The world of electric cars is a battlefield, and the Chinese are charging onto the European front like a horde of Mongol horsemen. While Volkswagen struts its stuff with the ID.3 and Renault with its Mégane E-Tech, acting like the kings of compact EVs, a new player sneaks onto the stage: Leapmotor. And their latest weapon, the B05, isn’t some half-hearted attempt to join the game. It’s an electric hatchback that’s bold, affordable, and – dare I say it – downright desirable.
Let’s start with the big picture: Leapmotor isn’t some lone cowboy. This Chinese brand has hitched its wagon to Stellantis, the mega-corporation behind Peugeot, Opel, and Fiat. Stellantis doesn’t just bring a fat wallet; it’s got a network of factories and dealers that Leapmotor is using to storm Europe. The B05, set to be unveiled in September 2025 at the IAA Mobility in Munich, is their latest ace. And if you think this is just another dull, generic EV, you’re wildly off the mark.
The B05 is built on the Leap 3.5 platform, the same foundation that underpins the B10 SUV and B01 sedan. This isn’t a lazy rehash of an existing car; it’s a hatchback designed specifically for Europe, taking aim at the Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Mégane E-Tech. At just under 4.77 meters long – likely a touch more compact than its sedan sibling – it offers space for five passengers and a boot that can hold its own against the competition. Picture a sleek, modern design with a 14.6-inch touchscreen and a digital dashboard that looks like it’s been ripped straight out of a sci-fi flick.
But the real fireworks are under the bonnet – or rather, under the floor. The B05 comes with two battery options: a 56.2 kWh pack for about 361 km of range, and a 67.1 kWh version that stretches to 434 km under WLTP standards. Not bad for a car that’s likely to be cheaper than its European rivals. With 218 hp and 240 Nm of torque, it hits 100 km/h in 8 seconds, and a top speed of 170 km/h ensures you’re not left eating dust on the motorway. Fast charging? It’s got 168 kW, meaning you can go from 30 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. That’s quicker than I can down a pint.
What sets Leapmotor apart is their sheer audacity. While some Chinese brands can feel like cheap knock-offs, Leapmotor has the guts to pack in tech you’d normally find in pricier cars. The B05 comes with LiDAR, cameras, and sensors that hint at a self-driving future. And let’s not forget that Stellantis’ engineers, with a sprinkle of Maserati magic, have tuned the chassis. This isn’t some rattling tin can; it’s a car that demands to be taken seriously.
But there’s more. Leapmotor isn’t new to the game. Founded in 2015, they’ve already carved out a solid foothold in China, with 284,285 cars sold in 2024 and an expected 500,000 this year. Their T03, a nippy little city EV, and the C10, a hefty SUV, are already on sale in Europe, and the B05 is the cherry on top. They’re even building in Poland, and from 2026 in Spain, dodging import tariffs to keep prices low. The T03 costs around €20,000, the C10 about €40,000. If the B05 lands between those, it’s a steal in the C-segment.
Sure, there are skeptics. Some will say a Chinese car can never match the finesse of a Volkswagen. But let’s be real: the ID.3 isn’t exactly a design icon, and the Mégane E-Tech is as thrilling as a tax form. The B05 offers more tech, a sharp price, and a fresh look. And with Stellantis backing it, this isn’t a gamble on an unknown player but a serious contender.
So, while the European giants try to defend their electric crown, Leapmotor rolls in with an affordable hatchback that changes the game. The B05 isn’t perfect – we’ll need to see how it drives and whether the interior lives up to the premium hype – but it has the potential to shake things up. And in a world where EVs often cost more than a small mansion, that’s exactly what we need.
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