Leapmotor, the ambitious Chinese carmaker in partnership with Stellantis, has unveiled the Leapmotor B05, a five-door electric hatchback set to hit Europe in 2026. Unlike the SUV-heavy lineup most brands are pushing, Leapmotor has opted for a sleek, sporty hatchback designed to appeal to urban drivers who want style, practicality, and cutting-edge technology.
The B05 is more than just another electric car. Built on Leapmotor’s new LEAP 3.5 modular platform, it promises strong performance, an advanced interior, and an attractive price point that could shake up Europe’s compact EV segment. Positioned against rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3, MG4, and BYD Dolphin, the B05 represents Leapmotor’s commitment to delivering “Excellence within reach.”
Let’s dive into what makes the Leapmotor B05 a potential game-changer for Europe.
Exterior: A Family Hatchback with Sporty Character
From the outside, the Leapmotor B05 exudes modern confidence. Its design philosophy, referred to as “Tech-Nature Aesthetic,” combines sleek surfaces with muscular lines, creating a balanced blend of purity and power. Unlike many electric vehicles that lean toward futuristic minimalism, the B05 manages to keep its sporty personality intact.
Key design highlights include:
- Slim “Saber-Brow” LED Headlights: Sharp, clean lighting that gives the car a high-tech presence.
- Frameless Doors and Flush Door Handles: Features usually reserved for premium models, enhancing aerodynamics while adding a premium feel.
- Full-Width Rear LED Light Bar: A signature design element, reinforcing the hatchback’s wide stance.
- 19-inch “Swift-Wing” Alloy Wheels: Sporty and aerodynamic, they give the hatch a grounded, performance-focused look.
The silhouette itself is worth noting. At 4430 mm long, 1880 mm wide, and 1520 mm tall with a 2735 mm wheelbase, the B05 sits firmly in the C-segment. Its proportions deliver a low, wide stance that emphasizes stability, while the subtle coupe-inspired lines add a dash of aggression. The result is a hatchback that balances practicality with strong curb appeal.
Interior: Minimalist, Digital, and Premium
Inside, the Leapmotor B05 takes inspiration from European tastes, combining minimalism with high-quality finishes. The cabin is driver-focused yet welcoming, with technology seamlessly integrated into the design.
The standout feature is the 14.6-inch central touchscreen, which dominates the dashboard and controls most in-car functions. Complementing it is an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, providing drivers with crisp, customizable information.
Expected interior features include:
- Panoramic Glass Roof for an airy, open feel
- Leatherette Upholstery with premium stitching
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats for year-round comfort
- Ambient Lighting System to set the mood
- Wireless Charging Pad for smartphones
- 360-degree Parking Camera System for hassle-free maneuvering
Leapmotor has hinted at extensive use of suede-like materials in higher trims, along with sporty touches in the Ultra version, which could feature a performance-focused aesthetic. The company emphasizes that its design choices are never just decorative—they aim to improve driver comfort, aerodynamics, or control.
Technology and Connectivity
The B05 is loaded with modern connectivity and convenience features that will appeal to tech-savvy buyers. It runs on Leapmotor’s latest software ecosystem, designed to offer over-the-air updates and seamless smartphone integration.
Highlights include:
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Capability, allowing the car to power external devices such as laptops, appliances, or camping gear.
- Smart Infotainment System with app-based controls, voice recognition, and navigation.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) expected to include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
The focus is clear: to deliver a premium digital experience at an affordable price point.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Built on the LEAP 3.5 modular platform, the B05 has been engineered with a focus on balance and driving pleasure. Leapmotor promises a 50:50 weight distribution, a trait usually found in performance cars, which should give the hatchback superb cornering stability.
Preliminary specifications suggest:
- Single-Motor Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- 200 bhp output
- 0–100 km/h in approximately 8 seconds
The battery is expected to be 67 kWh, offering a range of around 430 km (WLTP est.), although Leapmotor claims the platform can technically support up to 650 km under CLTC standards.
When it comes to charging, the B05 supports DC fast charging at 168 kW, enabling a 30–80% top-up in under 20 minutes—competitive in today’s market.
For those seeking extra excitement, the Ultra variant is expected to add a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, aerodynamic upgrades, and a sportier chassis tuned by Stellantis’ European engineering team.
Safety Features
Safety remains a cornerstone of Leapmotor’s strategy for global expansion. The B05 is expected to come equipped with a robust suite of safety features, including:
- Multiple airbags across the cabin
- 360-degree camera system
- Collision mitigation braking system
- Driver attention monitoring
- Electronic stability and traction controls
With Stellantis’ backing and European engineering input, the B05 is being developed to meet stringent EU safety standards, giving buyers peace of mind.
Price and Availability
One of the B05’s strongest weapons will be its pricing strategy. Industry insiders expect the Leapmotor B05 to launch around €32,000 in Europe, significantly undercutting rivals like the VW ID.3 and MG4 while offering a richer feature set.
Translated into the Indian market, this would be roughly INR 33 lakh, making it a competitive option if Leapmotor decides to bring this compact EV here.
The B05 will be launched in Europe in 2026, followed by the larger B10 crossover. Afterward, Leapmotor plans to roll out smaller, more affordable EVs such as the A10 crossover and the A05 hatchback, which could start at just €21,300.
Conclusion: Leapmotor’s European Disruptor
The Leapmotor B05 isn’t just another electric hatchback—it’s a statement of intent. With sleek coupe-inspired styling, a tech-rich interior, strong driving dynamics, and aggressive pricing, it has all the ingredients to disrupt the European C-segment EV market.
Backed by Stellantis’ distribution and engineering expertise, Leapmotor is positioning itself to climb the global EV ranks at lightning speed. If the B05 delivers on its promises, it could become one of the most attractive electric hatchbacks in Europe when it launches in 2026.
For urban drivers seeking a balance of style, performance, and value, the Leapmotor B05 could be the compact EV to watch.
