The Leapmotor B05, known in China as the Lafa 5, represents a focused approach to small, rear‑drive electric hatchbacks in the Chinese EV market. The test car, a rear‑motor, rear‑wheel‑drive variant rated at 160 kilowatts (around 218 horsepower), demonstrates how Leapmotor translates traditional hatchback dynamics into an electric platform while addressing space, usability, and driving engagement. With a starting price under 100,000 yuan (around 13,500 USD), the B05 aims to revive the niche of compact, fun-to-drive hatchbacks in the modern EV era.
Exterior
The B05’s exterior proportions strike a balance between compact dimensions and dynamic presence. Measuring approximately 4,430 millimetres long, 1,880 millimetres wide, and 1,520 millimetres tall, it rides on 19‑inch wheels and features frameless doors and flush door handles that emphasize a clean, modern silhouette. The roofline flows smoothly to a rear spoiler, enhancing its hatchback profile.
At the front, a minimalist fascia replaces the traditional grille with a sealed panel, accompanied by narrow LED headlights and a connected light bar to emphasize width. The side surfaces are subtly sculpted, avoiding excessive ornamentation. At the rear, a full-width taillight and integrated bumper provide balance and visual cohesion. The B05’s design combines European styling cues with a rounded Chinese EV aesthetic, yielding a modern yet approachable look.
Interior
Inside, the B05 departs from utilitarian norms, offering a cabin with soft-touch materials throughout most surfaces. Simulated suede on door panels and headliner adds texture and perceived quality, while the seats combine perforated suede-like upholstery with model insignia, elevating the interior feel above competitors in its price bracket.
The dashboard integrates a large central touchscreen for infotainment alongside a compact digital instrument cluster. The center console includes a wireless charging pad and functional storage. Rear seating benefits from the rear-motor layout, providing generous legroom and headroom. The cargo area easily accommodated two soft bags plus additional items during the test, confirming everyday practicality.
Driving Experience
The rear‑drive B05 offers a distinctive driving character that sets it apart from typical compact EVs. The 160‑kilowatt motor delivers approximately 218 horsepower, providing responsive torque for both city commuting and more spirited road driving. While it does not reach high-performance sports car levels, the output balances usability with fun, offering adequate acceleration, smooth response, and sufficient reserve power for overtaking or mountain roads. Most drivers will find the power manageable, with the vehicle remaining predictable under all normal conditions.
Driving modes influence the character noticeably. In Relaxed mode, the steering feels natural and communicative, with precise turn-in and a well-weighted return. Pedal feedback in this mode is intuitive, allowing drivers to modulate speed without abrupt jumps in acceleration. Sport and Standard modes tighten the steering and increase throttle responsiveness, but they can feel slightly artificial at times, emphasizing the system’s electronic assistance. Despite this, Sport mode makes full use of the motor’s potential, delivering more immediate acceleration and a livelier overall feel. Comfort Mode, designed for everyday city use, keeps the car smooth and controllable, especially for less experienced drivers of rear-drive cars.
The suspension demonstrates a careful balance between dynamic agility and vertical compliance. Multi-link rear and front setups contribute to 50:50 weight distribution, helping the B05 remain composed through medium-speed corners and undulating roads. Vertical movement is well controlled, preventing harsh bumps from disrupting ride quality. The chassis exhibits good lateral support, allowing the car to maintain composure during spirited cornering without transferring excessive motion to the cabin. Body roll is present but moderate, giving drivers both confidence and a sense of connectedness to the road.
Rear-drive dynamics are particularly noticeable when exiting corners. The motor delivers a gentle push, enhancing agility and making the car feel more “alive” than comparable front-wheel-drive hatchbacks. This effect encourages precise, engaging handling and a sense of participation uncommon in many compact EVs. Braking performance is consistent and linear, with clear pedal feedback and no surprises under repeated deceleration. Acceleration and braking transitions are smooth, supporting driver confidence across urban, suburban, and highway conditions.
Noise levels remain subdued, with minimal intrusion from wind or road surfaces. Adaptive high-speed cruise assistance further reduces fatigue on longer journeys by maintaining accurate lane positioning and adjusting speed smoothly in traffic. The system’s predictability and responsiveness allow drivers to relax during extended stretches of highway without compromising control.
Verdict
In the compact hatchback EV segment, the B05 stands out for its combination of traditional driving engagement, usable interior space, and material quality. The rear‑drive layout sets it apart from front-drive competitors, offering a more playful, responsive character reminiscent of heritage hot hatchbacks. Chassis tuning, supported by external engineering partners, emphasizes stability while maintaining approachability for everyday drivers. Interior quality and cabin packaging surpass typical expectations for sub‑100,000 yuan (13,500 USD) hatchbacks, with rear passenger space and cargo capacity addressing traditional limitations of small hatchbacks. The infotainment and driver-assist features enhance convenience without overwhelming the driver.
Overall, the B05’s driving experience emphasizes ease of use, dynamic competence, and engagement. The combination of a capable rear-motor layout, finely tuned chassis, responsive steering, and supportive suspension makes the car approachable for daily use while retaining the playful character expected from a small hatchback. It provides a rare blend of driver involvement, controllability, and everyday practicality in its segment. Compared with segment benchmarks like the Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus, the B05 offers a distinctive personality rather than a direct comparison, carving its niche among compact EVs with a balance of dynamics, space, and practical technology.
Looking ahead, a higher-performance B05 Ultra is scheduled for release later this year. This variant is expected to compete with the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the emerging EV hot-hatch segment, and the test drive experience of the current model leaves strong anticipation for the Ultra version’s enhanced dynamics, increased power, and sportier tuning.
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