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:
| EV body type | hatchback |
| EV model year | 2026 |
| EV manufactured in | China |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 56.2 |
| Electric range (km) | 361 |
| EV max. speed (km/h) | 170 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec) | 2.78 |
| EV power (h.p.) | 215 |
| Power Type | full-electric |
| Drive Type | RWD |
* Minimum price set for the base trim by the manufacturer
Leapmotor Lafa 5 Review
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.
Exterior and Interior photos of Leapmotor Lafa 5
Watch the Video Overview
Full Specification List:
Model Specs
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Model Name
|
Leapmotor Lafa 5
|
|
Model Year
|
2026
|
|
Country of Origin
|
China
|
|
Manufacturer
|
Leapmotor
|
|
Body Type
|
Hatchback
|
|
Power Type
|
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
|
|
Platform
|
LEAP 3.5
|
|
Seating Capacity
|
5 seats
|
Performance
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Powertrain
|
Rear-mounted electric motor
|
|
Drive Type
|
RWD
|
|
Electric Motor Power
|
160 kW - 215 hp (higher trim) - 132 kW (base)
|
|
Torque
|
240 Nm - 177 lb-ft
|
|
Maximum Speed
|
170 km/h - 106 mph
|
|
Acceleration 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h)
|
6.4 seconds (higher trim) - 8.7 seconds (base)
|
Battery and Charging
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Battery Capacity
|
56.2 kWh (base) - 67.1 kWh (higher trim)
|
|
Battery Type
|
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
|
|
AC Charging
|
11 kW
|
|
DC Fast Charging
|
168 kW
|
|
Charging Time (10% to 80%)
|
Approximately 30 minutes (DC)
|
Estimated Range Data
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
CLTC Range
|
515 km - 320 miles (56.2 kWh) - 605 km - 376 miles (67.1 kWh)
|
|
WLTP Range
|
361 km - 224 miles (base) - up to 434 km - 270 miles (higher trim)
|
Body Specifications
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Wheelbase
|
2735 mm - 107.7 inches
|
|
Length
|
4430 mm - 174.4 inches
|
|
Width
|
1880 mm - 74.0 inches
|
|
Height
|
1520 mm - 59.8 inches
|
|
Curb Weight
|
1665 kg - 3671 lb to 1715 kg - 3781 lb
|
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Luggage Volume
|
400 L - 14.1 cu ft
|
Exterior Design Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Design Elements
|
Sleek profile, flush door handles, closed-off front grille, full-width LED light bars front and rear
|
|
Available Colors
|
Four standard tones plus Electric Yellow and Wind Gray
|
Interior Design and Materials
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Upholstery
|
Suede leather
|
|
Interior Focus
|
Spacious with high floor-to-ceiling ratio
|
Cabin Technical Features
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
|
Instrument Cluster
|
8.8-inch digital cluster
|
|
Center Display
|
14.6-inch infotainment screen
|
|
Processor
|
Qualcomm 8295 chip
|
|
Additional Features
|
Automatic climate control, voice commands, 50W wireless charging
|
|
Driver Assistance
|
Level 2 ADAS, optional LiDAR on higher trims
|
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.
