Stellantis' New Chinese Electric Vehicle Lands to Compete with Europe’s Top Hatchbacks | Carscoops

      The completely revamped Leapmotor B05 will also be offered in the "Ultra" trim, which features a more aggressive body kit.

      5 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      The Leapmotor B05 is a compact hatchback equipped with a fully electric powertrain.

      This low-slung EV is expected to share its platform with the B10 crossover.

      It will be launched in China and Europe, aiming to compete with the VW ID.3 and the MG 4.

      A new contender in the compact electric vehicle segment was unveiled at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, where Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis, presented the B05. Known as the Lafa 5 in China, this fully electric hatchback is designed to compete with models like the VW ID.3 and MG 4. Its release is planned for next year, with an “Ultra” trim that includes a sportier body kit.

      The B05 provides a stylish, low-profile alternative to the B10 crossover, which is already available for ordering in Europe. It targets younger consumers seeking an affordable EV with modern aesthetics and a high-tech interior.

      The hatchback features a sleek design that incorporates recognizable elements from other Leapmotor vehicles. Notable attributes include dark-tinted headlights linked by a narrow grille, sporty bumper intakes, frameless doors, and full-width LED taillights, reminiscent of Porsche styles.

      The model displayed in Munich features a striking yellow color paired with glossy black accents and matching 19-inch alloy wheels. Aside from its name, the European version mirrors the specifications of the Chinese Lafa 5, although the latter includes a LiDar sensor on the roof, suggesting enhanced autonomous driving capabilities.

      The company has also released images of the Ultra trim, which will be officially revealed later this year before its expected market introduction in 2026. This variant is characterized by a prominent splitter, a larger rear wing, and a slightly modified rear bumper.

      The B05 measures 4,430 mm (174.4 inches) in length, 1,880 mm (74 inches) in width, and 1,520 mm (59.8 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm (107.7 inches). In comparison, the B10 crossover is 85 mm (3.4 inches) longer, 5 mm (0.2 inches) wider, and 135 mm (5.3 inches) taller, but has the same wheelbase.

      While full specifications for the B05 have not yet been released, it is anticipated to utilize the LEAP3.5 architecture shared with the B10. This suggests it may feature a single electric motor generating 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque, along with options for battery packs of 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh. The larger battery provides a WLTP range of up to 434 km (270 miles) in the B10 crossover, so a similar range can be expected for the hatchback.

      The automaker proudly mentions that the chassis for the B10 was developed with contributions from Stellantis’ engineering team, featuring a 50:50 weight distribution and a multi-link rear suspension, which may also apply to the electric hatchback. Both EV models could share a similar interior design, including a 14.6-inch infotainment display powered by the Snapdragon 8155 chip and operating on the Leap OS 4.0 Plus system.

      Stellantis has not yet disclosed pricing for the Leapmotor B05 hatchback, but it is expected to be lower than that of the B10 crossover, which starts at €29,900 ($35,000) in some European markets. This would position it as more affordable than the VW ID.3, which starts at €33,330 ($39,100) in Germany.