2026 Leapmotor B05 Ultra could be ultimate performance bargain in Australia with Chinese pricing, Euro handling, hot hatch power to bait VW Golf GTI, Cupra Born

Chinese brand Leapmotor's most performance-focused model to date is firming for an Australian launch, with the B05 Ultra on the cards to follow the regular B05's launch later this year.

Unlike the rest of Leapmotor's model lineup in Australia, the B05 and B05 Ultra are hot, or at least hot-ish, hatchbacks, with the brand promising to combine Chinese battery and motor technology with European ride and handling to deliver a vehicle ready to do battle with models like the Cupra Born.

The 160kW B05 is already confirmed for an Australian launch later this year, with the Ultra now firming to follow suit.

Add CarsGuide as a preferred source in Google Search

"The Ultra, at this moment, we are studying. It is really interesting feedback we are getting from the media testing the car, (and we're) deciding when and if, region by region," says Leapmotor International's Global head of Brand Strategy, Product and Marketing, Francesco Giacalone.

"The (C-segment hatch) segment is not super popular everywhere as a segment, in contrast to the C-SUV. But with the Ultra version, there is probably some brand positioning, a brand statement, that could work for us.

"So, we are seriously considering it everywhere."

While the regular B05 produces 160kW and 240Nm, the B05 Ultra dials up the outputs to 180kW and 320Nm – knocking a full two seconds off the claimed sprint to 100km/h time, which drops from 7.9 to 5.9 seconds.

For perspective, that puts it on par with the current VW Golf GTI, which reports an identical zero to 100km/h time.

Also critical is Leapmotor's adaptation of a European ride and handling program, which will essentially become the global tune (outside of China). It's more than just tuning, too, with Leapmotor adjusting the layout of components to deliver a sportier drive.

"It drives completely different," Giacalone told CarsGuide.

"We have, after some assessments done in November, lowered the hook point of the suspension arms on the rear, and lowered the centre of gravity, and the car has totally changed behavior.

"So if you drive a BO5, European versus BO5 for China, totally different."

The Leapmotor B05 is confirmed for launch in Australia towards the end of 2026, with the Ultra now expected – but not confirmed – to follow. Pricing is yet to be confimed, but pricing in China is sharp. The entry-level 160kW B05 starts there at the equivalent of $25,00 AUD.