Leapmotor B05 review

It’s about as generic a hatchback as you could possibly design. We’ve heard shouts of Volkswagen Golf Mk8, second-gen Seat Leon and even the Porsche Macan Electric when looking at that lightbar out back. Its maker actually claims a “widebody stance” and “coupe silhouette”, but we’re not seeing either of those.

Still, at least it’s not an SUV or a crossover, and it does come in that pale, custardy yellow colour as standard. Plus, the lack of any real styling means it can claim a slippery drag coefficient of 0.26. We’ll call that a draw, Calibra.

But wait, what actually is it?

Oh, it’s the Leapmotor B05.

You’re not getting this are you. What’s Leapmotor?

Ah yes, probably should have started with that. Leapmotor is a Chinese manufacturer that started selling cars in its home market back in 2019. It didn’t really come onto our radar until late 2023 though, when Stellantis acquired a stake in the company and set up Leapmotor International – a joint venture that’s 51 per cent owned by the megacorp behind Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall et al and exports the cars around the world.

What other cars does Leapmotor sell here?

The first two cars that made it to our shores were the teeny T03 and the relatively normal C10 crossover. They were both all-electric at launch, but the C10 has since been equipped with a range-extending hybrid powertrain.

Those were followed by the slightly smaller B10 crossover in electric and range-extender form, and it’s that car with which the B05 shares a platform.

Is this one any good to drive, then?

Well, the fact it’s a hatchback is a great start, and it has 50:50 weight distribution plus a 215bhp motor that drives the rear wheels. Don’t think that makes it a sports car though. The B05 has been tuned for European roads but still gets a soft ride, light steering and relatively gentle acceleration. Head to the driving tab for more detail.

How much does it cost?

There’s no need to choose a powertrain, trim level or even any options when speccing a B05, as Leapmotor chucks everything in as standard in the UK. The price is £30,495, although because it can’t qualify for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant, there’s currently a ‘Leap-Grant’ that gives retail customers £1,500 off.

What do I get for my cash?

A fair bit, actually. The battery is a 67.1kWh (usable) unit which means a decent claimed range of 300 miles on the WLTP cycle. It’ll also recharge at 174kW, which allows for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in just 24 minutes.

It gets flush doorhandles (boo) and fancy frameless doors, while on the inside there’s a choice of grey or slightly lighter grey trim. As ever the dash is dominated by a giant central touchscreen. Your only physical buttons are on the steering wheel.

What are its rivals?

Well, from Stellantis’ own stable you’ve got the Peugeot E-308 and Vauxhall Astra Electric, but if you’re not limited to just one dealership then it’d be worth looking at the Volkswagen ID.3 (and its Cupra Born sibling), the Renault Megane E-Tech and the recently updated MG4. See, the old hatchback isn't dead yet.

The B05 may break new ground for Leapmotor, but Stellantis has plenty of experience in the hatchback game and this one has been played with a very straight bat. The styling is safe with its LED lights the only real standout feature, while inside is spacious but full of cheap-feeling materials and a packed central touchscreen.

Still, it undercuts its rivals on price and seems to be relatively efficient. Comfortable too, although it won’t set your pants on fire on a country road. Perhaps that leaves room for the sportier B05 Ultra? Leapmotor bosses in Europe recently told TG they were seriously considering bringing that to our shores, with more power, uprated brakes, stiffer suspension and sportier seats. Go on Leapmotor, you know you want to…