New compact electric vehicle Leapmotor A05 set to compete with Geely E2

The car manufacturer Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis, has launched its new A05 model in China. This electric compact car is 4.20 meters long and comes standard with a 70 kW front-wheel drive system as well as an LFP battery with a capacity of 39.8 kWh. The vehicle is also set to arrive in Europe.

The vehicle, which is sold internationally as the B03 and is reportedly to be produced for the European market at Stellantis’ factory in Figueruelas near Zaragoza, adds a compact car in the Golf format to Leapmotor’s portfolio. For the Chinese manufacturer’s global expansion strategy, bolstered by its joint venture with Stellantis, this model serves as an important addition to capture the compact segment alongside its larger crossover models.

The Leapmotor A05 is designed as a hatchback. With dimensions of 4.20 meters in length, 1.80 meters in width, and 1.56 meters in height, it falls into the compact segment — making it just large enough to fit within the new M1E car class that the EU aims to introduce to offer certain advantages. The vehicle has a wheelbase of 2.61 meters, which is identical to that of the compact electric SUV B03X (known as A10 in China). Visually, this model features a closed front end, partially recessed door handles, and an optional two-tone paint option.

For the Chinese market, Leapmotor offers two variants on the drive side, both based on lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP). The entry-level model features a 70 kW electric motor paired with a 39.8-kWh battery. The more powerful version comes equipped with a 90 kW motor and a 53-kWh battery pack. In both versions, a permanent magnet synchronous motor is installed on the front axle.

Inside, the focus is on space efficiency and flexibility. Leapmotor claims there are 33 different storage options in this model, along with a 91-liter compartment under the floor. The seating design allows for various usage scenarios, including a reclining position, a pet mode, and fold-up seats in the back that can be combined with small tables.

The A05’s digital architecture is built around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip. The cockpit features an 8.88-inch display behind the steering wheel and a 14.6-inch touchscreen in the center console. It also includes a 256-color ambient lighting system, a twelve-speaker sound system, and the ability to sing karaoke hands-free, without needing a special microphone. Additionally, Leapmotor offers an optional LiDAR sensor for advanced driver assistance systems on higher trim levels.

According to Chinese media, Leapmotor’s new A05 is set to compete with the Geely Xingyuan, which is generally known as the Geely EX2 in international markets. In Germany, this compact electric vehicle has just been launched as the Geely E2 at prices starting from 19,990 euros.

The price of the new Leapmotor A05 in China starts at 63,900 yuan (8,200 euros), which is similar to the price of the Geely Xingyuan at 64,805 yuan (8,300 euros). However, Chinese prices are not comparable to European prices. In fact, vehicles in Europe often cost twice or three times as much. Nevertheless, the launch price of 19,990 euros for the Geely E2 in Germany likely serves as a good reference point for the introduction of the Leapmotor A05 and B03 in Germany and Europe. It remains unknown when this compact electric vehicle will arrive in our region as well.