First look at the new Leapmotor B05, as the new car is launched in London
Leapmotor B05 launch : By Rachel Ducker
We attended the launch of the all-new Leapmotor B05 – the newest electric offering from the emerging EV manufacturer, which arrived in London yesterday for its UK debut.
EVs are no longer just a novelty or just for business mileage, it’s becoming a very real option for everyday life. The Leapmotor B05 is a tempting choice given its combination of range, technology, comfort and practicality. For someone like me, who is keen to make more sustainable choices where they can, as juggling work with travel and family life is a daily occurrence, it ticks a lot of boxes I look for in EVs.
Bounce had a first look inside and out, taken a closer inspection of the technology on-board and discovered some of the features that Leapmotor is hoping will make this a viable and distinctive option in an increasingly popular market.
Range of up to 300 miles
Perhaps one of the biggest figures that leap out from the announcement of the B05 is its range of up to 300 miles (WLTP), the highest of any EV model on Leapmotor’s current range.
For anyone like me who is evaluating how an EV could work for their family life, range is crucial. A car has to be capable of more than a quick school run. It needs to be practical for days out, visiting family, work commutes, not to mention longer trips to catch those events. An up-to-300-mile range is a very welcome reassurance, making it feel less of a ‘special’ car and more like a regular, usable car in daily life.
Packed with technology in the cabin
Inside the car, what catches your eye first and foremost is a massive 14.6-inch 2.5K HD central touchscreen, which comes with the latest Leapmotor OS 4.0 infotainment system.
The B05 appears to be targeted squarely at consumers who want their cars to feel connected and it was fascinating to see how even TikTok has found a place within its systems at the launch.
Further appealing tech includes wireless phone charging – a simple, yet utterly essential feature when you’re constantly in and out of the car – and an upgraded 12-speaker premium audio system to entertain. And don’t get me started on the colour changing lights.
Heated seats and steering wheel included as standard
A very welcome feature, particularly with the unpredictability of British weather, is heated front seats and a heated steering wheel come as standard features. The eco-leather finished seats are OEKO-TEX certified, adding a more luxurious feel and nicely suiting the car’s modern electric proposition. There’s also a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade that adds to the bright, spacious atmosphere within the cabin.
Vehicle-to-Load tech is ingenious
For me, the cleverest technology to see on display at the launch of the B05 was Vehicle-to-Load or V2L functionality. This allows energy from the car’s large battery to be used to power external devices and applications.
Leapmotor showed what this looks like by power a full size retro arcade game using just one of the B05 models, which provided a memorable insight into its capabilities beyond the day-to-day. However, the reality could be incredibly useful for powering up equipment on camping trips, festivals or at any remote location.
Designed to make every drive easier
To support day to day driving, Leapmotor has equipped the B05 with a 360-degree camera system with dynamic guidelines. As most cars get larger and parallel parking is already an art form, it’s good to see this type of advanced assistance tech make its way onto a more affordable EV like the B05. But don’t think for a second that this means the car is slow, with Leapmotor claiming it’s capable of0-62mph in 6.7 seconds for those who do enjoy getting a quick burst of speed.
Sporty looks, for an everyday car
The B05 has a distinct presence with a broad body width and a sculpted bonnet that features sharp lines and a rather sporty profile. Sharpness continues along the sides with frameless windows on both the front and rear, alongside 19-inch alloy wheels and a gloss black detailing on wing mirrors. The front offers three-stage split headlights and a sloped roofline that subtly extends to a spoiler, finished in the rear with a full-width light bar across the car’s tailgate. TheB05 manages to balance sporty aesthetics with everyday practicality very well.
Leapmotor B05 First Thoughts
Looking at the Leapmotor B05 at the London launch, it’s easy to see its appeal. The 300-mile range, large central screen,heated amenities, panoramic roof, 360 cameras,and V2L technology all add up to a seriously well-specced package. What stood out to me the most was that the available technologies are not just for show – a lot of them felt genuinely practical for everyday use.
And that is what really matters to someone like me when considering my next electric car – balancing the benefits of electric mobility with the practical needs of family life.
This has been our first look at the B05, but after seeing what it has to offer up close,we are certainly keen to get behind the wheel for a full road test.
