The new Leapmotor B03 breaks cover at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, adding a new entry point to the Chinese brand’s already accessible global lineup.
Leapmotor has officially unveiled the B03 at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The newcomer takes aim at the compact EV segment with advanced intelligent systems and everyday usability as its key strengths. The Chinese brand’s new entry-level model is built on the LEAP3.5 architecture. Specifically designed for urban environments, the city hatchback measures 4 175 mm in length, 1 790 mm in width, and 1 550 mm in height – dimensions comparable to the Chery Q. The B03 sports a 2 605 mm wheelbase.
Powertrain, performance, battery and electric range
The Leapmotor B03 is exclusively available with an oil-cooled, front-mounted electric motor producing 145 kW and 200 N.m of torque. The motor itself weighs 60 kg, reducing overall vehicle weight by over 20 kg to optimise efficiency. The EV covers the 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 7.6 seconds, before hitting a 162 km/h top speed. Three distinct driving modes – namely Comfort, Standard, and Sport – are available.
Energy comes from a 53 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which serves up an electric range of 389 km on the WLTP cycle. The LFP item supports DC fast charging of up to 133 kW. At the maximum charging rate, the battery charges from 10-80% in 21 minutes, the automaker says. A 7.4 kW AC charge from 0-100% takes seven hours and 15 minutes. Standard equipment includes an energy-efficient heat pump to preserve battery range during cabin heating, along with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality to power external devices such as small appliances.
The B03’s Cell-to-Chassis 2.0 Plus technology integrates the battery into the structural frame. This construction increases torsional rigidity, enhances impact safety, and optimises interior packaging. The architecture also includes a MacPherson independent front suspension alongside a rear torsion beam layout.
Interior and boot space
The interior provides 30 dedicated storage compartments and a modular seating layout. Key features include a driver seatback that reclines up to 149 degrees, a front passenger seat that folds completely flat to transport long cargo, and LeapFlex rear seat bases that flip upward to create 578 mm of additional vertical room.
The boot serves up 405 litres of packing space, Leapmotor says, which expands to 1 305 litres when the rear seatbacks are folded flat. A Dual-Level Cargo Floor accommodates items of up to 2 470 mm in length, while an additional 90-litre washable Leap Box sits beneath the load floor to store wet items.
Features, infotainment and safety
Inside, OEKO-TEX-certified materials line the cabin, with the trim patterns drawing inspiration from Morse code aesthetics. Decorative Leapy mascot motifs appear hidden throughout the storage areas as playful details.
The B03’s cockpit features a Dual Screen Digital Hub, which comprises a 14.6-inch central infotainment display and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system runs on the LEAP OS 4.0 software, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. The interface supports a multi-application display, AI-driven natural voice commands, customisable ambient lighting, and specialised cabin modes such as Guard Mode, Camping Mode, Cleaning Mode, and Demo Mode. Smartphone integration via the Leapmotor app allows for digital key functionality, remote vehicle queries, and remote climate pre-conditioning.
Safety is supported by 14 sensors and 21 cameras, offering Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard. The ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane centring control, front and rear collision warning, automatic lane change, and rear cross-traffic braking. Passive safety features include seven airbags, advanced seatbelt pre-tensioners, and an integrated Leapmotor Motion Control system that manages chassis stability during emergency manoeuvres.
Will the Leapmotor B03 launch in South Africa?
Following the carmaker’s simplified specification strategy, the B03 will launch in a single, fully equipped trim level, scheduled to go on sale in key global markets in early 2027. Currently offering the B10 REEV and C10 REEV in our market, with the 03X compact SUV confirmed for local introduction, Leapmotor has yet to announce whether the B03 will make its way to South Africa. However, considering the increase in popularity of city EVs such as the BYD Dolphin Surf, Geely E2, and Chery Q, we won’t be surprised if the B03 makes its way here in the future.
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