Geely E5 vs Leapmotor C10
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Leapmotor C10 wins on money kept: 51% retained after three years vs 48%, worth about R 50 181 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| E5 | C10 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 699 999 | R 759 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 12 235/m | R 13 282/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 71% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 51% |
| Value after 3 years | R 335 555 | R 385 736 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 364 444 | R 374 164 |
| Value after 5 years | R 229 416 | R 271 314 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
Geely E5 →
This electric family SUV, known globally as the EX5, led Geely's November 2025 relaunch at R699,999. Range and cabin space are competitive with the BYD Atto 3. Like most Chinese EVs here, resale is the big unanswered question.
Known for: well-priced family electric suv
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 or the Leapmotor C10?
The Leapmotor C10. It keeps about 51% of its price after three years against 48% for the Geely E5, a gap of 3 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Geely E5 loses about R 364 444 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 runs about R 12 235 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.