Geely, Leapmotor and GAC: 5 stars for the latest Chinese ‘cheap’ electric cars arriving in Spain

Three of the affordable Chinese electric cars entering the Spanish market have just achieved the highest score in one of Europe’s most important tests. The Geely E2, Leapmotor B05, and GAC Aion UT have received the prestigious 5-star Euro NCAP rating under the new protocols introduced in 2026, which are much more stringent than those used previously.

The outcome is particularly significant as we are dealing with three models at relatively affordable prices. Geely currently offers the E2 in Spain starting at 14,490 euros, with financing options and subsidies available. Leapmotor does the same for the B05 at 19,500 euros, including 3,375 euros from the Plan Auto+ and 900 euros from CAE. Finally, GAC lists the Aion UT at 22,945 euros. These are thus three models set to compete in one of the most price-sensitive segments of the European electric vehicle market.

Five stars for the three Chinese electric cars

Euro NCAP has divided its new assessments into four main categories: safe driving, accident prevention, crash protection, and post-crash safety. The Geely E2 achieved scores of 79%, 72%, 86%, and 95% respectively, results that are sufficient to earn 5 stars. Euro NCAP particularly highlighted its use of physical controls, standard child presence detection, and the effective performance of the driver monitoring system.

The Leapmotor B05 achieved 66% in safe driving, 77% in accident prevention, 92% in crash protection, and 89% in post-crash safety. Its performance in crashes was particularly outstanding: it scored the highest marks in tests involving side impacts with barriers and poles, while its automatic emergency braking functioned correctly in numerous advanced scenarios evaluated by Euro NCAP.

Finally, the GAC Aion UT achieved scores of 66%, 74%, 91%, and 88% respectively. Euro NCAP considers it a well-balanced model, highlighting aspects such as its driver monitoring system and the ability to recognize the composition of front-seat occupants and adjust the restraint systems accordingly. One of its weaknesses is its excessive reliance on the touchscreen for certain controls.

All three are targeted at the Spanish market

As we’ve already mentioned, these aren’t electric cars designed exclusively for China. The Leapmotor B05 is actually already available in Spain, starting at 19,500 euros after applying the manufacturer’s specified subsidies and terms. Its range options include batteries of 56.2 and 67.1 kWh, with the highest-capacity version offering up to 482 km of WLTP range. Some of its production will also take place at Stellantis’ facility in Figueruelas, Zaragoza, in the future. The Geely E2 is also in the process of being launched in Spain.

GAC officially entered our country this summer with the Aion UT and Aion V as its first electric vehicles. The compact Aion UT is priced at 22,945 euros, including the advance on applicable subsidies. The company began its expansion in Spain by partnering with Grupo Invicta and announced an initial network of 29 outlets on the Peninsula, with plans to continue expanding it.

Chinese cars already account for 7% of European sales

Euro NCAP has used these results in its report to highlight how significantly the presence of Chinese manufacturers has changed. Cars manufactured in China now account for approximately 7% of new car registrations in the European Union and around 10% in the United Kingdom. Additionally, since 2021, the number of Chinese models tested by Euro NCAP has nearly increased by 10 times.

"Today's results clearly show that Chinese manufacturers are still working hard to meet the high standards expected by European consumers," explains Aled Williams, program director at Euro NCAP. The 5 stars achieved simultaneously by these three electric vehicles are particularly significant because all were evaluated under the new 2026 criteria.

Another interesting reference from this round of tests is European. The new CUPRA Raval received 4 stars with its standard safety equipment, scoring 58% in safe driving, 66% in accident prevention, 91% in crash protection, and 95% in post-crash safety. However, with the optional Safety Pack, its scores improve to 72% and 77% in the first two categories, allowing it to earn 5 stars overall.