2026 Leapmotor B03X Brief Drive: Budget electric SUV keeps things simple and cheap
Chinese brand Leapmotor is preparing to expand its global line-up with the B03X small electric SUV, and after an early drive in China it already feels like a vehicle that will live or die by one thing: price.
The Leapmotor B03X — known as the A10 in some markets — is a compact electric SUV aimed squarely at the affordable end of the EV market.
Measuring 4270mm long, 1810mm wide and 1635mm tall, the B03X shapes as a direct rival for cars like the BYD Atto 2 and other budget-focused small electric SUVs expected to flood into Australia over the next two years.
There’s no pretending this is a luxury car. It’s designed to be practical, affordable EV transport first and foremost.
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In China, buyers can choose between two lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery packs. The entry-level version uses a 39.8kWh battery that delivers a claimed 403km driving range on the optimistic Chinese CLTC test cycle, while higher-grade variants pair a 53kWh battery with a claimed 505km range figure.
Australian WLTP figures would inevitably land lower, but the larger-battery version should still comfortably clear the 400km mark in more realistic testing.
Power outputs vary depending on specification, though outright performance clearly isn’t the priority here . Instead, the B03X focuses on smooth and predictable responses rather than outright speed. In fact , outright speed isn’t on the menu here at all, with the little Leapmotor feeling postively leisurely as it lopes towards 100km/h.
Predictably, the power outputs aren’t overly impressive. The front-mounted electric motor delivers 70kW and 150Nm. The most powerful version dials those figures up slightly to 90kW and 150Nm.
The B03X also maximises comfort over cornering precision, with a soft suspension tune that happily absorbs rougher roads but allows a fair bit of body movement when pushed harder.
The steering carries slightly more weight than expected, which helps build some confidence behind the wheel, but like many Chinese-market vehicles, refinement and ride comfort have clearly taken priority over dynamic sharpness.
The cabin follows the now-familiar Chinese EV recipe, pairing minimalist styling with plenty of technology. There are enough soft-touch surfaces and flashy displays to create a modern feel, but this is still very much a budget-focused SUV underneath.
A large central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, while higher-spec Chinese versions score advanced driver-assistance systems and even LiDAR-equipped safety technology.
Leapmotor’s Australian ambitions are growing quickly under Stellantis distribution, and the B03X feels like an obvious fit for the local market. Particularly if the company can position it aggressively on price.
That’s really the key here. If Leapmotor Australia can land the B03X somewhere in the mid-to-high $20,000 bracket before on-road costs, suddenly a lot of its softer edges become far easier to forgive.
But if pricing creeps too far upward, buyers will likely start expecting more polish, refinement and driving sophistication.
Leapmotor B03X price and specifications
Price: TBA
Basics: EV, 5 seats, 5 doors, small SUV, FWD
Electric Range: Up to 505km (CLTC)
Battery capacity: 39.8kWh or 53kWh LFP
Battery warranty: TBA
Energy consumption: TBA
Powertrain: Single electric motor, outputs 70kW/150Nm or 90kW/150Nm
AC charging: TBA
DC charging: 130kW
0-100km/h: TBA
