The Leapmotor B05 debuted in Munich yesterday – an electric hatchback the size of a Golf that shamelessly takes aim at the VW ID.3 and MG4. And yes, it's not an SUV. Finally, air for parking lots and intersections.
Leapmotor B05 it is sporty C-segment hatchback with a very confident attitude: 4430mm (174.4 in) in length, 1880mm (74.0 in) in width, 1520mm (59.8 in) in height and 2735mm (107.7 in) wheelbase. It boasts frameless doors and 19-inch “Swift-Wing” wheels, Leapmotor particularly highlights “the broadest shoulders in the class” (1880mm). The dimensions and design highlights are not marketing hype, but official data from the exhibition stage in Munich. (
Global plan: first China, then Europe
The model is presented in Europe as B05, and in China it will go on sale under the name Lafa 5; European deliveries are officially announced for the second quarter of 2026, the Chinese market is expected to run in the last quarter of 2025There are six colors to choose from, including: Lightning Yellow and Morgan Pink. Price? Not officially announced yet. But we predict later in the article.
Platform and kinship: clues from the B10 model
The B05 is developed on a new electrical architecture LEAP 3.5, which it shares with the recently launched B10 (compact SUV). Since Leapmotor has not yet confirmed all the numbers for the B05, the media is justified they predict, that it will be drive and battery pack similar to B10: one electric motor 160 kW (218 hp) and two batteries, 56.2 kWh or 67.1 kWhThe reference numbers for B10 are 0-100 km/h 8.0 s (0-62 mph) and 170 km/h (106 mph) tips, WLTP to 361 km (224 mi) respectively 434 km (270 mi), charging AC 11 kW and DC up to 168 kW (30-80 % < 20 min)If the B05 inherits this package, we can expect very similar numbers in a more aerodynamic, lower body. This is currently the most credible working scenario, not yet an official specification for B05.
Chassis and layout: more than just marketing
Leapmotor emphasizes the B-series balanced weight distribution 50:50 and multi-link rear suspension and chassis settings in cooperation with Stellantis engineers. This is confirmed with B10, B05 and is said to follow the same recipe. In practice, this means a calmer body in corners and a more European steering feel - without any vague compromises.
Interior and infotainment: digital minimalism
The cabin also remains in a family tone: large 14.6-inch central display (2.5K), powered by Snapdragon 8155, over which it flows Leap OS 4.0 PlusAt B10 they announced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (via OTA), so it is logical to expect the same with B05. In Europe, Leapmotor often bets on well equipped one version (panoramic glass, 360° camera, heated/ventilated seats, etc.), so analogous features in the B05 would not be a surprise – again: a justified expectation based on the already presented B10 and statements at the fair.
Price and Positioning: Undercutting the Status Quo
The goal is clear: to displace established electric hatchbacks with better value for money. B10 started in Europe from €29,900, and B05 will be logically cheaper; British media predict “around or under £30,000”There is no official price list for the B05 yet – and this is important to emphasize – but the strategy is clear: to be below the ID.3 and Megane E‑Tech, while offering the width, equipment and technology of a class above.
Why this matters: Stellantis + Leapmotor = global “turbo”
Stellantis has 21% share in Leapmotor and exclusive rights to export/sell/produce outside Greater China; sales channel network already opens doors in 30+ markets. Boss Zhu Jiangming aims boldly: 1 million vehicles sold in 2026 and 4 million per year for a decade, most outside of China. To translate that into parking lot parlance: Leapmotor wants to become a “brand name” as quickly as your phone runs out of juice without a charger.
Brief history and context: from the C-series to the B05
Leapmotor warmed up to Europeans with T03 (city mini) and C10/B10 (SUV duo), now with B05 aims for the hottest spot – compact hatchback. On top of that: B05 = Lafa 5 in the domestic offer. This renaming is a nice reminder that it is about global a project tailored to the tastes and requirements of European customers.
Key figures (confirmed and expected)
- Dimensions B05 (confirmed): 4430 × 1880 × 1520 mm (174.4 × 74.0 × 59.8 in), wheelbase 2735 mm (107.7 in). Wheels: 19″. Doors: frameless.
- Timeline (confirmed): China Q4 2025 (Lafa 5), Europe Q2 2026; colors include Lightning Yellow and Morgan Pink.
- Drive/batteries (expected after B10): one engine 160 kW (218 hp, 240 Nm/177 lb‑ft); batteries 56.2 kWh or 67.1 kWh; 0–100 km/h 8.0 seconds, 170 km/h (106 mph); WLTP 361/434 km (224/270 mi); filling AC 11 kW, DC up to 168 kW (30-80 % < 20 min). It has not yet been officially confirmed for B05.
Conclusion: Leapmotor B05
Leapmotor B05 is – without exaggeration – one of the more interesting newcomers to this year's Munich, because it combines in one package Golf size, bold shoulder width, digital cabin and (according to all logic) B10 model technique, which has already been officially unveiled: 56.2/67.1 kWh, DC 168 kW, 0–100 km/h in 8.0 seconds, 170 km/h and realistic WLTP to 434 km. It is true, for B05 official drive numbers are missing, but a consistent signal from multiple sources suggests that it will at least the same – or slightly more efficient – than the related B10. The biggest unknown remains the price, which the British media is putting forward around or under £30,000, which would be for the class compact EVs serious breaking of taboos. For a brand that is rapidly expanding its network with Stellantis 30+ markets and dreams of 1 million vehicles sold in 2026, B05 is exactly the one mass ticket into the European consciousness. If you want the recipe in one line: Golf‑size, ID.3‑target, MG‑price, Stellantis‑logistics. The next step is simple – we wait for the official technical specifications and get behind the wheel.
