Stellantis and Leapmotor unveil the B05 EV, a new challenger to Europe's electric hatchbacks

Chinese automaker Leapmotor, with major backing from industry giant Stellantis, has pulled the covers off its new B05 electric hatchback. Unveiled at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, the sleek EV will compete directly with popular models like the Volkswagen ID.3 and the MG4.

Making its debut in a striking yellow paint job, the Leapmotor B05 presents a modern and athletic design. It is a lower, sportier alternative to the company's B10 crossover, which is already available for order. The design team focused on creating a look that would appeal to younger buyers, incorporating features like frameless doors, dark-tinted headlights connected by a slim trim piece, and a full-width LED taillight bar that gives a subtle nod to high-end sports cars.

The show car sat on a set of 19-inch glossy black alloy wheels, completing its aggressive stance. For an even more dynamic look, Leapmotor confirmed an "Ultra" trim is in the works for 2026, which will add a more pronounced front splitter and a larger rear wing.

When it comes to size, the B05 fits perfectly into the compact hatchback category. It is 174.4 inches long, 74 inches wide, 59.8 inches tall, and it has a 107.7 inches wheelbase. The B10 crossover is 3.35 inches longer and 5.3 inches taller but shares the exact same wheelbase, suggesting that the B05, even with its sleek profile, might get a surprisingly spacious interior.

Underneath the stylish bodywork, the B05 is expected to share its core technology with the B10 crossover. This platform, known as LEAP3.5 architecture, features a single electric motor that sends 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 177 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. Buyers will likely have a choice between two battery packs: a 56.2 kWh unit and a larger 67.1 kWh pack. In the heavier B10 crossover, the larger battery delivers a WLTP-estimated range of up to 270 miles. The lighter and more aerodynamic B05 hatchback should match or potentially even slightly exceed that figure.

The Stellantis engineering team was directly involved in tuning the chassis of the B10, and the same expertise is expected to benefit the B05. The collaboration between Leapmotor and the automotive giant resulted in a balanced 50:50 weight distribution and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, components usually found on more expensive vehicles that contribute to better handling and ride comfort.

Although Leapmotor didn't reveal the interior during the launch event, we can expect the modern theme to continue with a large central infotainment screen. The system is powered by a capable Snapdragon 8155 chip running Leap OS 4.0 Plus, promising a fast and responsive user experience for navigation, media, and vehicle settings.

Stellantis has not confirmed official pricing yet, but the Leapmotor B05 is touted as an affordable entry into the world of electric cars. It will be priced below the B10 crossover, which starts at $35,000 in some European markets. Will we see a capable electric hatchback with a starting price around $29,300? We won't have to wait too long to find out.

The aggressive pricing strategy will put it in a strong position to undercut its main rival, the Volkswagen ID.3, which starts from quite steep $39,050 in Germany. In a market where EVs carry a premium cost, an aggressively priced and well-equipped hatchback like the B05 could easily capture the attention of budget-conscious buyers.

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