Key highlights:
- Leapmotor B03 offers up to 390km of claimed WLTP range
- Its 53kWh LFP battery supports 133kW DC charging
- UK launch planned for early 2027; Australian arrival remains unconfirmed
Leapmotor has unveiled the B03 at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, adding a compact electric hatchback to its growing international line-up. The Chinese brand’s smallest model yet targets urban buyers and rivals models such as the Renault 5 E-Tech, Geely E2, and the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo.
It has a claimed WLTP range of up to 390km and the rapid DC charging can take its battery from 10 to 80% in just 21 minutes. The Australian launch of the B03 remains unlikely.
Battery, performance and range
The B03 uses a front-mounted electric motor and a 53kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, and its core powertrain specifications match those of the B03X electric SUV. Leapmotor quotes a range of up to 390km under the WLTP test cycle.
| Specification | Leapmotor B03 EV |
|---|---|
| Battery | 53kWh LFP |
| Drivetrain | Single motor FWD |
| System output | 145kW / 200Nm |
| EV range (WLTP) | 390km |
| DC fast charging | 133kW |
| DC charging time | 10-80% in 21 mins |
| 0-100km/h | 7.6 secs |
The B03’s 145kW output and 200Nm torque are identical to the B03X’s. The latter reaches 100km/h from a standstill in 8.6 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 160km/h, and the B03’s quoted 0–100km/h sprint time is 7.6 seconds.
The maximum 133kW DC rate allows a 10–80% recharge in as little as 21 minutes, according to Leapmotor, and the B03 also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
Exterior design
The B03 shares much of its styling with the B03X up to the C-pillar, but it drops the SUV’s plastic body cladding and sits lower to suit its hatchback shape. Exterior details also include emoji-inspired rear lights and a contrasting black roof.
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Clever cabin and flexible seating
Leapmotor has focused heavily on interior space and flexibility, and the B03 features a minimalist cabin dominated by a 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital driver instrument display.
Its technology includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The cabin also uses design details inspired by Morse code, as patterns of dots and dashes appear on the trim, seats and speaker grilles, while the brand’s Leapy mascot is hidden in small Easter eggs around the vehicle.
Like the B03X, the B03 uses clever seating arrangements to make better use of its compact footprint, and its foldable “LeapFlex” rear seats can flip upwards to create additional floor space, a solution similar to the rear-seat arrangements found in some Honda models.
| Storage feature | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Boot space | 405L |
| Underfloor storage | 90L deep wipe-clean compartment |
| Boot floor | Height adjustable |
| Rear seats | Flip-up or fold flat |
| Front seats | Fully reclinable |
The rear seats can also fold flat, while the front seats can recline fully.
Standard equipment of the Leapmotor B03
Leapmotor plans to offer the B03 in a single, high-specification configuration, with paint colour and interior choice the only options, and its standard equipment is expected to include:
- Heated front seats
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
- 360-degree camera system
- 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen
- 8.8-inch digital instrument display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Over-the-air software updates
- Vehicle-to-load functionality
These features give the B03 a substantial technology and comfort package for a small electric hatchback.
A smaller electric alternative to the B03X
The B03 is Leapmotor’s new compact electric hatchback, positioned below the B03X small SUV crossover; while the two models share the brand’s Compact Electric Platform and electric powertrain specifications, they differ in body style and cabin layout.
Known as the Leapmotor A05 in China, the B03 will serve as the brand’s international entry-level model, aimed particularly at European city drivers.
At around 4.2 metres long, it sits between a traditional supermini and a larger family hatchback, and Leapmotor says it was designed specifically for modern urban lifestyles, but its claimed range and charging performance should also make it suitable for longer trips.
The B03 will target the Renault 5 E-Tech and Volkswagen ID. Polo, and its UK launch is planned for early 2027, with an expected starting price of around £24,000 (A$45,400).
Will the Leapmotor B03 come to Australia?
An Australian launch of the Leapmotor B03 appears unlikely for now, as Leapmotor Australia has not said anything and is preparing to sell the B03X locally. Buyers have also consistently shown a preference for small SUVs over hatchbacks, so the brand may find it difficult to justify the additional cost of bringing B03 here.
The B03X small electric SUV is priced from $29,990 drive-away until the end of 2026, making it Australia’s cheapest electric SUV at that price point.
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