Leapmotor B05 Ultra, its first electric hot hatch, previewed for 2026 launch

Leapmotor has previewed the upcoming sports activities variant of the B05 hatchback, B05 Extremely, recognized in China because the Lafa 5 Extremely, following feedback by Senior Vice President Cao Li throughout a current media interplay. The Leapmotor B05 made its debut on the 2025 Munich Motor Present.

In line with Cao, the Lafa 5 Extremely has undergone intensive growth concentrating on younger, performance-minded customers. Round 70% of present blind-order clients are beneath 35 years previous, reflecting the model’s attraction amongst youthful consumers. He additionally confirmed that whereas the usual Lafa 5 will enter the Chinese language market by late 2025, the Lafa 5 Extremely is deliberate for home supply within the first half of 2026, with a gradual worldwide rollout to comply with.

Though Leapmotor has not launched full technical specs, the Extremely model options important exterior upgrades. These embrace a devoted aerodynamic package deal with a reshaped entrance splitter, bigger rear spoiler, and gloss-black trim accents. Each the usual and Extremely fashions journey on 19-inch alloy wheels. Nonetheless, Cao famous that the Sports activities variant options completely different styling components for its entrance bumper, diffuser, and spoiler, enhancing visible distinction and aerodynamic stability.

The inside stays beneath wraps, however Cao confirmed the usage of intensive suede-like supplies to create a “sturdy sense of efficiency.” The corporate intends to disclose the entire cabin design later this yr. He added that every one aesthetic decisions serve useful functions, emphasising that Leapmotor avoids purely ornamental components in favour of designs that assist aerodynamics or driver management.

The Lafa 5 Extremely’s chassis has reportedly been tuned by Stellantis’ European engineering workforce, with a 50:50 weight distribution aimed toward improved cornering stability. Business observers count on the Extremely to characteristic a dual-motor all-wheel-drive structure, though this stays unconfirmed.

Constructed on Leapmotor’s LEAP 3.5 modular platform, the Lafa 5 will be a part of the model’s lineup as its most dynamic compact EV to this point. As soon as launched, it’s going to compete in China’s rising compact hatch section towards fashions such because the  BYD Dolphin, Geely Geome Xingyuan and MG4.