Leapmotor B05 Ultra: the Chinese Hot Hatch Set to Rival the VW ID.3 in 2026
The Chinese automaker Leapmotor is preparing to make a bold statement in the European electric hatchback market with the B05 Ultra, a performance-focused version of its upcoming compact EV. Known domestically as the Lafa 5 Ultra, the sporty hatchback will debut in China in 2026 before launching in Europe as part of Leapmotor’s partnership with Stellantis, which also includes technology sharing and production support.
Design Developed with European Precision
According to Leapmotor’s vice president Cao Li, the B05 Ultra will not be just a cosmetic upgrade. Its chassis setup and suspension tuning will be handled by European engineers from Stellantis, ensuring handling characteristics that meet the expectations of demanding European drivers. Every aerodynamic addition, from the front splitter to the large rear spoiler, is said to serve a functional purpose — enhancing stability and cooling, not just aesthetics.
The exterior of the B05 Ultra takes inspiration from modern hot hatches like the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and Cupra Born VZ, combining compact proportions with muscular bodywork. The car will feature a sport body kit, 19-inch wheels, and contrasting aerodynamic inserts. Inside, the cabin will be trimmed in Alcantara, emphasizing a sport-luxury atmosphere rarely seen in this price segment.
Technical Overview
While Leapmotor has yet to release the full technical specifications, insiders suggest that the B05 Ultra will be powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, likely producing around 300 horsepower (220 kW). The base B05/Lafa 5version, by contrast, is equipped with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing up to 215 hp (160 kW).
Battery options are expected to include a 60 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack with a range of approximately 450 km (280 miles) WLTP, and a higher-performance variant could push that range closer to 500 km (310 miles) thanks to improved energy management. The car will support fast charging up to 150 kW, allowing an 80% charge in around 25 minutes.
The 0–100 km/h acceleration is projected to be under 5.5 seconds for the Ultra, positioning it squarely against the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX and MG4 XPower, both of which target young, tech-savvy performance enthusiasts.
Focus on Young Drivers
Leapmotor’s internal data indicates that 70% of pre-orders for the standard Lafa 5 in China have come from buyers under the age of 35, a demographic increasingly attracted to dynamic electric hatchbacks. The B05 Ultra aims to capitalize on this trend by offering an engaging driving experience combined with the affordability typical of Chinese EVs.
Cao Li emphasized that the Lafa 5 Ultra is “not a showpiece but a driver’s car.” This philosophy, together with European input on dynamics, could help Leapmotor break into markets like France, Germany, and the Netherlands, where compact EVs dominate city roads.
Leapmotor’s Global Expansion with Stellantis
The introduction of the B05 Ultra also symbolizes Leapmotor’s broader global ambitions. Through its strategic alliance with Stellantis, the company is preparing to export several models to Europe under a shared production and distribution network. This partnership ensures compliance with EU safety and environmental standards while keeping costs competitive.
In Europe, the Leapmotor B05 will directly rival:
- Volkswagen ID.3 and upcoming ID.3 GTX
- MG4 Electric and MG4 XPower
- Cupra Born
- Peugeot e-308 (ironically a Stellantis brand competitor)
If Leapmotor delivers on performance and quality promises, the B05 Ultra could become one of the most exciting electric hot hatches in the affordable EV segment by mid-2026.
The Leapmotor B05 Ultra embodies the new generation of Chinese EVs — intelligent, performance-oriented, and globally competitive. With European engineering, bold design by AI-assisted aerodynamics, and an emphasis on real-world functionality, it could redefine expectations in the sub-€40,000 hot hatch class.