Leapmotor just pulled back the curtain on the B05 Ultra, an electric hot hatch that looks set to electrify the compact car segment. Known in its home market as the Lafa 5 Ultra, this sporty variant of the B05 hatchback is turning heads, and for good reason. Senior Vice President Cao Li spilled some details during a recent media chat, building anticipation for its 2026 launch.
Performance-Focused for a Younger Crowd
Cao highlighted that the Lafa 5 Ultra is engineered with young, performance-hungry drivers in mind. It seems Leapmotor has tapped into a growing demographic, with a whopping 70% of current blind-order customers for their vehicles under 35 years old. That stat alone shows the brand knows its audience and how to appeal to them with exciting new models. While the standard Lafa 5 is slated for a late 2025 release in China, enthusiasts will need to wait until the first half of 2026 for the Ultra to hit domestic showrooms. An international rollout will follow, so car lovers worldwide should keep an eye out.
Aggressive Design, Functional Aerodynamics
Even without a full spec sheet, the B05 Ultra’s exterior tells a compelling story. It sports a dedicated aerodynamic package that includes a re-sculpted front splitter, a more prominent rear spoiler, and sleek gloss-black trim accents. These aren’t just for show either. Cao explained that while both the standard and Ultra models roll on 19-inch alloy wheels, the Ultra’s unique front bumper, diffuser, and spoiler designs are all about enhancing visual appeal and aerodynamic stability. Every curve and line on this car serves a purpose, preventing unnecessary flair and focusing on genuine performance benefits.
An Interior Built for Driving
While the interior remains mostly under wraps, Cao did reveal that the cabin will feature extensive suede-like materials. This choice aims to create a strong sense of performance, hinting at a driver-focused environment where comfort meets sportiness. We expect to see the full interior design later this year, but the promise of functional aesthetics over mere decoration means we can anticipate a cockpit designed to enhance the driving experience, not distract from it.
European Tuning and Modular Power
Perhaps one of the most exciting revelations is that Stellantis’ European engineering team has tuned the Lafa 5 Ultra’s chassis. This collaboration suggests a meticulous approach to handling and ride dynamics, with a perfect 50:50 weight distribution targeted for exceptional cornering stability. The rumor mill is buzzing, with industry observers expecting a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, which would undoubtedly deliver exhilarating performance on the road or track. This kind of setup could put it in direct competition with other performance-oriented EVs globally, showing how Chinese manufacturers are stepping up their game. For those curious about how such partnerships unfold, Stellantis has already begun powering Leapmotor’s expansion into South America as seen in their South American debut.
Underneath, the Lafa 5 Ultra is built on Leapmotor’s LEAP 3.5 modular platform. This advanced architecture allows the Lafa 5 to stand out as the brand’s most dynamic compact EV to date. Once it hits the market, it will enter China’s increasingly competitive compact hatch segment, vying for attention against established players like the BYD Dolphin, Geely Geome Xingyuan, and the MG4 EV. The continuous evolution of such platforms is crucial, as evidenced by how companies like BYD are pushing the envelope with their own modular designs, like the groundbreaking Yangwang U8L’s one-piece cast aluminum frame. Ultimately, this new hot hatch from Leapmotor isn’t just another EV; it’s a statement that electrifying performance can be accessible and thrilling, proving that the future of driving is loud, fun, and electric.
