Leapmotor B05 EV teased ahead of debut

Leapmotor is gearing up to unveil an all-new electric city hatchback at the upcoming Munich Motor Show 2025, which kicks off next week. The Stellantis-backed Chinese EV maker has teased the model, codenamed B05, with a series of shadowy images posted on its Weibo account. The new hatchback will join Leapmotor’s European line-up early next year.

The B05 is expected to measure around 4.3 metres in length and use a 67.1kWh battery for a range of up to 418km (WLTP). Power will come from a 215hp single-motor setup driving the front axle, placing it squarely against rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3, MG 4, BYD Dolphin, and Renault Mégane E-Tech.

Inside, the B05 is expected to share much of its design with the B10, including a minimalist cockpit dominated by a 14.6-inch touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument display.

Known in China as the Lafa 5, the B05 is positioned as a lower-slung and more affordable sibling to the B10 crossover, which is due in Europe soon.  Leapmotor vice president Cao Li described the B05 as a “gift” for young people worldwide, adding: “We want to build a dream car for young people who refuse to settle, conform, or be ordinary.”

The B05 will be the fourth of six Leapmotor models planned to go on sale in markets like Europe by 2027. It will be followed by the A10 crossover—a rival to the Volkswagen ID.2X and Skoda Epiq—and the A05 hatchback.

Leapmotor’s rapid rise has been striking: the brand, founded just a decade ago, now operates nearly 1,500 retail sites worldwide. It was the 11th most popular EV brand globally in 2024 and aims to climb to the top five by 2026.

Earlier this year, parent Stellantis announced India entry for the Leapmotor brand. First Leapmotor models in India are expected to be a compact hatchback and a midsize SUV.