The “Hatchback War” in Australia is about to get a lot more interesting. For the last few years, the affordable electric hatchback segment has been a two-horse race between the MG4 and the BYD Dolphin. But come mid-2026, a new challenger enters the ring—and it’s bringing serious firepower.

Meet the Leapmotor B05.

Fresh off its global reveal at the Munich Motor Show in September 2025, this sharp, tech-laden electric hatchback has been confirmed for Australia. As the smaller, sportier sibling to the upcoming B10 SUV, the B05 is designed with one clear goal: to dethrone the current kings of the compact EV segment.

At EV Evolution, we exist to empower you with accurate, timely insights into the shifting Australian EV landscape. Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Leapmotor B05—the car that might just reset your expectations for what an affordable EV can do.

Design: A “Tech-Nature” Aesthetic with Euro Flair

Unlike some of its boxier rivals, the B05 oozes style. Designed under Leapmotor’s “Tech-Nature Aesthetic,” it features a sleek, coupe-like roofline that arguably looks more premium than its expected price tag suggests.

• Size Matters: Measuring 4,430mm long and 1,880mm wide, the B05 is actually larger than the MG4 and BYD Dolphin. Its width, in particular, gives it a planted, aggressive stance on the road, promising better shoulder room for passengers.
• Key Features: Expect frameless doors (a rare feature in this segment), flush door handles, and striking 19-inch “Swift-Wing” alloy wheels.
• The Look: With full-width LED light bars front and rear and a low bonnet line, it carries a sophisticated European vibe—fitting, given it will be produced in Europe (Spain) as part of the Leapmotor-Stellantis partnership.

Under the Skin: The Specs You Need to Know

While looks are subjective, specs are black and white. And this is where the B05 plans to win over the Australian market.

The B05 rides on the advanced LEAP 3.5 architecture. This isn’t just marketing fluff; it means the car uses an 800-volt electrical system. In plain English? It charges faster and runs more efficiently than many 400-volt competitors currently on the road.

1. Performance: Rear-Wheel Drive Fun

Just like the MG4, the Leapmotor B05 sends its power to the rear wheels, promising an engaging driving experience.

• Motor Power: 160kW (approx. 215hp).
• Torque: 240Nm (estimated).
• 0-100 km/h: Roughly 7.5 seconds (standard model).
• Handling: With a 50:50 weight distribution and chassis tuning overseen by Stellantis (the company behind Alfa Romeo and Peugeot), we expect this hatch to handle Australian B-roads with confidence.

2. Battery and Range

Australian drivers demand range, and the B05 delivers two solid options using durable LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery chemistry.

• Standard Range: ~56.2kWh battery | Est. Range: 361km (WLTP).
• Long Range: ~67.1kWh battery | Est. Range: 434km (WLTP).

Note: These figures are estimated based on European specs. Official Australian ADR figures will be confirmed closer to launch.

3. Charging Speed: The 800V Advantage

This is the B05’s “ace in the hole.”

• DC Fast Charging: Thanks to the 800V architecture, the B05 can charge from 30% to 80% in roughly 18-20 minutes at a compatible ultra-rapid charger.
• AC Charging: Supports up to 11kW, allowing for faster home or destination charging compared to some entry-level rivals capped at 7kW.

Interior Tech: A “Digital Cockpit”

Leapmotor is positioning itself as a technology-first brand, and the B05’s cabin reflects that.

• The Screens: A massive 14.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, powered by the lightning-fast Snapdragon 8155 chip. This ensures zero lag when navigating maps or switching apps.
• Driver Display: An 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the wheel, keeping key data in your line of sight.
• OS: Running on Leap OS 4.0, the system supports Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, meaning your car will actually get smarter over time.
• Comfort: Higher trims (likely called “Design” in Australia) will feature a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade—a crucial addition for our harsh Australian summers.

The “Wild Card”: B05 Ultra

Here is something for the enthusiasts. Leapmotor has confirmed a high-performance variant, the B05 Ultra, will arrive roughly six months after the standard launch (likely early 2027).

Think of it as the rival to the MG4 XPOWER. It promises:

• Aggressive body kit with a front splitter and rear wing.
• Stiffer, track-tuned suspension.
• Upgraded brakes.
• Significantly more power (specs TBC) for sub-4-second acceleration.

Why This Matters for Australia in 2026

The arrival of the Leapmotor B05 signals a maturing market. We are moving past the “early adopter” phase where you had to pay a premium for basic EVs.

The Stellantis Factor

One major concern for Aussie buyers with new brands is support. Who fixes it if it breaks?

Because Leapmotor is backed by Stellantis, the B05 will be sold and serviced through an established network (likely utilizing existing Jeep/Fiat infrastructure). This provides a level of peace of mind that independent startups simply cannot match.

Estimated Pricing

While official pricing is under wraps until 2026, we anticipate the B05 will be aggressively priced to undercut the competition.

• Estimated Starting Price: $36,000 – $39,000 AUD (before on-road costs).

If Leapmotor can hit this price point with an 800V architecture and 160kW motor, the MG4 and BYD Dolphin will have a serious fight on their hands.

Conclusion: The New Hatchback Hero?

The 2026 Leapmotor B05 checks all the right boxes for Australian drivers: it’s stylish, fast-charging, rear-wheel drive, and backed by a major global automotive group. It proves that you don’t need an SUV to have a practical, high-tech, and exciting electric vehicle.

At EV Evolution, we believe 2026 will be the year of the “Smart Choice”—where buyers stop compromising on range or tech just to get an affordable price tag. The B05 is leading that charge.

⚡ Want to dig deeper into the B05?

The specs of the Leapmotor B05 are impressive, but how does it compare specifically to your current car or other 2026 arrivals like the Kia EV3?

Start a conversation with our EV Evolution AI Chatbot now!

Our purposely trained AI is available 24/7 on our homepage to answer your burning questions:

• “Compare the Leapmotor B05 boot space to the MG4.”
• “What is the difference between 400V and 800V charging for Australian road trips?”
• “When can I test drive a Leapmotor in Sydney or Melbourne?”

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.