Leapmotor B03 and B03X: Two Electric Cousins Set to Break the Price Barrier Leapmotor is back on the offensive with two new fully electric models: the B03 and the B03X. Positioned as close cousins, these two compact cars share the same technical foundations while targeting slightly different audiences, all with one clear mission — to offer maximum value at an unbeatable price. Following the success of the T03 and C10, the Chinese manufacturer, now backed by Stellantis for its international expansion, continues to push its strategy of democratizing electric mobility. The B03 leans toward a more traditional hatchback silhouette, while the B03X adopts a more dynamic, crossover-inspired design with a slightly raised ride height and SUV-style styling cues. Both models are expected to be built on the same platform and share a similar range of electric motors, with battery options designed to deliver a solid driving range without inflating the sticker price. This is precisely where Leapmotor intends to make its mark: offering a compelling alternative to established rivals, at a price point that could seriously shake up the electric vehicle market segment. Further details regarding specifications, driving range, and pricing are expected in the coming months, as Leapmotor prepares to roll out the B03 and B03X across several international markets, including Europe.

Leapmotor is moving fast, very fast. The Chinese brand didn't just appear overnight, but since its alliance with Stellantis at the end of 2023, its European rollout has clearly picked up pace. The Franco-Italo-American giant holds around 21% of its capital and controls the Leapmotor International joint venture, tasked with marketing the brand outside China. After the T03, C10, B10 and B05, Leapmotor is now tackling the crux of the matter: price. Its response comes in the form of two very similar models, the B03 and the B03X — a hatchback and a small SUV, same DNA, same obsession with finally making electric cars affordable. Which one to choose? Let's put them head to head.

Two body styles, one single-minded idea

The B03 and the B03X share a lot: the same platform, the same three-point light signature at the front, the same smile-shaped rear lights, and above all the same pricing ambition — so much so that they pass for technical cousins. The difference lies in the silhouette. The B03 is an electric five-door hatchback in the B segment, measuring 4.18 metres in length, understated and classic. The B03X takes the same recipe under the raised bodywork of a small urban SUV measuring 4.27 metres, sitting higher off the ground and more fashionable. Inside, both share the house philosophy: a large central touchscreen, a clean design and an aggressive value-for-money ratio.

One useful clarification: Leapmotor has not yet released official photos of the European B03, whose unveiling is expected at the Paris Motor Show in October. The images illustrating this article therefore show its close relative, the B03X, whose front end and overall style the B03 will largely adopt.

The B03, the compact aiming for €20,000

This is the one carrying the most spectacular promise. On its home market in China, where it's called the A05, the B03 is a B-segment five-door hatchback measuring around 4.18 metres. In Europe, it's due to make its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show, running from 12 to 18 October 2026; its price, sales timeline and final WLTP specifications have not, at this stage, been officially confirmed. One thing is certain: Leapmotor is positioning it as an entry-level EV, and the press is anticipating a price below €20,000 — enough to shake up the entire segment, if the promise holds true.

In China, the B03 is announced with two lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, durable and inexpensive — 39.8 and 53 kWh — and motors producing 95 or 122 horsepower, modest figures but consistent with its role as an everyday vehicle. Beware, however, of the ranges quoted there, 403 and 510 km: these are based on the more optimistic Chinese cycle, not the European WLTP homologation, which will inevitably be lower and has yet to be confirmed. Nothing has been said, moreover, about exactly which version will arrive on the Old Continent.

The B03X, the urban SUV that ups the ante

For those left unmoved by the hatchback, the B03X offers exactly the same DNA, but raised up. At 4.27 metres, it goes head-to-head with the Peugeot e-2008 and BYD Atto 2, while undercutting them on price: the starting price is announced at €23,400, and crucially, orders are already open in France, giving it a head start over the B03.

Curiously, it's the SUV that gets the more vigorous powertrains. In France, the B03X comes in two trim levels, Life and Design, built around two LFP batteries: 39.8 kWh for 292 km of WLTP range, and 53 kWh for 382 km. On the French market, Leapmotor is highlighting a motor delivering up to 197 horsepower (145 kW), a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds and a top speed capped at 160 km/h — although the international spec sheet instead quotes 176 hp for the entry-level version, a sign that the messaging still varies from country to country. On the fast-charging front, going from 30 to 80% takes around 16 minutes on a DC charging station. One thing worth watching, though: the range of the entry-level version, limited to 292 km, which will require a bit of planning for high-mileage drivers.

The verdict, and who each model suits

On paper, the contest is more nuanced than it first appears. The B03 banks on a tight price tag and relaxed driving manners: it's the sensible choice, for those who want to switch to electric without breaking the bank and mostly drive around town day to day. The B03X, meanwhile, asks for a few thousand euros more but delivers the elevated driving position the market craves, a noticeably livelier character and immediate availability. That extra ride height comes at the cost of a range that's sometimes a touch tight in the base trim, a logical trade-off for a less aerodynamic body.

Either way, Leapmotor's bet is crystal clear: to offer five genuine seats, usable range and decent fast-charging where European rivals often demand €25,000 or more. The hatchback for maximum savings, the SUV for style and instant appeal. What remains to be confirmed, in real-world use, are the final range figures and the build quality. While waiting to see them in the metal at the Paris Motor Show, you can already browse the brochures of Leapmotor models already in the lineup (T03, C10, B10…) on Brochure Auto, to get a feel for the full range.

Information verified on 25 August 2026. As the European B03 has not yet been officially confirmed, its details are subject to change before its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show.