Geely E5 EM-i vs Leapmotor C10
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Geely E5 EM-i wins on money kept: 53% retained after three years vs 51%, worth about R 67 912 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| E5 EM-i | C10 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 599 999 | R 759 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 10 487/m | R 13 282/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 71% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 51% |
| Value after 3 years | R 317 824 | R 385 736 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 282 175 | R 374 164 |
| Value after 5 years | R 228 351 | R 271 314 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
Geely E5 EM-i →
The plug-in hybrid partner to the E5 arrived in November 2025 from R599,999, wearing the Starray EM-i badge in other markets. Its super hybrid drivetrain promises low consumption without the range anxiety of the full EV. It undercuts most PHEV rivals on price.
Known for: super hybrid tech at mainstream money
Leapmotor C10 →
Stellantis launched Leapmotor in SA in October 2025 with the C10 REEV, a family SUV that always drives electric while a 1.5 petrol generator stretches range to a claimed 970 km. Two trims at R759,900 and R799,900 include a 5-year/100,000 km warranty and service plan. It squares up to plug-in rivals like the Sealion 6 and Jaecoo J7.
Known for: 970 km range-extender suv
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Geely E5 EM-i or the Leapmotor C10?
The Geely E5 EM-i. It keeps about 53% of its price after three years against 51% for the Leapmotor C10, a gap of 2 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Geely E5 EM-i loses about R 282 175 over three years and the Leapmotor C10 loses about R 374 164. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Geely E5 EM-i runs about R 10 487 per month and the Leapmotor C10 about R 13 282, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.