Leapmotor B05 Australia: Price, Specs and Range

The affordable electric vehicle market in Australia has just received a significant shake-up. Leapmotor, the Chinese EV manufacturer backed by Stellantis, has officially confirmed the pricing and specifications for its upcoming B05 electric hatchback. Arriving in local showrooms in late August 2026, the Leapmotor B05 will briefly claim the title of Australia’s cheapest rear-wheel-drive electric car. With an introductory drive-away price of $35,990 and a focus on European-tuned driving dynamics, the B05 is positioned to challenge established budget EV leaders like the MG4, BYD Dolphin, and the recently launched GWM Ora 5. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Leapmotor B05.

Leapmotor B05 price in Australia

Leapmotor has adopted an aggressive pricing strategy for the B05 launch. The range opens with the Style variant, priced at $35,888 before on-road costs. However, for vehicles delivered between 1 July and 30 September 2026 in the signature Lightning Yellow paint, Leapmotor is offering a $35,990 drive-away deal. The flagship Design Long Range (LR) variant starts at $39,888 before on-road costs, with a corresponding $39,990 drive-away offer during the introductory period. This pricing places the B05 in direct competition with the MG4 (from $31,990 to $39,990 drive-away) and undercuts many other electric hatchbacks. While front-wheel-drive options like the BYD Dolphin start slightly lower, the B05 stands out by offering a rear-wheel-drive architecture at this price point.

Battery, range and charging

The Leapmotor B05 will be offered with two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options, both paired with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 160kW of power and 240Nm of torque. The entry-level Style features a 56.2kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed WLTP driving range of 401km. Stepping up to the Design LR brings a larger 67.1kWh battery, which extends the WLTP range to a highly competitive 482km. Both variants feature a 50:50 weight distribution and a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.7 seconds with launch control. When it comes to topping up, both models support 11kW AC charging for home or destination use. For fast-charging on the public network, the B05 can accept DC charging at up to 174kW. This enables a 30 to 80 per cent charge in approximately 16 minutes for the Style and 18 minutes for the Design LR.

European driving dynamics

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Leapmotor B05 is its development story. Thanks to Leapmotor’s partial ownership by Stellantis, the B05’s chassis and suspension were reworked by Alfa Romeo engineers at the Balocco Proving Ground in Italy specifically for global markets. Early international reviews suggest this collaboration has paid off, with the B05 offering flat cornering, excellent body control, and a level of driver engagement that sets it apart from many budget-focused electric vehicles. The cell-to-chassis (CTC) platform integration also provides increased structural stiffness.

Interior design and technology

Inside, the B05 adopts a minimalist, button-free approach. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.6-inch central touchscreen running LEAP OS 4.0 Plus, accompanied by an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless phone charging are standard across the range. The base Style comes generously equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing LED headlights, a 360-degree camera with integrated dashcam, and automatic climate control. Upgrading to the Design LR adds premium touches including a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, eco-leather upholstery, multi-colour ambient lighting, and a 12-speaker sound system. Practicality is solid for the class, with 345 litres of boot space that expands to up to 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Safety and availability

Safety is a priority, with the B05 featuring seven airbags (including a front-centre airbag) and a suite of 21 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) powered by 14 sensors and cameras. Features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert. The system also allows drivers to save their preferred ADAS settings to a personal profile, reducing the need to navigate menus every time they start the car. The Leapmotor B05 joins the Leapmotor B03X and other recent arrivals as part of a growing wave of affordable electric options. As Australian EV market trends continue to show strong demand for sub-$40,000 models, the B05’s combination of rear-wheel-drive dynamics, generous range, and sharp pricing makes it a compelling new option for buyers looking to make the switch to electric. If you’re considering an EV, why not try before you buy? You can rent an electric car through evee for a weekend to see how it fits into your lifestyle.