Leapmotor B05 Ultra hot hatch EV revealed: Rear-wheel, sub six-second 0-100, what’s not to like?
Stellantis part-owned Chinese brand Leapmotor has shown off a faster, more engaging version of its new all-electric hot hatch, called the Leapmotor B05 Ultra.
The hot mini-hatch could rival the inbound Volkswagen ID Polo GTI if sold in Australia.
Set to follow the standard Leapmotor B05 to market – which has already been locked in for a UK launch before the end of the year – the new Ultra version remains driven by a single rear-mounted e-motor, but power has been raised from 160kW to a punchier 177kW.
READ MORE: 2026 Leapmotor B10 Seven-Day Review: A week with the budget-priced SUV that has some hidden surprises
READ MORE: Leapmotor C10 grows a set! AWD Sports+ Special Edition has 440kW/760Nm and 4.0 sec 0-100km/h
READ MORE: Leapmotor C10 gets smarter! OTA update adds dashcam, smoother ADAS and global radio, but still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
That might sound marginal, but the B05 Ultra can now sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
In China, where it is badged the Lafa 5 Ultra, the more potent electric hatch comes with a 56.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that delivers a range of around 503km.
A bigger 67.1kWh battery sees range rise to more than 600km, although both figures are recorded on China’s CLTC test procedure rather than Europe’s tougher WLTP cycle.
To help deliver a more engaging experience, the Leapmotor B05 rides lower than standard, features an optimal 50:50 weight distribution, and has had its kerb weight reduced to 1665kg.
Externally, the sportier all-electric hot hatch gains a new front splitter, a fresh rear wing, side skirts, and a set of larger 19-inch alloy wheels shod with performance tyres sourced from Hankook.
Cementing its hot hatch credentials, there have also been interior tweaks, including the B05 Ultra gaining a pair of Alcantara-wrapped sports seats.
Pricing in China for the hotter B05 Ultra starts at less than $30,000, but if it reaches our shores expect that figure to nudge $60,000 plus on-road costs.
While Leapmotor has yet to officially announce the B05 for our market, federal documents seen by media have reportedly already approved it for sale in Australia, suggesting it will be announced imminently.
Even if neither the B05 nor B05 Ultra make it Down Under, Leapmotor executives at the Beijing motor show suggested other models in the range could receive the Ultra treatment, including the firm’s current mid-size C10 and small B10 SUVs.
