Leapmotor is preparing to broaden its Australian line-up with a compact hatchback, the B05, slated to arrive in the second half of 2026. Unveiled alongside the already announced B10 small SUV at the recent Munich motor show, the B05 will follow the B10 to market after that SUV’s expected late‑2025 Australian launch.
What Leapmotor is bringing to Australia
Leapmotor’s initial Australian presence is modest: the company currently sells the C10 medium battery‑electric vehicle and a range‑extender SUV, with cumulative C10 sales to the end of August reported at just 381 units this year. By contrast, the Tesla Model Y has remained the dominant force in the local EV market – more than 13,000 Model Ys were recorded in 2025, underlining the competitive landscape Leapmotor faces.
The B05 and B10 (the latter marketed as the Lafa 5 in China) are core to Leapmotor’s aggressive local expansion plan that targets up to six models on sale in Australia by the end of 2027. If Leapmotor executes well on pricing, local support and homologation, the B05 could materially change the company’s profile here.
Platform, powertrain and range – what to expect
The B05 is built on Leapmotor’s new Leap 3.5 platform and is effectively a smaller, lower‑priced sibling to the B10. Published technical signals indicate the two cars will share the same front‑mounted electric motor, rated at about 160 kW and 240 Nm, and be offered with battery pack options of roughly 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh.
In the B10, the larger pack translates to a WLTP‑rated range of up to 434 km. AC charging is listed at up to 11 kW, with DC fast charging capability up to around 168 kW – figures that, if carried across to the B05, would be competitive for a compact family hatchback in urban and regional Australian use.
Dimensions and packaging
Leapmotor describes the B05 as a compact five‑door hatch that measures approximately:
- Length: 4,430 mm
- Width: 1,880 mm
- Height: 1,520 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,735 mm
For context, the B10 is slightly larger (4,515 mm long and taller at 1,655 mm) but shares the same wheelbase. The B05’s proportions suggest a focus on tight urban manoeuvrability while still offering reasonable rear‑seat space and luggage capacity for its class.
Interior tech, driver aids and chassis
Like the B10, the B05 is expected to be well equipped. Leapmotor promotes a high‑tech interior package that includes a 14.6‑inch floating touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (available via over‑the‑air update), and its proprietary LEAP 4.0 Plus software suite. The company highlights the use of a Snapdragon 8155 processor, a central domain control architecture, and a compact wiring design that it says reduces complexity and offers numerous open‑source interfaces for future features.
On the hardware side, Leapmotor lists multi‑link rear suspension, close to 50:50 front‑to‑rear weight balance and chassis tuning support from engineers associated with Stellantis, all of which point to ambitions for assured ride and handling for the price point.
Trim levels and equipment
In Europe the B10 is offered in two trims, with the entry Life grade featuring items such as a 1.8‑metre panoramic glass roof, 18‑inch alloys, a 360‑degree parking camera and an ADAS package. The Design trim adds premium touches like eco‑leather seats, ambient lighting and heated, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats. It’s reasonable to expect similar tiering for the B05, with the lower price package focused on value and the higher trim adding comfort and convenience features.
Pricing outlook and competitive positioning in Australia
Leapmotor’s European pricing for the B10 begins at €29,900 (around AU$50,000 at recent rates), but several market factors indicate Australian retail pricing will look different. Import costs, local taxes, dealer margins and currency fluctuations will all feed into the final Australian sticker, as will Leapmotor’s launch strategy – it has strong reason to position itself as a value challenger.
Industry watchers expect the Australian B10 price to comfortably undercut the European equivalent when translated to local market pricing, with a plausible local starting price below AU$40,000. The B05, positioned as the more affordable model, could conceivably start below AU$30,000 if Leapmotor elects an aggressive volume approach. That would place the B05 squarely as a disruptive contender against small EVs such as the BYD Atto 3, MG offerings and the Kia EV3 – models that already compete on value, standard equipment and dealer networks.
Key caveats – homologation, warranty and dealer support
Pricing alone won’t determine success. Leapmotor must navigate Australian Design Rules (ADR) homologation, establish a national dealer and service network, and offer a competitive warranty and parts supply. Early responses to new Chinese EV brands in Australia have hinged on aftersales confidence as much as on sticker price. Leapmotor’s ability to provide transparent servicing pathways, battery warranties and reliable customer support will be critical to adoption.
Market implications and consumer considerations
If Leapmotor can deliver a competitively priced B05 with the expected equipment and warranty backing, the model could put further price pressure on incumbents and accelerate EV uptake in price‑sensitive segments. For buyers, the proposition will be attractive if real‑world range, charging speeds and build quality match the spec sheet. Urban commuters and entry‑level EV buyers are the most likely early adopters; fleet operators could follow if whole‑of‑life costs prove compelling.
However, buyers should also weigh:
- Proven crash‑test results (ANCAP or equivalent)
- Realistic range estimates under Australian driving and climate conditions
- Availability of local servicing and genuine spare parts
- After‑sales experience reported by early customers
What Leapmotor says
“The B05 is more than a car-it’s a statement. It reflects our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and empowering the next generation of drivers across Europe and beyond,” said Zhu Jiangming, Leapmotor’s global CEO, at the Munich reveal. The remark underlines the brand’s intent to compete on technology and pricing.
What to watch next
- Official Australian pricing and specification announcements for the B10 and B05
- ADR homologation progress and announced local launch partners or dealer networks
- Confirmed warranty terms and servicing locations in Australia
- Independent safety testing outcomes and real‑world range evaluations
- How pricing positions the B05 against the BYD Atto 3, MG, Kia and other compact EV rivals
Conclusion
Leapmotor’s B05 looks set to be a strategically important model for the brand in Australia: a compact, well‑equipped hatchback pitched at value‑minded buyers. Technical specifications carried over from the B10 suggest competitive power, range and charging capability for the segment. Yet the ultimate success of the B05 will come down to Australian pricing, homologation, and the depth of local support and warranty. If Leapmotor can deliver an attractive retail price with strong after‑sales assurance, the B05 has the potential to shake up the entry‑level EV market here – but early buyers should stay alert for official Australian specifications, safety ratings and service details before committing.
FAQs
When will the Leapmotor B05 be released in Australia?
Leapmotor has indicated the B05 will arrive in the Australian market in the second half of 2026. The B10 small SUV is expected to precede it, arriving by the end of 2025.
What range and charging speeds can I expect from the B05?
Based on Leapmotor’s shared platform figures, the B05 is expected to offer battery options of around 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh, with the larger pack delivering up to about 434 km WLTP in the B10. Charging is likely to be up to 11 kW AC and around 168 kW DC fast charging, though official Australian figures should be confirmed at launch.
How much will the B05 cost in Australia?
Official Australian pricing has not been announced. European B10 pricing starts at €29,900, but Leapmotor is expected to position the B10 below AU$40,000 locally, with the B05 undercutting the B10 and potentially starting below AU$30,000 if the brand pursues aggressive pricing.
How will the B05 compare to rivals like the BYD Atto 3 or Kia EV3?
If priced aggressively and offering the advertised equipment and range, the B05 could be highly competitive on value against models such as the BYD Atto 3, MG range and Kia EV3. Final comparisons will depend on confirmed Australian specifications, safety ratings, dealer networks and after‑sales support.
Will the B05 be all‑wheel drive or single motor?
Leapmotor’s current public technical information points to a single front‑mounted motor (approximately 160 kW / 240 Nm) for the B10 and B05. No dual‑motor or AWD specifications have been announced for these models to date.
What warranty and servicing will be offered in Australia?
Leapmotor has not yet published Australia‑specific warranty and servicing details. Prospective buyers should seek confirmation of daytime service locations, battery warranty length and roadside assistance from official Australian dealers once the local launch is confirmed.
Has the B05 been safety tested for Australia?
As of the latest statements, the B05 will need to meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) and undergo relevant safety homologation. Look for independent crash test results (ANCAP or equivalent) prior to purchase where possible.
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