Meet The Leapmotor A05 B03, The Affordable EV With LiDAR Technology

What does it take for a small electric hatchback to stand out in an increasingly crowded market? Leapmotor believes the answer goes beyond an attractive price tag. Its new A05, which will be sold in Europe as the B03, combines familiar hatchback practicality with technology that's rarely seen in this segment.

Built alongside the A10 (B03X) crossover, the hatch shares much of its styling, including the slim LED lighting and clean, rounded bodywork.

It sets itself apart with a sleeker roofline, a lower stance, and a more aerodynamic profile. Buyers can even equip it with a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, making it the only hatchback in its class to offer features such as parking-space-to-parking-space navigation, memory parking, and highway pilot assist.

Much of the cabin is shared with the A10 crossover. Drivers get an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch floating infotainment display powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8295 processor.

Wireless phone charging, customizable ambient lighting, and a two-tone cabin complete the package. Power comes from either a 94-hp or 121-hp electric motor, paired with 40-kWh or 53-kWh battery packs that deliver up to 252 miles or 317 miles of CLTC range.

Leapmotor has yet to reveal official pricing, although Chinese customers can already reserve one with a symbolic ¥99 ($15) deposit. Local reports point to a starting price of around ¥50,000 ($7,400), positioning it below the A10 crossover.

The B03 is scheduled to reach global markets after its Chinese debut later this summer, with Stellantis helping handle its international rollout. In Europe, prices are expected to start below €24,900, lining it up against the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Renault 5 E-Tech.