The Leapmotor B05 has officially arrived in Australia, bringing two rear-wheel-drive electric hatchbacks priced below $40,000 drive-away under the brand’s current launch offer. The entry-level B05 Style starts from $35,990 drive-away, while the longer-range Design LR is priced from $39,990 drive-away.
For buyers who have been waiting for EV prices to move closer to mainstream petrol and hybrid cars, those numbers immediately make the B05 interesting. But affordability alone does not make an EV good value.
So, what do Australian buyers actually get for the money, and is the Leapmotor B05 worth considering in 2026?
Quick Answer: Is the Leapmotor B05 Worth Considering?
Yes, the Leapmotor B05 is worth adding to the shortlist if you want an affordable electric hatchback with useful range, strong standard equipment and a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Style offers up to 401km of WLTP range, while the Design LR increases that to 482km. Both use a 160kW rear-mounted electric motor, and both have now received a five-star ANCAP rating under the tougher 2026–2028 testing criteria.
The main consideration is that Leapmotor remains a relatively new name in Australia. Buyers should compare ownership support, insurance, servicing and resale expectations alongside the attractive purchase price.
How Much Does the Leapmotor B05 Cost in Australia?
Leapmotor offers two B05 variants in Australia.
| Leapmotor B05 | Style | Design LR |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $35,888 | $39,888 |
| Current drive-away offer | $35,990 | $39,990 |
| Battery | 56.2kWh LFP | 67.1kWh LFP |
| Power | 160kW | 160kW |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| WLTP range | Up to 401km | Up to 482km |
Leapmotor says the current drive-away offer applies to eligible vehicles purchased and delivered by 30 September 2026, or while stocks last, so buyers should check current pricing before making a decision.
That pricing puts the B05 directly into Australia’s increasingly competitive affordable-EV market rather than positioning it as a premium alternative.
How Far Can the Leapmotor B05 Travel on a Charge?
The answer depends on the variant.
The B05 Style combines a 56.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a claimed WLTP range of up to 401km.
The B05 Design LR receives a larger 67.1kWh battery and increases the claimed WLTP range to 482km.
That extra 81km could make the Design LR more appealing for drivers who regularly travel longer distances or simply want more flexibility between charging stops.
As always, WLTP figures are laboratory-based estimates. Actual range will vary according to speed, weather, traffic, driving style, air-conditioning use and other conditions.
What Is the Leapmotor B05 Like to Drive?
One interesting feature at this price point is its rear-wheel-drive layout.
Both variants produce 160kW, while the Design LR has a claimed 0–100km/h time of 6.7 seconds. Leapmotor also worked with Stellantis on the B05’s chassis development, including tuning at the Balocco proving ground in Italy.
Early independent testing has been encouraging. Reviews have highlighted the B05’s ride comfort, quiet cabin and interior quality, although some reviewers have criticised the frequency of certain driver-assistance warnings.
Australian buyers should still judge the vehicle on a local test drive, particularly because ride quality, driver-assistance behaviour and cabin ergonomics can matter just as much as specifications on paper.
How Quickly Can the Leapmotor B05 Charge?
Both variants support 11kW AC charging, while DC fast-charging capability varies by battery.
Australian specifications list maximum DC charging at approximately 156kW for the Style and 174kW for the Design LR. Under suitable conditions, a 30–80 per cent rapid charge can take around 16–18 minutes.
The B05 also includes a heat pump and vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing the battery to supply power to compatible external equipment.
Actual charging times will depend on battery temperature, charger output, battery state of charge and other conditions.
For drivers considering their first EV, charging habits are worth factoring into the broader cost calculation. Someone who can regularly charge at home may have a very different ownership experience from someone who relies heavily on public fast chargers.
You can also read more about how vehicle expenses may be treated under an electric vehicle novated lease.
What Features Do You Get?
One reason the B05 stands out is the amount of equipment included at its price.
The Style includes features such as:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Frameless doors
- LED lighting
- 14.6-inch central touchscreen
- Digital cockpit
- 360-degree camera
- Integrated dashcam
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Connected vehicle services
Moving to the Design LR adds features including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, upgraded seat trim and a 12-speaker audio system.
For buyers comparing affordable EVs, that means the decision should not be based on range alone. Equipment, comfort and the features you actually use every day can change which variant represents better value.
Is the Leapmotor B05 Safe?
The B05 has now earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating, applying to all Australian and New Zealand variants.
Importantly, this was achieved under ANCAP’s 2026–2028 assessment criteria, rather than an older testing protocol. ANCAP reported a 92 per cent Crash Protection score and highlighted strong results in areas including side-impact protection, lane-departure collision avoidance and whiplash protection.
Standard safety technology includes autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, emergency lane keeping, blind-spot monitoring, driver monitoring and child-presence detection.
That is an important result for an EV competing at the more affordable end of the market.
Style or Design LR: Which B05 Makes More Sense?
The decision largely comes down to whether the additional range and equipment justify spending more.
The Style may suit you if: you mainly commute around town, can charge regularly and want to keep the purchase price as low as possible.
The Design LR may suit you if: you regularly travel longer distances, want fewer charging stops or value its additional comfort and interior features.
With the current drive-away pricing, the difference between the two variants is relatively small compared with the additional 81km of claimed WLTP range.
However, range should not automatically decide the purchase. If your daily driving rarely approaches the Style’s available range, paying more for battery capacity you seldom need may not provide much practical benefit.
How Does the B05 Compare With Other Affordable EVs?
The B05 enters a much more competitive market than an affordable EV would have faced only a few years ago.
Australians can now compare electric hatchbacks and compact vehicles from several manufacturers, including models from BYD, MG and other newer entrants.
That competition gives buyers more choice.
Instead of choosing an EV primarily because it is electric, consumers can increasingly compare the same things they would with conventional cars: price, range, safety, interior quality, practicality, charging, warranty and running costs.
The B05’s combination of sub-$40,000 launch pricing, rear-wheel drive, up to 482km WLTP range and five-star ANCAP rating gives it a credible position in that conversation.
What Should You Check Before Buying a Leapmotor B05?
The headline price and range are attractive, but they should not be the only numbers you compare.
Charging access: Can you charge at home, at work or conveniently nearby?
Annual kilometres: The more you drive, the more energy costs and range may influence your decision.
Insurance: Get quotes for the specific variant before assuming its overall running costs.
Servicing and support: Consider dealer access and ongoing ownership support in your area.
Resale value: Leapmotor is still establishing itself locally, making long-term Australian resale values less established than those of longstanding brands.
Finance: Compare the total amount payable rather than simply the advertised repayment.
Salary packaging: If you’re eligible, compare the potential cost of purchasing or financing the vehicle with an EV novated lease.
Fingo’s novated lease calculator can also provide an initial estimate of how salary packaging a vehicle could affect your take-home pay.
Could the Leapmotor B05 Suit a Novated Lease?
Potentially.
Battery-electric vehicles (BEV) can be particularly relevant to employees considering a novated lease because eligible EVs may qualify for the current electric-car FBT exemption.
Eligibility depends on the vehicle and the applicable tax rules, so the tax treatment should always be checked for the specific car and arrangement rather than assuming every EV automatically qualifies.
A fully maintained novated lease may also allow eligible running expenses such as registration, insurance, servicing, tyres and charging to be budgeted alongside the lease.
That makes it useful to compare the B05 based on its total cost, rather than simply its drive-away price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leapmotor B05's range?
The Style has a claimed WLTP range of up to 401km, while the Design LR increases this to up to 482km.
Is the Leapmotor B05 rear-wheel drive?
Yes. Both Australian B05 variants use a single 160kW electric motor driving the rear wheels.
Does the Leapmotor B05 have a five-star ANCAP rating?
Yes. All Australian B05 variants received a five-star ANCAP rating under the 2026–2028 testing criteria in September 2026.
Is the Leapmotor B05 eligible for the EV FBT exemption?
The B05 is a battery-electric vehicle, but FBT-exemption eligibility depends on the vehicle satisfying the applicable Australian tax requirements and the circumstances of the arrangement. Buyers considering salary packaging should confirm eligibility before relying on potential tax benefits.
Is the Leapmotor B05 Worth a Look?
The B05 arrives at an interesting point in Australia's EV market.
A $35,990 drive-away starting price, up to 482km of WLTP range, rear-wheel drive and a five-star ANCAP safety rating give Australian buyers several reasons to take it seriously.
The bigger question is whether the whole ownership package works for you. Charging access, insurance, servicing, resale expectations and how you plan to finance the car all matter alongside the attractive headline price.
With more affordable EVs entering the Australian market, Fingo can help buyers navigate the choice. From vehicle sourcing and competitive dealer pricing to car finance and novated leasing, Fingo supports customers across the vehicle journey so they can choose an option that suits their needs and financial circumstances.
