Leapmotor B05 EV hatchback has world premiere in Germany

Leapmotor, a young Chinese company specialising in EVs, began delivering its first cars in China in 2019. Following the lull in business during the pandemic years, it gained a major shareholder in Stellantis in 2023 and formed a joint-venture company called Leapmotor International to produce and market its vehicles outside China from 2024.

Since starting up, Leapmotor International has been quickly building up its international range, starting with the C10 (which has been available in Malaysia since October 2024). At least 6 new models will be launched in 2025, with one new model every year in the three years after that.

Production of the T03, a compact EV, began in Poland and then stopped due to tariff issues, and the automaker is said to be shifting to Spain. Stellantis’ India & Asia-Pacific unit has also announced that it will assemble the C10 at its plant in Gurun, Kedah, which it acquired from the NAZA Group in 2021.

New EV hatchback
One of the latest models to be added to the range is the B05, which had its world premiere at IAA Mobility 2025 in Germany recently. This C-segment hatchback marks the brand’s strategic move to capture a share of the European compact EV market.

“The B05 is more than a car — it’s a statement. It reflects our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and empowering the next generation of drivers across Europe and beyond,” said Zhu Jiangming, Global CEO of Leapmotor.

Leap 3.5 platform
While detailed technical specifications have not been released, it is known that the B05 uses Leapmotor’s Leap 3.5 platform. This newly developed platform has highly integrated, proprietary technology architecture with a central domain control system that combines cockpit and driving functions. It includes an integrated 7-in-1 oil-cooled electric drive system and advanced battery and thermal management systems, along with advanced intelligent driving technologies.

As the Leap 3.5 platform is also being used by the B10 (which has just gone on sale in Europe), it is safe to say that there is likely to be sharing of drivetrains.

The B10’s specifications show a single 160 kW (218 hp)/240 Nm motor with two battery sizes – 56.2 kWh giving a range of up to 361 kms 67.1 kWh which is claimed to be good for up to 434 kms. Recharging can be done at up to 11 kW AC supply and up to 168 kW DC supply. 30 – 80% charge is said to take less than 20 minutes at maximum power supply.

B10 for Malaysia?
While Stellantis Malaysia does not seem keen to offer the T03, it is likely to consider the B10 as this is now going on sale. It is also known that the local unit is considering offering the variant with a Range Extender drivetrain which has only an electric motor driving the wheels, while the small engine is used only to recharge the battery.

Stellantis Gurun plant to assemble Leapmotor C10