Leapmotor B05 Design LR 2026 review: snapshot | BYD Dolphin rival tested

The Leapmotor B05 Design is a new, would-be rival to the likes of the BYD Dolphin, GAC Aion UT and MG4, as well as petrol or hybrid hatchbacks like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Kia K4, blending European expertise with Chinese value. 

Priced from $39,990 drive-away, this electric hatchback isn’t the cheapest on the market, but it does come reasonably well equipped for the price.

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights 
• 8.8-inch digital driver display
• 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite Navigation
• Wireless phone charger
• NFC & Bluetooth key
• Fixed panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade
• 12-speaker Surround Audio System 
• Interior ambient lighting
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Rear centre armrest and cupholders

While the B05 was very much driven by the European side of the Leapmotor International operation because of its preference for hatchbacks, there’s no doubt it has a distinctive family look to sit nicely alongside the B10 and C10 SUVs.

The company says it has a ‘coupe silhouette’ and a ‘wide-body stance’ to give it a sporty look, which also helps it cut through the air better and help with the range. While it’s very much a conventional five-door hatch, it does look well proportioned and inoffensive, which is a good place for Leapmotor to find itself in these early days in Australia.

Inside, the overall level of design and finish has been lifted from previous Leapmotor models, and while not yet to European or even some Japanese standards, this is a clear step forward for the brand.

Technology is clearly a key selling point for Leapmotor, with a lot of its marketing presentation focused on a younger demographic 

It certainly has a clean and straightforward interior, but that’s expected from most modern cars, but in particular the Chinese. There are the two screens for all information and entertainment, but almost no buttons or switchgear. 

It means you need to either rely on the voice command, which can be hit and miss, navigate the multimedia screen menus or remember what each of the multi-purpose buttons and dials on the steering wheel do.

In short, it’s not a particularly user-friendly car to drive, especially when you’re new and learning its controls.

The digital key is a nice touch, but the need to place the NFC card into a specific spot feels like it diminishes the ease-of-use for what is a ‘keyless’ car.

The B05 Design is powered by a 160kW and 240Nm electric motor which, unlike most hatches these days, drives the rear wheels. 

The Design is powered by a 67.1kWh lithium phosphate battery (LFP) that provides a theoretical driving range of 482km.

On the safety front, the B05 Design is equipped with enough safety features to score a five-star ANCAP rating. However, some of the systems are poorly calibrated, in particular the lane keeping assist, which diminishes what is an otherwise pleasant driving experience.