New mid-sized electric hatch is a sub-£30k Cupra Born rival. How does it fare on first acquaintance?
In China, the Leapmotor B05 electric hatchback is called the Lafa 5 – the only model in the firm’s rapidly growing line-up with a ‘proper’ name. What pressing corporate strategy underpins that decision? Apparently company founder Jangling Zhu thought it sounded nice.
That’s according to Tianshu Xin, CEO of Leapmotor International, the joint venture with Stellantis that distributes the firm’s cars internationally. He says Zhu “wanted something different” because “this car is very sporty and aimed at different customers”.
Disappointingly, the Lafa 5 has been rebranded the B05 for international markets so that it fits more logically into the line-up alongside the similarly sized B10 SUV. Although ‘B’ is used by Leapmotor for what are traditionally C-segment models, so make of that what you will.
Regardless of its name, a short early taste of the B05 on a Chinese test track suggests Zhu is right that this is a different propositio from the firm’s other models – and one not without some appeal.
Measuring just under 4.5m long with a wheelbase of 2.7m, the B05 sits in classic Volkswagen Golf family hatchback territory – although as an EV with a rear-mounted motor powering the back axle, the Volkswagen ID 3 Neo is a more direct comparison.
But I mention the Golf because there are definite hints of Wolfsburg’s finest in the styling of the B05. No bad thing, I’d say. It’s actually quite pleasant up close and definitely not another generic Chinese offering.
The standard B05 is offered with a range of power outputs and battery sizes, although the UK will only take the most powerful version with the biggest battery. That means it will offer 215bhp of power, yielding a 0-62mph time of 6.7sec, with a 67.1kWh battery giving a range of 300 miles on the WLTP test cycle. Efficiency officially averages 3.91mpkWh and it can be fast charged at up to 170kW. That’s competitive for a car of this class.
The B05 features Leapmotor’s ‘cell-to-chassis’ battery pack, which is integrated into the car’s structure, allowing the cabin to sit a bit lower to the ground than some skateboard-platform EVs.
It has MacPherson suspension struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, and Leapmotor claims the chassis has been co-tuned with Stellantis to match European expectations.
The B05 also has frameless doors, which are somewhat rare on a car of this class and price point. Leapmotor seems very proud of them, and they do add a touch of class.
Inside, there’s a big 14.6in HD touchscreen and an 8.8in LCD driver display. My test car was in full Chinese spec, and my Mandarin wasn’t good enough to delve through every sub-menu, but through the screen you can set the drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport) and adjust the brake regen and steering speed.
There aren’t as many buttons as I’d like, although key controls are at least hard-coded to the bottom of the touchscreen. I’d have liked more steering wheel adjustment, especially since the driver display seemed to be mounted unusually close to the wheel.
But it’s otherwise a comfortable place to sit. It’s light, thanks to a panoramic sunroof, and the materials feel hard-wearing, if not exactly premium. There’s plentiful storage, the front and rear seats are comfortable, there’s a 345-litre boot and there’s a notable amount of space in both the front and back of the cabin.
My test car featured a few quirks, such as a fold-out tray table on the passenger side of the dashboard, which probably won’t reach the UK.
It’s worth noting the generous kit list is standard. The only option will be a choice of interior colours – and even then the choice will be light or dark grey.
I won’t pretend that a few laps of a short Chinese test track are enough to form any definitive impressions of the B05’s dynamics (or how its ADAS functions might function in the real world), but it’s clear there’s some potential here – if you keep expectations in check.
This isn’t a rocketship EV under acceleration, but it’s responsive enough, and its handling is quite direct. It maintained reasonable composure when trying to corner vigorously, with body roll kept reasonably in check. Over speed bumps and a cobbled section, the ride held up well.
UK pricing is yet to be finalised, but the B10 starts from a shade under £30,000, so you can slot this in below that. Which could make it a tempting prospect as an affordable alternative to the likes of the ID3 Neo, Cupra Born and Renault Megane.
Verdict
The B05 adds a whiff of dynamism to the Leapmotor formula. It feels unlikely to match class leaders, but stylish design and plenty of kit could make it a tempting budget alternative.
Leapmotor B05: Specification
Price
£28,000 (est)
Engine
Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Power
215bhp
Torque
177lb ft
Gearbox
1-spd reduction, RWD
Kerb weight
1700kg (est)
0-62mph
6.7sec
Top speed
na
Battery
67.1kWh (total)
Range, economy
300 miles, 3.91mpkWh
CO2, tax band
0g/km, 4%
