Leapmotor B05

The B05 is not Leapmotor’s first model. The brand has previously introduced a small city car and a few SUVs. Those models came directly from China. The B05 is also available in China, but this time the design has taken Europe into account from the outset. After all, standards are high in Europe. So if a car succeeds here, the model will be successful everywhere.

And with Europe in mind, the B05 is not an SUV, but a standard hatchback. This ensures that Leapmotor’s new design language comes into its own much better. The brand has opted for clean, almost minimalist lines. On an SUV, this would result in large, empty surfaces, making such a car look bare. That same style makes this hatchback elegant in all its simplicity. The B05 is therefore the first Leapmotor model to attract attention with its appearance as well.

Space

Nevertheless, the price remains its strongest point. The B05 is in the so-called "C-segment" and is comparable in size to a Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 308 or Volkswagen Golf. However, the price is that of a lower segment (Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 208 or Volkswagen Polo)! The space up front is good, but it is immediately noticeable that the B05 shares its platform with an SUV. The floor is unusually high, which makes sitting in it feel a bit awkward at first. Fortunately, the seats offer plenty of adjustment options, so one can still find a comfortable seating position. Thanks to the car’s generous length, the B05 offers plenty of space in the back for adults.

The boot space is average for a car of this size. Despite the fact that the B05 has rear-wheel drive and therefore requires fewer components under the bonnet, there is no extra storage space (‘frunk’) to be found here. In China, an accessory is available to allow the limited free space to be used for storage, but this is not yet available in Europe.

Equipment

There are noticeable cost-cutting measures in the materials used for the dashboard. This is hard plastic. However, a well-chosen texture ensures that it still looks attractive and therefore does not detract from the car’s appearance. The seats are upholstered in a high-quality material reminiscent of leather, but which is in fact the most environmentally friendly alternative that Leapmotor could find.

The cabin has a minimum of controls, as everything is operated via the central display and the few buttons on the steering wheel. The B05 therefore feels more like a computer on wheels than a car with a computer. That feeling is justified, as Leapmotor is essentially a software company that also builds cars. Anyone accustomed to mobile phones and tablets will quickly feel at home in the B05. The icons on the screen and on the "taskbar" can be arranged as one sees fit, so that frequently used functions are immediately available. Just like on a computer, multiple logins (referred to here as "profiles") are available, allowing the car to adapt to different drivers.

The B05 is a “software-defined vehicle”. Everything that can be controlled by a computer is controlled by a computer. And that, too, contributes to the low price. Leapmotor can continue to improve the car for years to come. The model therefore remains competitive for longer and can stay on the market for longer, allowing Leapmotor to benefit from its investments for much longer. As a bonus for the user, this ensures a higher residual value (although this remains a problem for newcomers from China).

Safety

Unfortunately, the test car was practically crying out for a first update. The audio, communication and navigation systems worked perfectly. However, the various safety systems are set too sensitively. They issue unnecessary warnings too often and are overly intrusive. Even when switched off, they remain active in the background. The most annoying feature is the steering assist. On narrow roads, it is often necessary to steer briefly towards the edge when meeting oncoming traffic. The B05 then panics and actively steers back, as if crossing the road markings were worse than a head-on collision!

Leapmotor is now aware of this issue and has committed to finding a solution within the legal limits. The test car had version 3.42.11 of "LeapOS". So, when test-driving or purchasing the car, make sure the software is more recent, as this version is downright dangerous.

Electric car

Another way in which Leapmotor operates efficiently: the batteries and electric motors are used across different models. The B05 is fitted with an LFP battery (more resistant to wear and tear, less of a fire hazard, less harmful to the environment) with a capacity of 56 kWh or 67 kWh. 56 kWh is more than enough, but unfortunately this battery is only available in combination with the most basic trim level. That is why, in practice, the 67 kWh battery will likely be chosen more often. With this, the B05 has a theoretical range of 482 km.

During the test, this was easily achieved, but an explanation is required. Leapmotor had chosen a route that is ideal for electric cars. The speed was low (maximum 100 km/h) and traffic flow was good. Furthermore, the test drive took place under ideal weather conditions. The recorded test consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km should therefore be regarded as an ideal figure and not as an average in everyday use.

The B05 offers a choice of different driving modes (eco, comfort, sport) and multiple levels of energy recovery (engine braking when the accelerator pedal is released). However, these can only be selected via the display, and such frequently used functions deserve their own buttons. The performance of the 218 hp / 240 Nm electric motor is excellent, with Leapmotor always prioritising comfort over liveliness. There is one exception to this. This otherwise functional and sensible car features a genuine "launch control". By selecting sport mode, pressing the brake pedal, fully depressing the accelerator pedal and then releasing the brake, the B05 shoots from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds!

Handling

It’s not just the design that has been tailored to Europe, but also the chassis. After all, this is not an SUV, so there is much more to be enjoyed with dynamic handling. Compared to the B05 for the Chinese market, the tyres, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars have been modified. The steering software is also different. The driving characteristics were then fine-tuned in Italy on Fiat’s test track. This Chinese car therefore drives like a European car.

This is thanks to a partnership with the European "Stellantis" group, which also includes Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën and Fiat. This European connection not only provides Leapmotor with knowledge of the European market; it also gives it access to the European market. Leapmotor is available from all dealers that also sell Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën and Fiat. However, the price of the B05 is much lower than that of similar models from the European brands, whilst the quality of this Chinese car is better. To illustrate just how well Leapmotor is doing: the European brands have now announced that their next models will be based on Leapmotor technology.

Conclusion

If one wants to beat the competition, one has to work better or work smarter. With the B05, Leapmotor goes one step further and does both. Leapmotor is smart in choosing a "software-defined vehicle". This makes it easier to build a car, as fewer separate components are required. Software-based control also ensures a longer lifespan because the car can be continuously improved. Furthermore, thanks to its Chinese origins, Leapmotor has access to the best batteries and modern powertrains.

Leapmotor is working harder by collaborating with Stellantis. In this respect, this newcomer goes far beyond other Chinese brands. Thanks to Stellantis’ expertise, Leapmotor can better tailor its products to European tastes in terms of appearance, ergonomics and driving characteristics. Moreover, the partnership provides access to the European market. Finally, Leapmotor is fiercely competitive on price, as the B05 is an excellent mid-range car at the price of a compact car.