Leapmotor has teased its upcoming Volkswagen ID 3 rival ahead of its debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. The Chinese brand, backed by Stellantis, released shadowy teaser images of the electric B05 hatchback on its Weibo account, offering a sneak peek at what will join its European lineup in early 2023.
Referred to as the Lafa 5 in China, the B05 is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Leapmotor B10 crossover. It will fill the gap between the B10 and the compact T03 city car, with an expected price tag of under £30k. Leapmotor’s Vice President, Cao Li, described the B05 as a “gift” for young people worldwide, emphasizing its appeal to those who seek individuality and refuse to conform.
Anticipated to be around 4.3 meters long, the B05 is projected to feature a 67.1kWh battery providing 260 miles of range. It is likely to be equipped with a single motor on the front axle generating 215bhp, positioning it as a competitor to models like the Volkswagen ID 3, MG 4, BYD Dolphin, and Renault Mégane E-Tech.
The interior of the B05 is expected to mirror the design of the B10, boasting a minimalist cockpit with a strong emphasis on digital functionality. Key features may include a 14.6-inch touchscreen and an 8.8-inch instrument display for infotainment and control functions.
The B05 will be the fourth of six Leapmotor vehicles slated for release in the UK by 2027. Following its launch, the A10, a compact crossover aimed at rivals like the Volkswagen ID 2X and Skoda Epiq, is set to debut next year. Additionally, the A05, a supermini priced around £20k, will also join the lineup.
With innovative design elements and competitive specifications, the Leapmotor B05 is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new model from Leapmotor.
