Leapmotor has entered Australia’s small-car market with the B05, a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback that the brand pitches as a more engaging alternative to pod-shaped rivals. The review found a comfortable, well-balanced car with a sleeker design than many Chinese electric hatches, though its steering feel and driver-assistance tuning hold it back. In China, the model is called the Lafa5.
Australian buyers get two versions, both with a 160kW motor and 240Nm of torque. The Style pairs a 56.2kWh LFP battery with a claimed WLTP range of 401km, while the Design LR uses a 67.1kWh pack for 482km. Maximum DC charging rates are 156kW and 174kW respectively. The Style is listed at A$35,888 before on-road costs, with launch-drive-away pricing of A$35,990 available until December 31, 2026; the Design LR is listed at A$39,888. The boot holds 357 litres, expanding to 1,205 litres with the rear seats folded.
On the road, the B05 stays composed through bends and manages rough surfaces comfortably, but its steering offers little feedback when pushed. The lane-keeping system is particularly intrusive, and other alerts reportedly prompted the reviewer despite the seatbelt being fastened. A driver-profile feature makes it quicker to set preferred assistance settings. The cabin’s 14.6-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the review also highlights useful software functions including a 360-degree dashcam and camp mode.
The B05 faces competition from the rear-drive MG 4 EV Essence 64 and cheaper front-drive electric hatches such as the BYD Dolphin, GAC Aion UT and MG 4 EV Urban. Its European-influenced ride and handling give it a distinct character, but the review concludes that further refinement is needed for it to stand out.