Leapmotor has unveiled the new B03, a small electric hatchback that will arrive in UK showrooms in early 2027.
The B03 will join the Chinese manufacturer’s growing UK line-up, sitting below the larger B05 electric hatchback and alongside the smaller T03 city car. It will compete with electric superminis such as the Renault 5 E-Tech, Volkswagen ID. Polo and Cupra Raval.
The new hatchback uses a front-mounted electric motor producing 194hp, giving it a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 101mph.
A 53kWh battery provides a claimed battery range of up to 242 miles. DC rapid charging at up to 133kW allows a 10% to 80% charge in 21 minutes, while a full charge using a 7kW home wallbox takes approximately seven hours and 15 minutes.
A heat pump is fitted as standard to help reduce the energy required to heat the cabin in colder weather. The B03 also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, allowing owners to power external electrical devices using the car’s battery.
A focus on practicality
Despite its relatively compact exterior dimensions, Leapmotor has placed emphasis on passenger space and practicality when designing the B03.
The B03 has a 405-litre boot, increasing to 1,305 litres when the rear seats are folded. An additional 90-litre storage compartment beneath the boot floor provides space for items such as muddy shoes or wet clothing.
The boot floor can be adjusted between two heights, while the front passenger seat folds flat to accommodate longer objects measuring up to two-and-a-half metres. The rear seats also feature an unusual arrangement that allows their bases to flip upwards, creating additional vertical space behind the front seats for carrying taller items.
The dashboard is dominated by a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, accompanied by a smaller nine-inch digital instrument display.
The infotainment system uses Leapmotor’s latest operating software, with voice controls and the ability to display two applications simultaneously. Drivers can also use a smartphone app to control functions such as cabin heating, charging schedules and vehicle locking.
One trim level for UK buyers
Leapmotor has confirmed that the B03 will be offered in a single specification in the UK, continuing its approach of including most equipment as standard rather than offering multiple trim levels.
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, a surround view parking camera, automatic climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and synthetic leather upholstery.
The B03 will also come with 21 driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic braking.
Its safety equipment includes seven airbags, with a centre airbag designed to reduce the risk of front-seat occupants colliding with one another in a side impact. The Leapmotor B03 is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in early 2027. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.
