Leapmotor B03 EV Challenges Traditional Superminis
Leapmotor - who is part owned by Stellantis - isn’t launching just one supermini, but two.
Last month we brought news of the Leapmotor B03X, a compact crossover dropping a desirable, hi-tech car with decent range and low costs into the U.K markets this Autumn.
And now, Leapmotor has announced the new B03, a supermini hatchback, called the A05 in China that it says its aims to “set a new benchmark in the compact EV segment.” and it has a plan to utilise its technology to make the B03 leap ahead of others, if you pardon the pun.
Leapmotor says there are four core promises:
Beautiful to Look At
Easy to Drive
Fun to Use
Reassuringly Safe & Smart.
The quasi-Stellantis brand has utilised a global design approach, so what you see with the China launch product is what we can expect in the U.K., complete with an AI powered digital experience in a supermini segment.
Dimensions and Space
At 4.175 mm in length, 1.790 mm in width, and 1.560 mm in height, with a 2.605 mm wheelbase, its a similar size to the Renault Clio, retaining a compact exterior and a spacious cabin.
And with a wheel base of 2.6 meters, the B03 should offer unparalleled levels of space inside for the class of car. And just like it’s B03X sibling, it offers a flexible, large dual-layer boot, although the size of the boot has yet to be announced.
Battery, Range and Charging
On the Chinese test cycle, the B03 offers up to 317 miles of electric driving range, but expect closer to 260 miles based on the WLTP tests, when it has finally been homologated for Europe.
If we go by its B03X sibling, we can expect two two LFP battery options: a 39.8 kWh battery delivering an approximate 200 miles of range on the WLTP combines test cycle from a 94 bhp motor, and a 53.0 kWh battery for approximately 260 miles of range delivered via a 121 bhp motor.
Leapmotor states that DC rapid charging from 30% to 80% takes around 16 minutes for the B03X, so there no reason to think it will be different for the B03. However, to point out the elephant in this article; most manufacturers quote a 10% to 80% charge time, so expect the B03 to take under 30 minutes in this scenario.
However, with both versions using LFP cells means customers should regularly charge to 100% allowing that full range to be available after each charge.
Interior
The B03 lifts the interior with well-chosen lighting elements, some premium interior materials, and plenty of colour options. Leapmotor says that it has “segment-leading soft-touch surfaces” suggesting a touch of premiumnous in the cabin.
The cabin should follow the same minimalist approach as the B03X to create a clutter free environment devoid of buttons, but with a focus on intuitive interaction to minimise distraction. Some will hate it for this, whilst others will relish in its simplistic approach.
The B03 will receive Leapmotor’s latest digital ecosystem, utilising the Leap OS 4.0 operating system, that enables what Leapmotor describes as “seamless connectivity” with full smartphone integration for accessing the vehicle remotely.
There’s also a segment-leading, flexible seating configurations, and innovative storage solutions which should suit family life well.
Price and Availability
With the B03X starting at €24,990, we should expect the B03 to have a starting price of around €22,000 or €23,000, which is approximately £20,000 directly challenging the likes of the petrol Volkswagen Polo, and the Renault Clio, for example. Although no prices have been officially confirmed.
The B03 is scheduled to arrive in the U.K. in 2027.
———
About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb
