Leapmotor will expand its Australian electric vehicle range in late August with the B05, a rear-wheel-drive small hatch offered in two battery and equipment grades.
Priced from $35,990 drive-away, the B05 Style will sit below the longer-range Design LR variant and bring another option to the growing sub-$40,000 EV market. Both versions use a 160kW electric motor producing 240Nm and a rear-wheel-drive layout, with Leapmotor positioning the car as a more driver-focused alternative to many front-wheel-drive electric hatchbacks.
The entry-level B05 Style uses a 56.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and has a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 401km. The Design LR increases battery capacity to 67.1kWh and lifts the claimed range to 482km WLTP.
For fleet buyers and private drivers considering longer trips, the charging capability will be a key part of the proposition. Both variants support 11kW AC charging, while the Design LR can accept DC charging at up to 174kW. Leapmotor claims a 30 to 80 per cent DC charge can take about 16 minutes in the Style and 18 minutes in the Design LR, subject to charger output and conditions.
The B05 measures 4,430mm long and has a 2,735mm wheelbase, giving it a relatively compact external footprint while aiming to deliver usable interior space. Leapmotor says luggage capacity reaches 1,205 litres with the rear seats folded.
Standard equipment on the Style includes 19-inch alloy wheels, frameless doors, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, 8.8-inch driver display, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera and integrated dashcam.
The Design LR adds a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats and steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, rear privacy glass, ambient lighting and a 12-speaker audio system.
Safety technology includes seven airbags and a suite of driver-assistance systems supported by cameras and sensors. Leapmotor says the B05 includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane support systems, automatic lane change, front cross-traffic assist and front cross-traffic braking.
Underneath, the B05 uses cell-to-chassis battery construction, where the battery is integrated into the vehicle structure. Leapmotor says this approach is intended to improve structural rigidity, reduce weight and maximise cabin space.
The vehicle has been developed with input from Stellantis’ Italian chassis team and tuned at the Balocco proving ground, with Leapmotor also claiming the suspension calibration has been adapted for Australian driving conditions.
Leapmotor will back the B05 with an eight-year or 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty, a six-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, eight years of capped-price servicing and eight years of roadside assistance.
With useful claimed range, fast-charging capability and a rear-wheel-drive platform, the B05 will give EV buyers another compact option as more Chinese brands continue to broaden the choice available in Australia.
