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Leapmotor B05 revealed as Chinese firm takes aim at the MG4
Published: Today 02:21
► Leapmotor B05 is a new family hatch
► New platform and all the tech
► Should come to UK in second half of 2026
Leapmotor has just increased its model line-up in Europe, with this; the new B05. Revealed in public in China where it’ll me known as the Lafa B05 (Lafa is short for Lifestyle, Attitude, Freedom and Art, but the way) it makes a jump for the brand – from practical SUVs like the C10 and B10, to a sportier more dynamic hatchback shape.
Leapmotor launched in the UK earlier in 2025, and arrived – unusually for a Chinese car firm – with the backing of large automotive group Stellantis, with its Chinese models sold in the likes of Vauxhall and Citroen showrooms and with the backing of a big European car firm.
The B05 brings Leapmotor’s range up to nine globally, but will be the fourth model in the UK, joining the C10 SUV, B10 SUV and T03 super mini. It’ll be joined later this year by the B03X, which is a smaller SUV.
It looks alright!
It does, though it reminds us of a few interesting cars. The lights have a hint of Dodge about them, and the overall silhouette, a touch of Impreza (especially with that Lidar system that resembles an air intake from a distance). The back of car has elements of Stuttgart in its details – though that was a big trend at this year’s motor show.
The B05 measures 1880mm across, 4490mm in length and a height of 1510mm. With that in mind, it’s firmly aimed at the MG4, ID.3 Neo market – and it at least looks the part on the outside.
Inside it’s everything you’d expect from a Chinese car in 2026, with a huge touchscreen and clean, techy interfaces. A 2.5k touchscreen measures 14.6-inches across while a further instrument measures 8.8. You’ll also get eco-leather throughout, as well as heated front seats for comfort.
Rear passengers get seats that recline by 27 degrees, and the cabin is made airier by panoramic skylight with electric sunshade. Storage space will get to 1400 with the seats folded.
Leapmotor is targeting five stars for a Euro NCAP safety rating, thanks to seven airbags 14 sensors and 21 ADAS systems.
Other distinguishing features include pillarless doors and standard-fit 19-inch alloy wheels.
What are the specs?
The B05 will make a maximum of 215bhp and a total of 177ft lbs of torque, before measuring it all out to the rear-wheels only. Leapmotor says it worked on achieving 50:50 weight distribution across the axles, while the suspension has benefited from Stellantis R&D for a more agile character.
CAR understands it’s based on the larger B10 crossover and will use the same ‘Leap 3.5’ platform. That means it should have a sub 8.0-second 0-62mph time.
Stiffness and lightness are also boosted by a Cell-to-Chassis battery integration, which essentially means the cell slots into and becomes part of the chassis – rather than slotting into a carrier which then goes into the chassis. The overall effect is more rigidity with less metal.
Two batteries are available, a smaller Pro 56.2kWh pack offering an WLTP range of 259 miles, and a slightly larger Pro Max one capable of 299 miles. Both are competitive for this class of car.
When they do run out Leapmotor quotes a fast-charging speed of up to 174 kW, which is good enough for a 30 per cent to 80 percent in around 17 minutes.
It’ll be available in four colours: Lightning Yellow (mostly pictured) Windy Grey, Metallic Black, Starry Night Blue and Galaxy Silver.
As with every other Leapmotor so far in the UK, it’s expected to only be sold in one well-specced trim level. Prices are yet to be announced, but we imagine it will likely come in around £30,000.
Anything else?
Leapmotor also offers an Ultra version of the B05 in its domestic market. The 500 Ultra has a CLTC range of 500km, while a 600 Ultra has a range of 372 miles, again CLTC. That’s still a jump large enough to suggest a larger battery still, which we’re currently not getting in the UK.
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