Leapmotor Launches Pre-Sales for B05 (Lafa 5) Electric Hatchback in China

Leapmotor is not holding back in 2025. With the compact EV segment heating up globally, the Chinese EV startup has fired its latest shot, the all-electric B05 hatchback, locally called the Lafa 5, now officially open for pre-sales in China. First revealed at the 2025 Munich Motor Show, the B05 immediately grabbed attention with its sporty design, tech-laden cabin, and a clear ambition to challenge well-entrenched rivals like the MG4 and BYD Dolphin.

But Leapmotor isn’t simply playing catch-up here. Backed by its deepening partnership with Stellantis and a clear focus on building future-ready platforms, the Lafa 5 feels more like a statement than a debut. It’s poised not just for Chinese roads, but for a global rollout beginning in 2026, marking another step in Leapmotor's aggressive international expansion.

Exterior Design

Visually, the Leapmotor B05 (Lafa 5) strikes a balance between futuristic minimalism and urban sportiness. Built on the new LEAP 3.5 Architecture B platform, the hatchback stretches 4,430 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,520 mm in height, riding on a 2,735 mm wheelbase. That gives it a slightly larger stance than many rivals in the segment, a design choice clearly aimed at offering a roomier cabin and stronger road presence.

Design highlights include:

• Frameless doors for a sleek profile

• Sealed front grille, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency

• Roof spoiler for a sporty silhouette

• Full-width LED tail-light bar with bold “LEAPMOTOR” badging

The proportions, combined with the clean lines and subtle aggression, suggest Leapmotor has designed the B05 with a younger, style-conscious demographic in mind, those who want EV practicality wrapped in something a little more expressive.

Interior

Inside, Leapmotor continues its bold, minimalist design language seen in other B-series models. But the B05 feels even more premium and immersive, making it one of the most digitally-forward cabins in its class.

The centerpiece is a 14.6-inch 2.5K touchscreen, flanked by an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. The car runs on Leapmotor OS 4.0 Plus, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295P chip, known for its AI capabilities and processing speed.

Standout features include:

• Dual AI assistants: DeepSeek and Tongyi Qianwen, enhancing voice interactions and predictive assistance

• 12-speaker Leap Sound system

• Ventilated and heated front seats

• Panoramic glass roof

• 256-color ambient lighting for mood customization

This setup isn’t just for show. It positions the B05 among the most tech-immersive electric hatchbacks available, even challenging premium offerings from global giants when it comes to AI-driven user experience.

Performance

The B05 is not just about looks and software, it brings serious hardware to the road as well. The hatchback is rear-wheel drive, a configuration many enthusiasts prefer for its natural driving dynamics.

Leapmotor offers two motor options:

• 132 kW variant: top speed of 160 km/h

• 160 kW variant: top speed of 170 km/h, 0–100 km/h in 6.4 seconds

Battery options include:

• 56.2 kWh pack with 515 km (CLTC) range

• 67.1 kWh pack with 605 km (CLTC) range

Both versions support fast charging from 30% to 80% in about 18 minutes, putting them among the most convenient city-to-suburb EVs in their category.

The bigger story, however, is the chassis tuning, done by Stellantis’ European engineering team. This hints at Leapmotor’s serious global intent and a strong desire to offer driving characteristics suited to Western markets, not just Chinese roads.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Leapmotor doesn’t skimp on safety and semi-autonomy either. While base models are expected to come with standard ADAS features, the higher trims unlock something much more advanced:

• LiDAR-based driver assistance

• 27 onboard sensors

• Leapmotor Pilot system

• Qualcomm 8650 chip with 200 TOPS computing power

This brings the B05 into the realm of Level 2+ autonomy, with features like lane centering, adaptive cruise, and automatic lane changes, at least in Chinese-spec versions.

Sportier Variant Incoming

For those seeking even more flair, Leapmotor has confirmed the launch of the B05 Ultra by mid-2026. This performance-themed version will offer:

• Aggressive body kits

• Matte finishes

• Larger spoilers and wheels

This could make the B05 Ultra a serious option for younger enthusiasts and EV tuners who crave more than just efficiency from their city EVs.

Global Outlook: Why the B05 Matters Beyond China

Leapmotor's ambitions have always been broader than the domestic Chinese market, but the B05 marks a pivotal moment. By combining Stellantis-tuned performance, a tech-packed interior, and youthful design, the Lafa 5 appears ready to make inroads into Europe and possibly other emerging EV markets.

In Nepal, where Leapmotor already sells the C10 SUV, B10 compact SUV, and T03 hatchback, the B05 could easily become the brand’s most popular model among young, tech-driven buyers. With the right pricing and after-sales strategy, this hatch could help Leapmotor dominate in the compact EV niche, especially where rivals like MG4 and BYD Dolphin are gaining ground.

Conclusion

The Leapmotor B05 (Lafa 5) is more than just another new EV on the block. It’s a marker of where the compact EV segment is headed, fast, intelligent, beautifully designed, and increasingly tuned for global consumers. With AI-infused interiors, performance credentials, and Stellantis-backed ride quality, Leapmotor is showing that Chinese EVs are no longer just about affordability, they’re about desirability.

If early interest and spec sheets are anything to go by, the B05 isn’t just another car launch. It could very well be Leapmotor’s most important global model to date.