Stellantis’ New Chinese EV Arrives To Challenge Europe’s Favorite Hatchbacks
The all-new Leapmotor B05 will also be available in the “Ultra” trim featuring a more aggressive bodykit
- The Leampotor B05 is a compact hatchback with a fully electric powertrain.
- The low-slung EV will most likely share its underpinnings with the B10 crossover.
- It will be available in China and Europe, targeting the VW ID.3 and the MG 4.
A fresh entry in the compact EV race was shown at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, where Stellantis-backed Leapmotor introduced the B05. Known as the Lafa 5 in China, the new model is a fully electric hatchback designed to take on rivals like the VW ID.3 and MG 4. It is scheduled to launch next year and will also be offered in an “Ultra” trim with a sportier body kit.
The B05 serves as a low-slung alternative to the B10 crossover that is already available to order in Europe. It is designed for young buyers who are interested in an affordable EV with a stylish exterior and a high-tech interior.
More: I Drove Stellantis’ Chinese Electric SUV That Rivals Tesla For Just $30K
The sleek hatchback body incorporates familiar styling traits from other Leapmotor products. Highlights include the dark-tinted headlights which are connected via a slim grille, the sporty bumper intakes, the frameless doors, and the full-width LED taillights that send subtle Porsche vibes.
The example that is exhibited in Munich is painted in a vibrant yellow shade, combined with glossy black accents and a matching set of 19-inch alloy wheels. Setting aside the name, the European version is identical to the Chinese-spec Lafa 5, although the latter is also fitted with a LiDar sensor on the roof hinting at more sophisticated autonomous driving capabilities.
The company has also shared photos of the Ultra trim that will be formally unveiled later this year ahead of a 2026 market launch. This one is distinguished by a pronounced splitter, a larger rear wing, and a slightly redesigned rear bumper.
Leapmotor B05 (Europe)
Stellantis
The B05 measures 4,430 mm (174.4 inches) long, 1,880 mm (74 inches) in width, and 1,520 mm (59.8 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm (107.7 inches). For comparison, the B10 crossover is 85 mm (3.4 inches) longer, 5 mm (0.2 inches) wider, and 135 mm (5.3 inches) taller, with an identical wheelbase.
More: Stellantis’ Chinese Brand Unveils Its First Sedan
While Leapmotor has yet to announce the full specifications, the B05 is expected to share the LEAP3.5 architecture with the B10. This means it could be powered by a single electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque, and offer the option between 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh battery packs. The latter provides a WLTP range of up to 434 km (270 miles) in the B10 crossover, so expect a similar figure for the sleeker hatchback.
The automaker proudly states that the chassis setup of the B10 was developed with the help of Stellantis‘ engineering team and sports a 50:50 weight distribution and a multi-link rear suspension. The same could apply to the electric hatchback. The EV siblings could also share a similar interior layout, with a 14.6 inch infotainment display powered by the Snapdragon 8155 chip and running on the Leap OS 4.0 Plus system.
Stellantis didn’t announce pricing for the Leapmotor B05 hatchback, but it will be more affordable than the B10 crossover that currently starts from €29,900 ($35,000) in certain European markets. This would make it more affordable than the VW ID.3, which is currently priced from €33,330 ($39,100) in Germany.
Leapmotor Lafa 5 Ultra (China)
Leapmotor Lafa 5 (China)
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