Leapmotor has officially pulled the covers off its brand-new compact electric hatchback, the Leapmotor B05, at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. For those following the Chinese market, this model is known there as the Lafa 5, but in Europe, it will be sold under the B05 name. The launch marks an important step for Leapmotor as it expands into Europe’s highly competitive EV scene, with a car designed to combine everyday practicality with modern styling.
A Sporty Design with Urban Practicality
The Leapmotor B05 is hard to miss thanks to its sleek, dynamic profile. It follows the company’s “Tech-Nature Aesthetic” design philosophy, which blends futuristic styling with organic shapes. Details like frameless doors, flush-fitting handles, and a continuous LED light bar stretching across the front give it a premium feel, while the wide stance and bold shoulders add a sporty edge.
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In terms of size, the B05 measures 4,430 millimetres in length, 1,880 millimetres in width, and 1,520 millimetres in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 millimetres. That makes it slightly larger than some of its immediate rivals, giving it a more spacious interior without straying into SUV territory.
Power and Platform
Under the skin, the B05 is built on Leapmotor’s latest LEAP 3.5 modular platform, the same architecture used by the larger B10 SUV. Buyers will be able to choose between two versions. The entry-level model is expected to deliver around 132 kilowatts, roughly 177 horsepower, paired with a 56.2 kilowatt-hour LFP battery. A higher-spec version will push the output to about 160 kilowatts, or 215 horsepower, with a larger 67.1 kilowatt-hour battery pack. Both setups are designed to balance strong performance with everyday efficiency.
Production and Launch Timeline
Pre-sales for the car have already begun in China, with the full domestic launch scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. Deliveries there should begin in the first half of 2026. For Europe, the big news is that production of the B05 will take place in Zaragoza, Spain, at a Stellantis-operated plant. Manufacturing is set to kick off in the third quarter of 2026, first with the larger B10 SUV before the B05 follows closely after. European deliveries are expected later that same year, with pricing anticipated to start below €35,000 — or under £30,000 in the UK — which would make the B05 one of the most affordable compact EVs in its class.
Positioning in the Market
Leapmotor is marketing the B05 as a stylish and sporty hatchback aimed at younger drivers who want something exciting but still affordable. By offering a bold design, a flexible platform, and competitive performance, the company is positioning itself as a serious challenger to the established players in Europe’s compact EV market. If pricing comes in as aggressively as expected, the B05 could prove to be a very appealing alternative for anyone considering a new electric hatchback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leapmotor B05?
The Leapmotor B05 is a compact electric hatchback unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2025 show in Munich. In China, it will be sold as the Lafa 5.
How big is the Leapmotor B05?
It measures 4,430 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,520 mm in height, with a 2,735 mm wheelbase, making it slightly larger than many rivals in its class.
What kind of powertrain does it use?
The B05 is built on the LEAP 3.5 modular platform. It will be available with two configurations: a 132 kW version with a 56.2 kWh battery, and a 160 kW version with a 67.1 kWh battery.
When will the Leapmotor B05 be available in Europe?
Production in Europe is planned for the third quarter of 2026 at a factory in Zaragoza, Spain. Deliveries should begin later that year.
How much will the Leapmotor B05 cost?
Leapmotor hasn’t confirmed official European pricing yet, but the B05 is expected to start below €35,000. In the UK, prices should remain under £30,000, making it one of the most affordable compact EVs in its segment.
Who are the Leapmotor B05’s main competitors?
In Europe, the B05 will go head-to-head with other compact electric hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen ID.3, MG4, BYD Dolphin, and Nio Firefly. These models are already popular in the affordable EV space, so Leapmotor is aiming to win over buyers with sharp pricing and fresh design.
