Leapmotor B03X test – How can this EV cost only €23,995?
The Leapmotor B03X targets the most competitive segment of the EV market: compact, spacious, and above all affordable. In this Leapmotor B03X review, we examine whether a starting price of €23,995, a WLTP range of up to 382 kilometers, and surprisingly ample interior space are enough to challenge the established players.
Leapmotor gains European support
For those who are not yet familiar with the brand: Leapmotor is part of the rapidly growing group of Chinese automakers that are also striving to establish a strong presence in Europe. The brand has a significant advantage here. Thanks to its partnership with Stellantis, it has not only a car available in Europe but also a sales and service network backing it up.
This makes the leap to such a relatively young Chinese brand much smaller. There are dealers, spare parts availability, and an organization that remains accessible even after the car is delivered. For an EV in this price range, that’s at least as interesting as having another large screen or an extra electrically adjustable seat.
Leapmotor B03X test: compact on the outside, spacious inside
With the B03X, Leapmotor targets the B-segment of electric crossovers. The car is 4.27 meters long, 1.81 meters wide, and 1.64 meters high. Its wheelbase measures 2.605 meters. It is certainly not an extremely small city car, but it remains compact enough to navigate busy urban areas easily.
What stands out especially is how Leapmotor has made use of the available space. There is plenty of legroom in the back, and an adult can easily fit their feet under the front seat. This may sound like a minor detail, but it isn’t always guaranteed in compact electric cars.
The trunk space is also quite useful. Including the additional compartment under the floor, a maximum of 510 liters is available. With the rear seats folded down, this increases to 1,605 liters. There’s also a separate, washable compartment of 105 liters under the trunk floor. This is handy for things like wet shoes, charging cables, or other items you prefer not to mix with the rest of the luggage.
No design that screams louder than necessary
On the outside as well, the B03X tries not to stand out in a forced way. Its design is sleek and smooth, with short overhangs, recessed door handles, and a relatively high front end. There are no wild folds or oversized fake air intakes—just a fairly subdued appearance.
It is precisely because of this that the B03X appears more mature than its price might suggest. It does not look like a car designed primarily to be cheap. And that is important in this part of the market, as the range of electric cars is expanding rapidly at prices around 25,000 to 30,000 euros.
Two LFP battery packs and up to 382 kilometers of range
Under the hood, the B03X is the first model on Leapmotor’s new A-platform. It features two LFP battery packs. The base version has a capacity of 39.8 kWh and can travel up to 292 kilometers according to the WLTP testing method. Those who choose the larger battery pack with 53.0 kWh capacity get a maximum WLTP range of 382 kilometers.
The engine power also differs. The Pro delivers 130 kW, or 176 horsepower. The ProMax, with its larger battery pack, has 145 kW, equivalent to 197 horsepower. Both models produce 200 Nm of torque and drive the front wheels.
Perhaps even more interesting is the charging capability. Leapmotor uses 2.5C charging technology, allowing both battery packs to go from 30% to 80% charge in about 16 minutes under favorable conditions. The maximum charging power is roughly 100 kW for the smaller battery pack and 133 kW for the larger version. So while the peak value doesn’t seem particularly impressive on paper, the short charging time does.
For daily commuting, the smaller version already provides sufficient range for many users. Those who frequently drive longer distances are likely to consider the 53 kWh version sooner. This is not only due to the additional range but also because of its higher motor power.
Ready enough for the highway
During this Leapmotor B03X test, it also became clear that the relatively long wheelbase is beneficial not only for interior space. At higher speeds, the car feels sufficiently mature. This might be even more important than a sharp handling characteristic or a sprint time that can impress at birthdays.
The B03X is clearly not designed as a performance-oriented EV. Its focus is on comfort, practicality, and ease of use. These characteristics also better suit its target audience: families and drivers who are looking for an affordable electric car they can rely on every day without hassle.
Big screen, few buttons
Inside, Leapmotor follows the well-known approach adopted by many new EVs. The dashboard is minimalist, with most controls handled through the central 14.6-inch touchscreen running Leap OS. Those who prefer plenty of physical buttons will need some time to adjust.
Fortunately, Leapmotor has thought of several frequently used functions while driving. A shortcut on the steering wheel allows quick access to the settings for driver assistance systems, which is convenient since even the B03X comes equipped with various assist features that you might not want to use every time you drive.
V2L is also useful. It enables the car’s battery pack to supply power to external electrical devices. This makes it possible to connect a coffee maker at a campsite or charge an electric bike while on the road.
Starting at €23,995, things get serious
And then there’s the price, which is perhaps the strongest factor in this Leapmotor B03X test. The Pro model with a 39.8 kWh battery pack costs €23,995 in the Netherlands. The ProMax version with a 53 kWh battery starts at €26,995. Leapmotor charges €28,495 for the more fully equipped Design model with its larger battery pack.
This pricing strategy positions the car competitively. For comparison, the Volkswagen ID. Polo currently starts at €24,990, while Škoda charges at least €26,990 for the Škoda Epiq. These aren’t directly comparable models, but they illustrate where Leapmotor aims to place the B03X in the market.
For less than 24 thousand euros, you get an electric crossover with 176 horsepower, a decent interior, and a fairly comprehensive digital suite. Those who spend an additional €3,000 on the larger battery pack also receive nearly 400 kilometers of WLTP range and 197 horsepower.
This price makes the B03X hard to ignore
Brand loyalty is likely not the main reason to buy a Leapmotor B03X for now. The brand is simply too new in the Netherlands for that. But rationally, the story becomes much more interesting.
The B03X combines plenty of interior space with LFP technology, short charging times, V2L functionality, and a price that starts below that of several new European competitors. Add to that Stellantis’ extensive European network, and there’s surprisingly little left to dismiss this car outright.
That is precisely where the strength of the Leapmotor B03X lies. It doesn’t need to be the most exciting electric car in its class. For €23,995, it mainly needs to show just how much an electric car you can get these days for that price. And it turns out there’s quite a lot.
Text: Werner Budding