Leapmotor Lafa 5
The 2026 Leapmotor Lafa 5 is a five-door compact electric hatchback from China with a 56.2 kWh battery, 361 km (224 mi) range, 215 hp motor, and 0–100 km/h in 2.78 s. Starting at $23,000 (≈ €19,780 / £17,250), it targets budget-minded EV buyers seeking style and performance in a modern package.
Technical Specifications:
| manufactured in | China |
| model year | 2026 |
| electric range (km) | 361 |
| battery (kWh) | 56.2 |
| max. speed (km/h) | 170 |
| 0 to 100 km/h (sec) | 2.78 |
| power (h.p.) | 215 |
| car type | hatchback / 5 doors |
| power type | full-electric |
| drive type | RWD |
* Minimum price set by the manufacturer, excluding taxes and additional options
Exterior and Interior photos of Leapmotor Lafa 5
Leapmotor Lafa 5 Overview and Market Position
The Leapmotor Lafa 5 steps into the compact EV arena as a five-door hatchback designed to shake up the budget-friendly electric car segment. Built in China and expected to debut globally in 2026, it rides on the company’s modular LEAP 3.5 architecture, which underpins several of Leapmotor’s latest EVs. With a starting price of $23,000 (≈ €19,780 / £17,250), it aims to make electrification genuinely accessible while maintaining a stylish edge that appeals to younger, urban-minded buyers.
- Manufacturer: Leapmotor, China – part of the rapidly expanding Chinese EV sector.
- Market launch: Q4 2025 in China, international sales 2026.
- Platform: LEAP 3.5 modular EV platform shared with the B10 crossover.
- Starting price: $23,000 (≈ €19,780 / £17,250).
- Body type: Five-door compact hatchback with RWD layout.
Battery, Range and Performance:
Battery, Charging and Range
The Lafa 5 uses a 56.2 kWh LFP battery pack rated for around 361 km (224 miles) WLTP on a single charge. That’s a sweet spot for city and regional driving without the range anxiety older EVs suffered. Charging comes via an 11 kW AC onboard unit and a 168 kW DC fast-charging port capable of taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes — a solid figure for the class.
- Battery capacity: 56.2 kWh (LFP chemistry).
- Range: 361 km / 224 mi (WLTP).
- Charging (AC/DC): 11 kW AC / 168 kW DC fast charge.
- Charge time: ≈ 30 minutes (10–80%).
Performance Specifications
Performance is no afterthought here. A rear-mounted 215-horsepower (160 kW) motor launches the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.78 seconds — figures that place it well above most compact EVs in its price range. Top speed is 170 km/h (106 mph). The rear-wheel drive setup ensures predictable handling and a more engaging driving feel than the front-drive norm in budget EVs.
- Power: 215 hp / 160 kW.
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 2.78 s.
- Top speed: 170 km/h / 106 mph.
- Drive type: Rear-wheel drive (RWD).
The higher trim offers a larger 67.1 kWh battery pack, pushing range closer to 430 km (267 miles) for $26,500 (≈ €22,790 / £19,880).
Exterior and Interior Features
Exterior
Design-wise, the Lafa 5 leans on aerodynamics and simplicity. A sleek profile with flush door handles and a smooth, closed-off front grille underscores efficiency. Full-width LED light bars front and rear accentuate its width while keeping things visually clean. Color choices include four standard tones plus two exclusive hues: Electric Yellow and Wind Gray.
Interior
Inside, a floating infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, backed by a digital instrument cluster. The clean layout and suede leather upholstery give the interior a premium touch for its price. The wheelbase of 2,735 mm (107.7 in) creates solid legroom for five passengers, and cargo capacity around 400 liters (14.1 cu ft) is practical for daily runs. Optional LiDAR enhances driver-assistance capabilities on higher trims.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Competitive price starting at $23,000 (≈ €19,780 / £17,250).
- Strong performance — 0–100 km/h in 2.78 s.
- Spacious interior with suede finish and modern digital dash.
- Fast charging (10–80% in 30 min) via 168 kW DC charger.
- Stylish design and youthful color palette.
Cons
- Limited availability outside China until 2026.
- Unknown long-term battery durability data.
- Base trim may lack some advanced ADAS features.
- Brand recognition still growing in Western markets.
Prices Depending on the Trim and Options:
| Base Model (56.2 kWh) | $23,000 (≈ €19,780 / £17,250) |
| Higher Trim (67.1 kWh) | $26,500 (≈ €22,790 / £19,880) |
Verdict:
The Leapmotor Lafa 5 positions itself as one of the most affordable yet technically credible compact EVs for 2026. With its solid range, spirited performance, and modern design, it hits the sweet spot for urban and regional drivers looking for an electric car that feels fresh and accessible. At a price tag that undercuts Western rivals by thousands, it may very well be the budget EV to watch next year.
Manufacturer: Leapmotor
Watch the Video Overview
Comparison:
Among its classmates — Volkswagen ID. 3, SAIC MG4, BYD Dolphin, and Kia EV4 — the Leapmotor Lafa 5 stands out for price-to-performance value. At just $23,000 (≈ €19,780 / £17,250), it undercuts every major competitor by a wide margin while offering acceleration more akin to premium EVs.
Range Comparison
The Lafa 5 delivers 361 km (224 mi) range, slightly below the ID. 3’s 426 km (265 mi) and MG4’s 450 km (280 mi), yet close to the BYD Dolphin’s 340 km (211 mi). Its higher trim reaches 430 km (267 mi), matching the Kia EV4 prototype targets.
Acceleration and Power
With 215 hp (160 kW) and 0–100 km/h in 2.78 s, the Lafa 5 easily outpaces the ID. 3 (7.3 s) and MG4 (7.9 s), showing true sports-hatch energy. Even the upcoming Kia EV4 can’t match that quickness under $30,000.
Charging Time
Its 168 kW DC fast charging beats the MG4’s 135 kW and ID. 3’s 120 kW. A 30-minute charge window adds serious daily convenience for commuters.
Price Perspective
The base Lafa 5 retails for $23,000 (≈ €19,780 / £17,250), whereas the ID. 3 starts around $36,000 (≈ €30,960 / £27,000). Even the budget-minded BYD Dolphin costs about $26,000 (≈ €22,360 / £19,500). That pricing gap cements Leapmotor’s model as the segment’s most aggressive value proposition heading into 2026.
Latest News:
Related news from the different online sources
November 29, 2025 Leapmotor has officially launched its compact electric hatchback, the B05 (sold domestically as Lafa5), in China, offering five trim levels to suit a range of budgets and driving needs. The entry-level 515 Plus starts at 97,800 yuan (approximately USD 13,800), while the top-tier 605 Max reaches 121,800 yuan (USD 17,200). Early-bird buyers can save around 5,000 yuan across trims.
November 25, 2025 Leapmotor Technology Senior Vice President, Cao Li, recently offered a glimpse of the upcoming B10/Lafa 5 Ultra, sharing real-world images of the vehicle on social media. The Lafa 5 Ultra is anticipated to be a high-performance variant of the standard Lafa 5, which is scheduled for launch on November 28. The more potent Ultra version is slated for a market debut in the second quarter of 2026. The Lafa 5 Ultra’s front fascia features an added front splitter and a prominent, outward-jutting front lip, finished in a sleek black gloss. Along the vehicle’s lower doors, new side skirts have been integrated, complementing the black wheels. The rear of the Lafa 5 Ultra is equipped with a sporty rear wing and a bold diffuser integrated into the lower bumper.
November 7, 2025 Leapmotor has officially begun pre-sales for its new all-electric hatchback, the Leapmotor B05, known in China as the Lafa 5. The model is positioned in the compact EV segment, priced between 105,800 yuan (14,850 USD) and 131,800 yuan (18,500 USD) across five variants. Customers who pay a 99 yuan deposit before launch can access limited benefits worth up to 12,500 yuan (1,750 USD), including a temporary purchase-tax subsidy. Deliveries will begin immediately following the official market launch on November 28, 2025.
October 27, 2025 Leapmotor ramps up excitement for the Lafa 5 electric hatchback with fresh Wind Gray photos and full specs, targeting young urban drivers. Measuring 4430mm long with a 2735mm wheelbase, it packs 132kW or 160kW motors and LFP batteries for 515-605km CLTC range. Pre-sales kick off November 7 in China, deliveries early 2026, plus an AWD Ultra variant next year. American EV seekers will covet the optional LiDAR for smart assists and spacious, tech-loaded cabin.
October 16, 2025 New yellow-tinted images spotlight the Leapmotor Lafa 5's sporty flair, boasting frameless doors and a panoramic sunroof for airy vibes. This compact EV hits 4430mm length, 132-160kW power, and up to 605km range on efficient LFP packs. Aimed at youthful commuters, its roomy rear and black alloy wheels promise fun city runs. U.S. enthusiasts eye the November pre-sales and Q4 launch, with global push including a dual-motor Ultra for peppy highway sprints.
October 15, 2025 Leapmotor teases the Lafa 5 Ultra, its first electric hot hatch with matte beige finish, aggressive body kit, and massive rear wing for standout style. Building on the standard model's 4430mm footprint and LEAP 3.5 platform, expect dual motors for thrilling acceleration and balanced 50:50 weight distribution. Tuned by Stellantis engineers, it targets 2026 deliveries. American drivers craving affordable performance EVs will buzz over the sporty upgrades and urban agility.