Chinese automaker Leapmotor has officially launched the Lafa 5 electric hatchback, targeting competitors such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and BYD Dolphin. The model starts at a competitive RMB 92,800 (approximately €11,200), featuring a limited-time discount to capture market share.
This launch price reflects a RMB 13,000 reduction from the initial pre-sales figure. Deliveries for this sporty, rear-wheel-drive compact—refined by Stellantis’ European team for improved handling—are set to begin soon.
The Lafa 5 offers two motor options catering to drivers seeking affordable acceleration. The base motor delivers 132 kW, accelerating the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. The higher trim features a 160 kW motor, reducing the sprint time to an impressive 6.4 seconds.
Known as the Leapmotor B05 in Europe, the Lafa 5 is available with two LFP battery packs: 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh. These provide strong CLTC range options, depending on the selected variant.
Models in the 515 series can travel up to 515 km on a single charge, while the 605 series extends that range to 605 km. The Lafa 5 supports fast charging, replenishing the battery from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes.
Built on Leapmotor's LEAP 3.5 architecture B platform, the Lafa 5 is generously sized for a compact vehicle—measuring 4.43 m in length, 1.88 m in width, and 1.52 m in height. Its 2.73 m wheelbase ensures a spacious interior, larger than competitors like the Nio Firefly.
The interior features cutting-edge technology, powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P or the more powerful 8295P chip, depending on the trim. Driver assistance is provided by Leapmotor Pilot, with the top-tier Max variants equipped with advanced LiDAR technology.
The lineup includes five trims named after their CLTC range: 515 Plus, 515 Pro, 515 Max, 605 Pro, and 605 Max. Early buyers benefit from an additional RMB 5,000 discount plus a RMB 2,000 pre-sales discount.
After discounts, prices start at RMB 92,800 for the base 515 Plus and go up to RMB 116,800 (€14,100) for the top 605 Max model. Leapmotor is also developing a higher-performance Lafa 5 Ultra, expected next year with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing nearly 300 kW.
This launch forms part of Stellantis-backed Leapmotor’s ambitious strategy to reach one million annual sales by 2026. The brand recently recorded deliveries exceeding 70,000 units in October for the sixth consecutive monthly record, with year-to-date sales reaching 465,805 vehicles—a 120% year-on-year increase.
The Lafa 5 expands Leapmotor’s growing electric lineup, which includes the compact A10 SUV. With new D-series models set to launch alongside existing B-series and C-series vehicles in 2026, the Lafa 5 represents a significant step in Leapmotor’s global market ambitions.
