need to meet testing standards of various countries, so quality is usually trustworthy.
(Leapmotor A10)
The reason couples choose SUVs for travel, I believe it's more about caring about the comfort experience, so space is very important. The Changan Qiyuan New Q05 as a compact SUV, length/width/height 4435*1855*1600mm, wheelbase 2735mm, while the Leapmotor A10 as a subcompact SUV, length/width/height 4270*1810*1635mm, wheelbase 2605mm. Body size is one class smaller, actual seating space also has a gap. We will discuss specific details later.
(Changan Qiyuan New Q05)
The Changan Qiyuan New Q05 front seats are equipped with power adjustment, ventilation, heating, and massage. The front passenger seat is a Queen's Seat with a leg rest, which can recline with one button, perfect for couples traveling comfortably. When tired of riding, you can lie down, turn on the massage for a SPA relaxation. The car interior has 80% quality soft-touch material texture which is better. The combination of automatic air conditioning and PM2.5 filtration allows you to adjust the suitable temperature effortlessly while lying in the car.
(Leapmotor A10)
Although the Leapmotor A10 is the top trim, only the driver's seat supports power adjustment. While the front row has heating functions, inevitably one of the couple traveling won't enjoy the good treatment. Plus it uses manual air conditioning, requiring manual operation for seat, temperature, and airflow; "lazy" patients would probably feel very uncomfortable. Additionally, the Leapmotor A10 interior is mostly hard plastic, with a soft-touch coverage area of 2.63㎡, which is slightly smaller.
(New Q05)
(New Q05)
Moving to the rear seat, an adult 175cm tall in the Changan Qiyuan New Q05 has remaining space of 1 fist at the head and 2 fists at the legs. Crossing legs is also no problem. Meanwhile, it also has air conditioning vents in the rear row, and the backrest angle can be adjusted according to height and sitting posture. So, taking friends or family out on weekends puts no pressure.
(Leapmotor A10)
(Leapmotor A10)
Adults of the same height entering the rear of the Leapmotor A10 have remaining space of 1 fist at the head and 1 fist 3 fingers at the legs. The disadvantage in wheelbase indeed brings a shortcoming in longitudinal space. Furthermore, the rear of this small car has no air conditioning vents, and the backrest angle cannot be adjusted. If it's hot in summer, it's very uncomfortable, and long rides can easily cause fatigue.
Young people buying cars nowadays focus on intelligent technology. From the cockpit perspective, both SUVs perform very well with rich functions and smooth operation. However, if you are an Apple user and like using phone connectivity, the Changan Qiyuan New Q05's extra CarLink, CarPlay, and Honor Car Connectivity might satisfy you more. Additionally, the Changan Qiyuan New Q05 also adds tire pressure monitoring and 50W mobile phone wireless charging, which can also satisfy many new drivers or friends worried about phone battery anxiety.
Although the Leapmotor A10's cockpit configuration and functions are relatively inferior, in terms of driving assistance, it features extra LiDAR and supports Navigation Pilot Assist. Having cutting-edge technology for a few tens of thousands is indeed good. However, if the budget is sufficient, the Changan Qiyuan New Q05 also provides a LiDAR version and possesses Navigation Pilot Assist functionality.
(Changan Qiyuan New Q05)
Next, let's look at the core three-electric systems. The Changan Qiyuan New Q05 is quite impressive, using premium CATL battery cells across the range. It applies the 'Golden Bell Shield' battery technology. High-spec versions use liquid cooling, while low-spec use direct cooling, all with good heat dissipation performance. There is also a chassis underguard to protect the battery. With a full charge, the range is 506km. Driving 50km daily means charging roughly once every 10 days. Weekends allow for long-distance self-driving or camping, with no problem for cross-city round trips.
(Leapmotor A10)
The Leapmotor A10 uses second-tier brand cells, either Gotion High-tech or Jiangsu Zhengli mixed assembly, depending on your luck which manufacturer you get. However, high-spec versions use liquid cooling, while low-spec use only air cooling, with heat dissipation effects inferior to direct and liquid cooling. Additionally, the Leapmotor A10 range has no chassis underguard, missing a layer of protection. If driving on city paved roads, there's no problem, but when going outdoors, be careful not to easily scrape the chassis. With a full charge, its range is 505km, comparable in strength to the Changan Qiyuan New Q05. However, the Leapmotor A10 403 version drops to air cooling, while the Changan Qiyuan New Q05 uses direct cooling, offering better thermal management effects.
There is a difference in power output. The Changan Qiyuan New Q05, being physically larger, uses a 120kW motor with a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 8.9 seconds. The Leapmotor A10, being inherently a commuter car, uses only a 90kW motor with a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 10.6 seconds. The driving difference is significant. Starting might not be obvious, but when overtaking on a two-lane road, the Leapmotor A10 has slower power feedback and requires a longer distance to overtake.
Summary:
Overall, although the Changan Qiyuan New Q05 is slightly higher in price, its space, configuration, and power performance are significantly better, and it uses a top-tier battery brand. The Leapmotor A10 offers high-level Navigation Pilot Assist, having an advantage in this aspect. However, as the top trim, it still uses manual air conditioning, and the rear row has no vents; these details are indeed unacceptable. Overall, I think the Changan Qiyuan New Q05 is still more worth considering. What do you think?
