Leapmotor B05 takes aim at Kia EV4 with minimalist cabin and 286-mile range

Leapmotor has shown the interior of its B05 hatchback for the first time at the Brussels Motor Show, with the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3, Kia EV4, and Vauxhall Astra Electric firmly in its sights.

The B05 is the Stellantis-owned Chinese brand’s first C-segment car, and it made its international debut at last year’s Munich motor show. However, it wasn’t until now that its cabin was made public.

As with its B10 and C10 SUVs, a 14.6-inch infotainment screen dominates the centre of the B05’s dashboard, while a smaller screen sits in front of the driver. While almost certain to be solidly screwed together and pleasantly tactile, the interior is a largely buttonless affair, with just two placed either side of the steering wheel.

In terms of standard equipment, the Leapmotor B05 comes with heated front seats, an AI-powered assistant courtesy of its Leap OS 4.0 Plus system, 17 driver assist functions, and a central armrest packing wireless smartphone charging, twin cup holders, and a hidden storage compartment.

Thanks to cell-to-chassis tech, the Leapmotor B05’s battery is integrated into the car’s skeleton to free up cabin space, which is further accentuated by the amount of natural light let in by its largest-in-class skylight.

The Leapmotor B05 comes with a ProMax 67.1kWh battery capable of 286 miles on a single charge and rapid-charging speeds of up to 170kW, which allow for a 30-80% charge time of around 30 minutes. For comparison, the ID.3 has a max range of up to 369 miles, the EV4 388 miles, and the Astra 258 miles.

Pricing for the Leapmotor B05 has yet to be announced, along with a UK arrival date. When it does go on sale, it is expected that the Leapmotor B05 will lean into the brand’s value for money ethos, by costing less than its rivals with a sub-£30k price tag.

For Leapmotor enthusiasts who aren’t in Brussels, the B05 will make its first UK appearance at this weekend’s first-ever Manchester Motor Show.