This new Chinese electric car looks like a Volkswagen Golf – Leapmotor B05 revealed

• New Leapmotor B05 revealed
• Electric hatchback looks like a VW Golf
• Could have up to 300 miles of range
• On sale near the end of 2026
• Prices expected to start from less than £30,000

This is the new Leapmotor B05, and it’s an electric family hatchback from China which will take on cars like the Volkswagen ID3, Kia EV4 and the MG4.

There aren’t many official specs for this car just yet, but it’ll share a lot of parts under the skin with the Leapmotor B10 SUV, and it’s set to cost less than £30,000.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

New Leapmotor B05 design

You might be looking at the new Leapmotor B05 with a sense of deja vu, and there’s a good reason for this. Just look at it side-by-side with a Volkswagen Golf.

The front ends of these two cars look almost exactly the same, right down to the eyebrow-esque light bar. The resemblance really is uncanny.

At least the side profile is a little bit more original. It has a smooth and almost bubble-like shape, and this yellow colour is also really eye-catching. The B05 is sitting on 19-inch alloy wheels, and at the rear you have a full-width light bar to finish things off.

New Leapmotor B05 batteries, motors and range

Leapmotor hasn’t given any official stats for the B05 yet, although it’s highly likely that it’ll share parts with the B10 SUV.

This means you can expect to see a 218hp electric motor powering the front wheels, and 0-62mph is likely to take less than 8.0 seconds.

There could also be two battery options on offer. The Leapmotor B10 is available with either a 56kWh pack delivering up to 224 miles of range, or there’s a 67kWh battery which will go for up to 270 miles between charges.

The B05 is lower and likely more aerodynamic than the B10, so you can expect it to have at least the same range if not more. The larger battery may get close to 300 miles.

When can I buy the new Leapmotor B05?

The Leapmotor B05 is due to go on sale at the end of 2026, just after the B10 SUV. While official prices are yet to be confirmed, you can expect this family hatchback to cost less than £30,000.

Leapmotor B05 alternatives

So which cars will the Leapmotor B05 be going up against? Here are five alternatives you may want to consider.

MG4

The MG4 is the most obvious alternative to the new Leapmotor B05, because it’s a budget-friendly Chinese electric car. It’s also striking to look at, packed with kit and it’s good fun to drive, although the infotainment system is a faff to use and the boot isn’t the biggest.

Volkswagen ID3

The B05 may look like a Golf, but it will actually be an alternative to the Volkswagen ID3. This posh-feeling hatchback has loads of interior space and impressive driving range, and it’s comfortable to drive as well. Just be aware that the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls are a pain in the rear.

Kia EV4

This is the new Kia EV4, and you can think of it as an electric alternative to the recently deceased Ceed hatchback. It has space-aged styling and an impressive seven-year warranty, plus you get up to 388 miles on a charge. We haven’t had the chance to drive an EV4 yet, but if the smaller EV3 is anything to go by then it should be comfy and easy to live with.

Jaecoo E5

If you’re after something of a similar size to the B05, but also want designer SUV styling, then check out the Jaecoo E5. It bears more than a passing resemblance to a Range Rover Evoque, and with prices starting from less than £28,000 it seems like a bit of a bargain.

Peugeot E-308

The Peugeot E-308 is a super-stylish electric car which has an equally lovely interior. It’s also lovely to drive, and you get a decent-sized boot. It’s just a shame that it’s quite expensive compared to alternatives, and it doesn’t have the best range either.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.