Leapmotor is preparing to launch the A05 in China on August 10, a compact electric hatchback that will be sold internationally as the B03. With dimensions close to the Geely E2, two LFP batteries, and a potential European price near €20,000, it could become one of the sharpest value propositions in Europe’s affordable EV market.
The August 10 date originates from the Chinese portal Autohome and has not yet been confirmed through Leapmotor’s own channels. The manufacturer officially revealed the A05 on July 29 and confirmed the B03 name for global markets.
The car is 4.18 meters long, 1.79 meters wide, and 1.56 meters high, with a 2.61-meter wheelbase. Chinese filings quote a slightly longer 4.20 meters. Two front-wheel-drive versions are expected in China.
39.8 kWh LFP battery
The entry model combines a 70 kW motor with a 39.8 kWh LFP battery, while the stronger version features a 90 kW motor and a 53 kWh LFP battery. Their claimed Chinese-cycle ranges are 405 and 510 kilometers.
Converted to the stricter WLTP procedure, roughly 290 to 310 kilometers and 375 to 400 kilometers appear realistic, although European specifications may change.
Chinese versions feature an 8.9-inch instrument display, a 14.6-inch central screen, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295 cockpit processor, a 12-speaker audio system, and 33 storage compartments.
Leapmotor claims 474 liters of boot space, plus a 91-liter lower compartment, but that still needs confirmation under the European VDA measuring method.
Between €20,900 and €22,900
A European launch has not been formally dated, although Leapmotor’s product schedule points to early 2027. Belgium should follow the first European markets through Stellantis’ network.
Pricing remains unknown, but the B03X crossover already starts at €24,900. A lower, simpler hatchback would logically sit below it. That makes an estimated Belgian starting price between €20,900 and €22,900 plausible, with a larger-battery version around €23,000 to €25,000.
Below €21,000, the B03 would be a genuine price-breaker. Above €23,000, it would remain competitive, but face much stronger opposition.
The closest Belgian rival is the Geely E2. The E2 is about 4.14 meters long and currently starts at €19,490 with a €2,000 early-bird discount, or €21,490 at the regular price.
It offers 252 kilometers in the entry version and up to 345 kilometers in the larger-battery models. The Leapmotor is almost the same size and could counter with a bigger 53 kWh battery and potentially more range.
The Twingo E-Tech electric is certainly a price competitor, starting at €19,500 in Belgium, but it sits in a lower class. At 3.79 meters, with a 27.5 kWh battery, 60 kW motor, and up to 263 kilometers WLTP, it is primarily an urban A-segment car.
Buyers comparing monthly payments may put it on the same shortlist, but in space, range, and family usability, the B03 should be closer to the Geely E2, Citroën ë-C3, Fiat Grande Panda Electric, BYD Dolphin Surf, and lower versions of the Renault 5.
Opportunity and a threat
For Stellantis, the B03 is both an opportunity and a threat. The group owns around 21% of Leapmotor and controls 51% of Leapmotor International, which holds the exclusive rights to sell and manufacture Leapmotor cars outside Greater China. Every B03 sold through the Stellantis network helps defend the group against BYD and Geely.
At the same time, a well-equipped B03 near €21,000 could undercut Stellantis’ own Citroën ë-C3 and Fiat Grande Panda Electric while offering more battery and digital hardware.
That internal pressure is part of the strategy. Stellantis wants to leverage Leapmotor’s low-cost batteries, electronics, and rapid development to improve the affordability of its broader European EV range.
European production is likely, but it has not yet been officially allocated to the B03. Stellantis has confirmed B10 production and a new Leapmotor battery workshop near Zaragoza, while statements attributed to Leapmotor’s global quality director indicate that the A05 could follow in 2027. Local assembly would avoid the additional EU duties on Chinese-built EVs and strengthen the business case.
The decisive number will be the price of the 53 kWh version. Below €24,000, Leapmotor could reset expectations for an affordable electric hatchback among European buyers.
