Chinese automaker Leapmotor has officially launched the Lafa 5 electric hatchback, targeting competitors such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and BYD Dolphin. The vehicle is offered at a limited-time starting price of RMB 92,800 (approximately €11,200), presenting a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking performance.
This launch price includes a RMB 13,000 discount from the original pre-sale price, signaling an aggressive strategy to capture market share. Deliveries will begin soon for this sporty, rear-wheel-drive compact, which benefits from handling refinements developed by Stellantis’ European engineering team.
The Lafa 5 offers two electric motor options for drivers seeking strong acceleration at an accessible price. The base model delivers 132 kW of peak power, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds. The higher-trim version boosts output to 160 kW, reducing the acceleration time to an impressive 6.4 seconds.
Known as the Leapmotor B05 in Europe, the Lafa 5 is available with two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options: 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh. These provide outstanding CLTC range figures based on the chosen variant.
The 515-series models can travel up to 515 km on a single charge, while the 605-series variants extend that range to 605 km. The trim names directly reflect these ranges. Charging is swift, with the Lafa 5 capable of boosting battery levels from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes.
Built on Leapmotor’s LEAP 3.5 architecture B platform, the Lafa 5 offers considerable dimensions for a compact hatchback. It measures 4.43 meters long, 1.88 meters wide, and 1.52 meters tall, with a 2.73-meter wheelbase that enhances cabin space—surpassing rivals like the Nio Firefly in size.
The interior features advanced technology tailored to the trim level. The infotainment system runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P or the higher-end 8295P chip, the latter being standard in premium vehicles. Driver assistance is provided by the Leapmotor Pilot system, with top-tier Max models receiving enhanced LiDAR hardware for advanced safety functions.
The lineup consists of five variants named according to their CLTC ranges: 515 Plus, 515 Pro, 515 Max, 605 Pro, and 605 Max. An additional RMB 5,000 cash discount and a RMB 2,000 pre-sale discount are available for early buyers.
Effective prices after discounts range from RMB 92,800 (€11,200) for the base 515 Plus to RMB 116,800 (€14,100) for the top-tier 605 Max. For those seeking greater performance, Leapmotor plans to launch the Lafa 5 Ultra next year—a likely dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant producing close to 300 kW.
This launch aligns with Leapmotor’s ambitious growth strategy supported by Stellantis. The company targets annual sales of one million vehicles by 2026. Recent figures highlight this momentum, with record deliveries exceeding 70,289 vehicles in October alone. Year-to-date deliveries from January to October reached 465,805 units, a remarkable 120% increase over the previous year.
The Lafa 5 expands Leapmotor’s growing electric portfolio, which recently added the compact A10 SUV. With further D-series models planned alongside existing B-series and C-series vehicles in 2026, the Lafa 5 is a key step in Leapmotor’s global expansion strategy.
