Leapmotor Launches B05 Electric Hatchback in Australia

The new electric hatch debuts in two trim levels with prices starting from $35,888 before on-road costs.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Leapmotor Launches B05 Electric Hatchback in Australia

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Leapmotor has officially entered the Australian market with the B05 electric hatchback. The vehicle is offered in Style and Design Long Range variants designed to cater to local preferences.

Why it matters

The arrival of the B05 increases the range of affordable electric options available to Australian drivers. The manufacturer expects the higher-spec Design Long Range model to make up the vast majority of local sales.

The Style trim offers a 56.2kWh battery with 401km WLTP range, while the Design Long Range features a 67.1kWh battery providing 482km of range. Both models are powered by an electric motor outputting 160kW and a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds.

The players

Leapmotor

Leapmotor is an electric vehicle manufacturer that is expanding its global footprint into new markets like Australia.

Stellantis

Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation that maintains the Balocco test track in Italy where the B05 chassis was developed.

The details

The B05 is built on a chassis tuned at the Stellantis Balocco test track in Italy and utilises an oil cooling system for its motor. The interior features a 14.6-inch touchscreen driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, though the vehicle design notably omits a rear windshield wiper.

Timeline

  1. 21 October 2026

Roadmap

The B05 marks a strategic expansion for Leapmotor as it leverages Stellantis development resources to compete in the growing Australian electric vehicle segment. This move positions the brand to challenge established entry-level EV players by focusing on tech-heavy cabin hardware.

Prospective buyers can choose between the entry-level Style variant or the more capable Design Long Range trim depending on their commuting distance and charging needs. The vehicle offers a 357-litre boot capacity, providing practical storage for daily suburban utility.

The takeaway

The B05 enters a competitive space where software integration and battery range are primary differentiators for consumers. Shoppers should carefully compare the two available trims to determine if the additional range of the Design Long Range model justifies the higher price point.

Further reading

For more on the latest market trends, see the Electric Vehicles section.

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