A significant development in the small EV market is the official launch of the Leapmotor Lafa 5 in China. Designed to rival well-known models like the BYD Dolphin and Volkswagen ID.3, this electric hatchback offers an alluring combination of performance, affordability, and long-range capability. The Lafa 5 is one of the most competitive electric vehicles in its class, with a limited-time starting price of RMB 92,800 ($13,100).
Launch Pricing and Discounts
With an initial RMB 13,000 discount off the initial pre-sale price, Leapmotor is aggressively vying for market share. The European engineering team at Stellantis has tuned the model for better handling and stability, and deliveries will start soon.
After all available discounts, the 515 Plus’s effective starting price is RMB 92,800, while the 605 Max’s is RMB 116,800 ($16,500). Additionally, early buyers were given a pre-sales discount of RMB 2,000.
Performance: Two Motor Options for Different Needs
Drivers looking for performance at an affordable cost will appreciate the two powertrain choices:
132 kW motor (base variant)
0–62 mph in 8.7 seconds
160 kW motor (upper variant)
0–62 mph in 6.4 seconds
These numbers give the Leapmotor Lafa 5 an edge in the budget EV performance segment, especially compared to rivals in the same price bracket.
Battery Choices and Driving Range
The Leapmotor Lafa 5 (marketed as the Leapmotor B05 in Europe) offers two LFP battery pack options:
56.2 kWh
67.1 kWh
This results in strong CLTC range ratings:
515-series models: up to 320 miles
605-series models: up to 376 miles
Fast charging is also supported, allowing the battery to recharge from 30% to 80% in just 19 minutes—a strong advantage for everyday users.
Platform, Size, and Dimensions
Built on the LEAP 3.5 architecture B platform, the Lafa 5 is surprisingly spacious for a compact EV. It measures:
Length: 4.43 m
Width: 1.88 m
Height: 1.52 m
Wheelbase: 2.73 m
This makes it larger than several competitors, including the Nio Firefly, ensuring a roomy cabin and excellent ride comfort.
Interior, Tech, and Safety Features
Inside, the Leapmotor Lafa 5 blends modern design with powerful hardware. Depending on the trim, the infotainment system runs on either:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P, or
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P — a flagship chip for premium EVs.
For driver assistance, the Lafa 5 includes the Leapmotor Pilot system, while the Max variants add LiDAR technology for more advanced safety and autonomous features.
Variants and Trim Levels
The lineup includes five variants, named according to their CLTC range:
515 Plus
515 Pro
515 Max
605 Pro
605 Max
Leapmotor is also developing a more powerful Lafa 5 Ultra, expected to launch next year. It will likely feature a dual-motor AWD setup and deliver around 300 kW of power.
Leapmotor’s Broader Strategy and Market Growth
The launch of the Leapmotor Lafa 5 is part of an ambitious expansion plan supported by Stellantis. Leapmotor aims to achieve 1 million annual sales by 2026, and current performance indicates strong momentum:
70,289 deliveries in October, marking the sixth consecutive monthly record
465,805 deliveries from January to October, a 120% year-on-year increase
Additionally, the company is adding new A-series, B-series, C-series, and soon-to-be D-series EVs to its lineup. Its product lineup is further strengthened by the recent introduction of the Leapmotor A10 SUV.
One of the most attractive small EVs available is the Leapmotor Lafa 5. It is positioned to upend both domestic and international EV markets thanks to its remarkable range, powerful performance, superior technology, and competitive pricing. The Lafa 5 is an exceptional option for consumers looking for a reasonably priced yet powerful electric hatchback.
