Leapmotor B03X, first impressions: Unremarkable in appearance, with annoying software and poor handling, but spacious
Representatives from European media were invited for test drives of the Leapmotor B03X, a small electric crossover that falls between the B and C segments (4.27 meters long, 2.605 meters wheelbase). The car was described as impressively spacious, with solid construction but cost-optimized materials such as plastics. However, it is a typical Chinese-made model featuring strong power assistance and soft suspension. It also struggles with software, which is significant since practically all functions of the Leapmotor B03X are controlled via the central screen.
Leapmotor B03X – What will the next electric Opel look like?
Table of contents
Leapmotor B03X – What will the next electric Opel look like?
Disadvantages
And… the drawbacks
Reviewers noted the trunk space (source): the Leapmotor B03X has a trunk capacity of 405 liters, with an additional 105 liters available under the floor (totaling 510 liters). The seat of the rear bench can be folded down like in the Honda Jazz to fit a bicycle, TV, or furniture packed in boxes inside the cabin. It’s worth mentioning that even on the enhanced press illustrations, the average quality of the interior plastics is visible, although it is fairly solid and not as cheap as one might expect given its price:
The Leapmotor B03X during press tests in Andalusia. All photos (c) Stellantis
Disadvantages
The design (especially the cabin) was described as minimalist, plain, and unremarkable, making it hard to tell whether one was in a Leapmotor or another car from China. The most annoying aspect inside was the software: it was incredibly slow and made controlling the car difficult, even though settings like regen level were displayed on the screen. An Auto Świata journalist even advised adjusting the air conditioning and temperature before setting off, as doing so while driving could lead to dangerous situations (source
The Leapmotor B03X from the inside. Aside from the lever behind the steering wheel, buttons, and knobs on the wheel, there are practically no physical control mechanisms.
And… the drawbacks.
The security system interventions are equally troublesome: the lane-keeping system tends to panic and can activate even when it’s supposedly turned off, assuming the car is approaching the white line. Combined with extremely strong steering assistance that blocks all feedback from the wheels and a soft suspension that causes the body to wobble and float, the Leapmotor B03X has been described as “frustrating” (source).
The prices of the Leapmotor B03X in Poland start at 94,900 zł for the version with a 39.8 (~38) kWh battery, and at 104,400 zł for the 53 (~51) kWh edition with basic equipment (Life), or at 112,900 zł for the top-tier configuration (Design). Journalists tested the latter option, equipped with a 145 kW/197 HP engine and 200 Nm of torque driving the front wheels.
Editor’s note from Elektrowozu: Floating, overly soft suspensions, flawed software, and overactive “safety” systems are almost a textbook description of any car from China. Few brands have managed to address these issues, and even fewer make improvements across entire models before launching them in the Old Continent (see: BYD).
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