- Leapmotor looks set to debut an all new small hatch at next month's IAA Mobility Show in Munich.
- The small hatch will likely be based on the same platform as the B10 small SUV.
- The B10 has previously been confirmed for sale in New Zealand later this year.
China’s Leapmotor is reportedly set to reveal a new model at this year’s IAA Mobility show in Munich which runs from September 9-14, 2025.
As reported by Autocar, this new Leapmotor model will be a Volkswagen Golf-sized electric hatchback called the B05. This will give the Chinese carmaker a rival to the likes of the Cupra Born and MG4.
The Leapmotor B05 is reportedly based on the same 'Leap 3.5' platform as the B10 small SUV and the B01 small sedan. This means the B05 will likely be rear-wheel drive with electric powertrains and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs that operate on an 800V electrical architecture.
It also wouldn’t be surprising if a range-extender (REEV) powertrain option becomes available for the B05 down the track as it was recently confirmed for the B10.
The exterior design of the Leapmotor B05 will reportedly be inspired by the B10. It’ll have an aerodynamic silhouette, as well as full-width light bars front and rear. Inside, a 14.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system is expected, like the B10.
At this stage pricing for the Leapmotor B10 hasn’t been confirmed, but Autocar indicates it could be under £30,000 (NZ$69,000) in the UK.
For context, the most affordable Leapmotor in New Zealand currently is the C10 Style REEV at $49,990 before on-road costs, (although it is currently available with a $5000 cash-back offer, taking this down to $44,990), while in the UK it starts at £36,500, or NZ$84,150.
The smaller B10 SUV, which is due to launch locally later this year, will likely undercut this price.
This forthcoming B05 electric hatch will reportedly spawn a lower-riding sibling called the A05, which would likely be a closer rival to the likes of the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora.
The B10 small SUV will also form as a base for the forthcoming entry-level crossover, dubbed the A10.
No further details about the Leapmotor A05 and A10 have been confirmed yet.
Leapmotor was founded in 2015 and it currently has seven vehicles in its line-up globally, ranging from tiny city cars to large seven-seat SUVs.
Stellantis owns a 21 per cent share in Leapmotor and a 51 per cent slice in Leapmotor International that conducts all activity for the brand outside China.
Distribution in New Zealand is through Auto Distributors New Zealand (ADNZ), part of the Armstrong Motor Group.
- Jack Quick, production editor.