This is our first look at the Leapmotor B05, the next stage in the Chinese electric car specialist’s plan to take on the established players. Unveiled at the 2025 Munich motor show, the sporty-looking mid-size hatchback has some very well-established rivals in its sights.
Those rivals include the MG4, Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech, plus the upcoming Kia EV4. The market for traditional internal combustion hatchbacks has shrunk in recent years, but the move towards EVs is sparking a minor revival.
The Leapmotor brand arrived in the UK early in 2025, launching the T03 city car and C10 mid-size SUV. It’s an independent firm, but Stellantis handles European distribution, sales and servicing through its established dealer network.
Leapmotor hopes the B05’s sportiness will help it win buyers in the UK – see the pillarless doors, 19-inch ‘swift-wing’ alloy wheels, blacked-out glass, darkened headlight covers, and assorted black trim details. Those headlights are very similar to those of the C10, drawing a familial link.
What will the Leapmotor B05 be like?
There are few details to go on at the moment. The only concrete information Leapmotor has announced is the car’s dimensions: 4,430mm long, 1,880mm wide and 1,520mm high, with a 2,735mm wheelbase. That’s at the larger end of the mid-size hatchback spectrum – for comparison, both the MG and VW are under 4,300mm long and 1,840mm wide. The B05 should be pretty roomy, then – we’ll get a better idea of that when Leapmotor reveals the interior.
Technical details haven’t been confirmed yet, however we know the B05 is based on the same ‘Leap 3.5’ underpinnings as the B10 SUV (which isn’t currently sold in the UK). That means the B05 will likely be available with a battery capacity of 67.1kWh, giving a range of around 270 miles. Charging speeds peak at 168kW which, according to Leapmotor, delivers a 30% to 80% boost in 20 minutes.
What this means for you
The choice of electric cars available in the UK is expanding rapidly as a growing number of Chinese brands attempt to gain a foothold. That can only be a good thing for consumers, especially as those brands seem to have an eye on market sectors that established European and Asian players are abandoning – such as the mid-size hatchback.
The Leapmotor B05 could be a strong contender. On paper, it looks like it’ll be plenty spacious enough for most families, and it’s styling undoubtedly appeals. If the T03 and C10 are anything to go by, there will likely be a single, very generously equipped model available, which makes life nice and simple in the showroom.
Expert’s view: There’s promise here, but can it be realised?
‘It’s a lot of car for the money.’ Such a cliché, but in the case of Leapmotor’s models, absolutely true. Take the C10 SUV, a car that competes against the Skoda Enyaq. It has standard features missing on even a top-of-the-range Enyaq, and I found limousine-like rear legroom behind my own driving position (I’m 5ft 10in). It has deficiencies, of course, but you can get one for a whopping £10,000-plus less than the equivalent Enyaq. That’s a very tempting deal.
I expect similar of the B05, but I have a concern. Leapmotor is keen to emphasise the B05’s sportiness, however whether it can back up the looks with an engaging driving experience remains to be seen. For me, the C10’s driving experience was the least interesting thing about it – competent enough, but no more than that. Can some joie de vivre be unlocked for the B05? I look forward to finding out.
Graham King – Senior Staff Writers, Parkers
For all the latest advice, news and finance deals, sign up to the Parkers newsletter here.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
