Chinese automaker Leapmotor has officially unveiled the Lafa 5 electric hatchback, targeting competitors like the Volkswagen ID.3 and BYD Dolphin. The model launches with a limited-time starting price of RMB 92,800 (approximately €11,200), positioning itself as an affordable yet high-performance option in the EV market.
This launch price reflects a RMB 13,000 discount from the original pre-sale price, marking a competitive move to gain market share. Deliveries for this sporty, rear-wheel-drive compact are set to begin soon. Notably, the car’s handling was fine-tuned by Stellantis' European team.
The Lafa 5 offers two motor options to cater to drivers seeking quick acceleration without a steep price tag. The base motor delivers 132 kW peak power, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The higher-trim version increases output to 160 kW, cutting the 0 to 100 km/h sprint to an impressive 6.4 seconds.
In Europe, the Leapmotor Lafa 5 is branded as the Leapmotor B05 and offers two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options: 56.2 kWh or 67.1 kWh. These provide excellent CLTC ranges depending on the selected variant.
The 515-series models achieve ranges up to 515 km on a single charge, while the 605-series extends this to 605 km. The trims are named accordingly. Fast charging capability allows the battery to recharge from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes.
Built on Leapmotor's LEAP 3.5 architecture B platform, the Lafa 5 offers substantial dimensions for a compact car: 4.43 m in length, 1.88 m wide, and 1.52 m tall, with a generous 2.73 m wheelbase that ensures a spacious interior. This size advantage places it well ahead of competitors like the Nio Firefly.
The cabin features advanced technology, including Qualcomm Snapdragon processors depending on trim level: Snapdragon 8155P or the more powerful 8295P, the current premium standard. Driver assistance is provided by the Leapmotor Pilot system, with top-tier Max variants incorporating advanced LiDAR sensors.
The Lafa 5 lineup includes five trims, named after their respective CLTC ranges: 515 Plus, 515 Pro, 515 Max, 605 Pro, and 605 Max. Early buyers benefit from a combined RMB 7,000 discount, including a RMB 5,000 cash discount and a RMB 2,000 pre-sale offer.
Effective prices after discounts start at RMB 92,800 for the base 515 Plus and reach RMB 116,800 (about €14,100) for the 605 Max. Leapmotor is also developing a higher-performance Lafa 5 Ultra, expected next year, likely featuring a dual-motor AWD setup with nearly 300 kW of power.
This launch aligns with Leapmotor’s ambitious growth strategy backed by Stellantis. The company aims for annual sales of one million units by 2026. Recent performance supports this target: October deliveries hit 70,289 vehicles, marking a sixth straight monthly record. From January to October, total deliveries reached 465,805, a 120% year-on-year increase.
The Lafa 5 supplements Leapmotor’s expanding portfolio, which recently added the compact electric A10 SUV. With further D-series models planned to join existing B-series and C-series vehicles in 2026, the Leapmotor Lafa 5 represents a key step in the company’s plan to expand its global presence.
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