£27k Leapmotor B05 electric hatchback tops 285 miles on a single charge
The fourth Leapmotor model to hit the UK market will be the B05, and it could reach up to 280 miles of range...
On sale 2026 Price from £27,000 (est)
When the Nintendo Switch hit the market in 2017, it provided a more affordable alternative to bulkier, pricey consoles, but it still delivered a high-quality gaming experience and was hugely popular among young buyers – and in many ways, the upcoming Leapmotor B05 will seek to do the same thing, with a keen price tag and performance to rival some more expensive models on sale today.
Indeed, the Leapmotor B05 electric hatchback will arrive to take on the likes of the VW ID 3, MG4 and Peugeot e-208 next year, slotting in between the Chinese brand’s B10 electric SUV (due later this year) and T03 small car.
The B05 will be underpinned by the same tech that's on the B10, and features a 67.1kWh battery providing around 285 miles of range, That makes it more efficient than entry-level versions of the ID 3 and MG4, but both of those cars come with longer-range options than can officially travel more miles on a single charge.
It has a maximum charging speed of more than 170kW, which is more than the MG and all but the highest-spec versions of the VW.
The B05 features a launch control system, and when engaged it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.7sec. That’s slightly slower than the mid-range MG4 Extended Range, but swifter than all but the highest-performance versions of the ID 3.
It won’t get the same range-extender option available in the larger Leapmotor C10, though, which uses a plug-in hybrid-like system with a petrol engine to charge up the battery instead of driving the wheels, given the fact that they will likely be underpinned by different technology.
Outside, the B05 gets a similar profile to the larger B10, with thin LED headlights, a light bar spanning the width of the rear and flush door handles. However, compared with its bigger sibling, the B05 is lower-slung, with a more rakish roofline.
It comes with 19in alloy wheels and in a choice of yellow, grey, metallic black, blue and silver paint hues.
The interior is light and airy thanks to a panoramic glass roof – the largest of all its direct competitors – and feels spacious front and rear with decent-feeling materials used, although the boot has a high lip to lift things over, which might hamper useability. All models will come with synthetic leather heated seats, wireless smartphone charging and a hidden storage compartment.
The general ambience is rather minimalist, and it gets the same, large and clear 14.6in central infotainment touchscreen as the B10. Like that car, there's a little too much reliance on the screen to operate features such as air-con and door mirrors, but it is at least bright and clear. There’s also an AI-powered voice assistant and a suite of driver assistance tech.
The Leapmotor B05 will be fully revealed this month, and is due to go on sale next year. Prices are expected to start at less than £30,000, which would put it in a competitive position, undercutting the Peugeot e-208 and VW ID 3.
