Leapmotor B05 Sneak Peek: The Sleek Sedan Backed by Stellantis

It’s early 2026, and the Australian electric vehicle market is no longer just a “two-horse race” between the established American giants and the early Chinese pioneers. A new heavyweight partnership is starting to flex its muscles on local shores. While the Leapmotor C10 SUV and the B10 small SUV have already begun populating suburban driveways, there is a low-slung, sporty challenger on the horizon that has the Tesla Model 3 firmly in its crosshairs.

At EV evolution, we’ve been tracking the global rise of Leapmotor since Stellantis (the massive group behind Jeep, Peugeot, and Fiat) took a 20% stake in the company. Their latest move? The Leapmotor B05. It’s a sleek, “C-segment” electric hatchback/sedan that combines European-inspired design with cutting-edge 800V architecture.

Is this the car that finally brings high-performance tech to the sub-$40k bracket? We’ve analyzed the latest leaks, global specs, and the “no-filter” chat from the Reddit community to bring you this exclusive sneak peek.

Leapmotor B05 Price: The New Value King?

The most talked-about aspect of the Leapmotor B05 price is its potential to reset the floor for electric sedans in Australia. Following the aggressive pricing strategy of its sibling, the B10, which launched at just $38,990 drive-away, the B05 is expected to land in a very sweet spot.

Estimated Entry Price: ~$35,990 – $37,990 (Drive-away).
Target Rivals: MG4, BYD Dolphin, and the base-model GAC Aion UT.

At EV evolution, we anticipate the B05 will arrive in two main flavours: a “Standard Range” for city slickers and a “ProMax” long-range variant for those who need to tackle the M1. By undercutting the current petrol-powered Corolla and i30 hatchbacks, Leapmotor is aiming for total market saturation.

Stellantis EV 2027: A Partnership for Peace of Mind

One of the biggest hurdles for new brands in Australia is the “here today, gone tomorrow” fear. This is where the Stellantis EV 2027 roadmap changes the game. By mid-2026 and into 2027, Leapmotor vehicles won’t just be “Chinese imports”—many will be built in Stellantis factories in Europe (including Spain) and serviced through a massive, pre-existing Australian dealer network.

This partnership means that when you buy a Leapmotor B05 Australia-bound model, you aren’t just buying a car; you’re buying into a global logistics powerhouse. This “backbone” ensures that parts, software updates, and expert technicians are always within reach, making the transition to electric a worry-free evolution.

The Specs: 800V Architecture in a Budget Hatch

Don’t let the “budget” label fool you. The B05 is built on the LEAP 3.5 modular architecture, a platform that punches way above its weight class.

800V Fast Charging: In a segment where 50kW–80kW charging is the norm, the B05 is expected to support DC fast charging up to 168kW. This means a 30% to 80% top-up in just 18 minutes.
Range: The larger 67.1kWh LFP battery is projected to deliver a 460km (WLTP) range. For the daily commute, the standard 56.2kWh battery still offers a very respectable 360km.
Performance: A rear-mounted 160kW motor propels the B05 from 0–100km/h in a brisk 6.7 seconds.
Dimensions: At 4,430mm long and a class-leading 1,880mm wide, it has a “wide-body” stance that owners say makes it feel more stable than the skinnier BYD Dolphin.

To see how these range figures hold up against your current petrol hatchback, use our EV Fuel Savings Calculator to see the real-world ROI

Real-World Review: What the Community is Saying

Since the B05 (known as the Lafa 5 in some markets) has already begun its rollout overseas, we’ve been scouring r/EVAustralia and r/electricvehicles to see what the early “vibe” is.

“I saw the B05 at a motor show recently. It’s 4cm lower than an ID.3 but 17cm longer. It has these traditional hatchback lines that remind me of a mix between a Renault Megane and a Golf. It looks much more ‘European’ than the early BYD stuff.” — tom_zeimet, Reddit.

“The design has really surprised me—it’s very understated but attractive, kinda what VW/Audi used to be a decade ago. If they can hold the promise of a sub-$40k price with that 800V charging, it’s going to sell like crazy.” — dinkygoat, Reddit.

The Pros:

The “Swift-Wing” Aesthetic: With 19-inch alloys and frameless doors, it looks like a premium sports sedan rather than a budget commuter.
Cabin Space: Utilizing Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) tech, Leapmotor has managed to create a flat floor with “limo-like” rear legroom.
The Ultra Variant: Rumours of a “B05 Ultra” performance version (the “B05 on steroids”) suggest a dual-motor monster is coming to take on the MG4 XPower by 2027.

The Cons:

Minimalist Overload: Like the B10, almost everything is controlled via the 14.6-inch screen. “No physical buttons for climate is a deal-breaker for some,” noted one Redditor.
The “Unknown” Factor: While the Stellantis backing is huge, Leapmotor is still building its brand reputation in the Australian second-hand market.

Strategise Your Leapmotor Journey

Is the B05 the sleek sedan that finally gets you to trade the pump for the plug? At EV evolution, we want you to make your move with data-driven precision:

EV Charge Cost: Calculate exactly what a 10–80% “refuel” costs on your specific home energy tariff.
EV Charging Time Calculator: With a 168kW peak DC limit, see how the B05 saves you time compared to other budget EVs.
EV Fuel Savings Calculator: See how much you’ll save over five years by ditching petrol for the B05’s high-efficiency powertrain.
The EV Vibe Check: This is a driver’s car. Use our map to find the best “vibe-checked” chargers near the great driving roads where the B05’s RWD chassis can shine.

🤖 Start the Conversation with the AI Agent

Still not sure if you should wait for the Leapmotor B05 Australia launch or grab a BYD Seal today? Or maybe you’re wondering if the B05’s LFP battery is better for the Aussie heat?

Don’t leave your decision to guesswork—start a conversation with our EV evolution AI Agent. Our AI is updated daily with the latest 2026/2027 release dates, dealer stock, and technical bulletins. You can ask:

“Compare the Leapmotor B05 vs the MG4 Essence for rear-seat space.”
“When is the B05 Ultra performance version expected in Australia?”
“Is the Leapmotor B05 eligible for the FBT exemption in 2027?”
“Explain the 800V charging—will it work on any 350kW ultra-rapid charger?”

The Verdict: The Dark Horse of 2026

The Leapmotor B05 is shaping up to be the most significant “sleeper hit” of the next 18 months. By combining Stellantis-backed reliability, 800V fast-charging, and a price point that challenges the petrol status quo, it represents the next phase of the electric evolution. If you want luxury performance and sleek styling without the “Premium Price,” the B05 might just be the sedan worth waiting for.

About EV Evolution

EV evolution is Australia’s AI-powered hub for the modern driver. Through our signature EV Strategy Suite—including the EV Vibe Check and our real-time AI Agent—we provide the transparent, fact-based data you need to switch to an EV with total confidence. Our mission is to empower every Aussie to trade the petrol pump for a plug with zero guesswork. We are committed to delivering a high-fidelity knowledge base that enables young professionals and modern families to navigate their electric transition with data-driven precision.