Leapmotor B03X: The Affordable Compact EV SUV to Look Out For

Leapmotor has already shown it can deliver proper no-nonsense value with the T03 and with a growing and comprehensive range of SUVs, crossovers and even a Golf rivalling electric hatchback.

However, not content with a four car line up, Leapmotor is stepping up with the B Zero 5 launch - a proper compact SUV - and team CtrlAltRefuel are pretty excited with this one.

The B03X (known as the A10 in China) is heading to UK showrooms towards the end of 2026, and early reports and reviews suggest it will be another smart, practical (and very well specced) option for buyers who just want an easy, affordable electric life and something not ‘too’ large.

The B03X is a B-segment crossover, roughly 4.27m long with a proper raised SUV stance. Think a rival to the Renault 4 E-Tech and whatever else is coming in this space.
Regular readers will know I’m a fan of the small and ordinary, and this looks like a great package.

As with all Leapmotor models, it isn’t flashy, and it’s not dull either, but it isn’t trying too hard. It is just a straightforward small family or urban runabout with a bit more presence than a pure city car. Plus with that a raised ride height that many like, it’s not something that’s going to take up too much room or be tricky to park.

The deep green metallic paint looks particularly sharp to me. Great looking car in my humble opinion.

Powertrain, Battery & Expected Range

UK cars will get the bigger 53kWh LFP battery pack mated to a single front-mounted electric motor, so just like the small T03, this Leampotor is front-wheel drive.

Unlike the T03, the B03X will get a more powerful 121 bhp and 150 Nm motor. This provides a 0-62mph sprint in 10.5 seconds with the top speed limited to 100 mph.

On paper you get up to 313 miles on the optimistic Chinese CLTC test cycle. However, in the real world expect something closer to 230 miles, depending on weather, speed and how its driven, which is perfectly fine for most and for what this segment of cars do-which is daily commutes, school runs, supermarket trips and the occasional longer hop with a quick top-up. However, with a drag coefficient of 0.26 its slipperiness through the air will help with range.

LFP chemistry is a plus too: more tolerant of frequent charging and should hold up well over time, plus with the added benefit that it prefers a regular 100% charge, so no need to fiddle with the charge limit.

DC fast charging peaks at around 133kW, with 30-80% possible in roughly 16 minutes. Solid and practical performance.

Interior

One of the nicest surprises in all Leapmotors (even my tiny T03) is the large panoramic glass roof, which runs the full width and floods the cabin with light. Add to this the electric sunshade and it makes it feel more premium and airy than its price suggests.

Boot space is a healthy 602 litres, expanding to around 1,549 litres with the rear seats folded, and because of the front drivetrain, there’s decent underfloor rear storage, too.

Rear legroom looks surprisingly good, as it is with its stablemates, and for a compact SUV it looks genuinely practical and useful.

The cabin is modern and clean, with a BIG 14.6-inch 2.5K touchscreen powered by a fast Snapdragon 8295 chip, plus the B03X gets ambient lighting with 256 colour options, and a minimalist layout a-la Tesla.

However, there is a lack of physical buttons, so some functions mean menu diving. Or, talking to the car-but if the Ai assistant is as good as it is in the T03, you’ll not worry too much about the lack of buttons.

Early feedback also notes the steering column feels a bit short for taller drivers. Nothing deal-breaking, but worth a proper sit-in when UK cars arrive.

Tech, Features & The New A Platform

Underneath sits Leapmotor’s brand-new global A platform (their latest LEAP architecture) and this is the first model to use it. It’s shared with the closely related B03 hatchback which is also slated to come to these shores about a year later. It’s a purpose-built EV architecture with a flat floor so expect more models on this platform in future.

The B03X gets full OTA updates for the life of the car, and a strong suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard: adaptive cruise, lane keep, traffic jam assist and more.

18-inch alloys are standard, and there are six colours to choose from (but how could you not go for that green?)

LED lighting is standard and the electric seats are heated /cooled.

The Stellantis partnership (own half of Leapmotor Europe, and that means good dealer support and parts availability. But look out for the rebranding at your local Vauxhall dealership because mine has just switched to Leapmotor.

On the Road

Early drives in Chinese-spec cars describe it as a relaxed, comfortable cruiser, ideal for urban and suburban use. It’s not going to be particularly sporty or engaging, but it does feature one-pedal driving. The B03X is more about ease than excitement.

Sadly, there’s no AWD option for the B03X, but it keeps things simple, light and efficient. It also means no frunk of course. For AWD options customers will have to look upwards in the line-up.

Most buyers in this segment want something that just works, sips electricities and doesn’t cost a fortune, and this Leapmotor may just fit that bucket list if the price is right.

Price, Spec & UK Arrival

Pricing is still TBC but early indications point to the mid-to low £20k’s That would make it seriously competitive against the Renault 4, BYD Atto 2 and others.

Orders are expected to open shortly, with customer deliveries towards the end of the year (Q4 2026 UK on-sale).

Conclusion

Following the T03’s success in the budget segment, Leapmotor is hoping to prove it can play in the small SUV space too without charging premium money. The new A platform, panoramic glass roof, decent real-world range and Stellantis backing tick a lot of boxes.

We’re also very excited for the upcoming B05 hatchback, which brings that RWD layout many of us prefer (rear-mounted motor, strong dynamics and a more traditional car-like alternative in the range.

Between the B03X, B05 and the rest of the lineup, Leapmotor is building a good range of affordable EV’s for UK drivers.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on final UK pricing, spec and that all-important first UK drive. If it delivers on the promise at the right money, the B03X could be a proper hit in the value stakes.

What do you reckon? Drop your thoughts over on our X channel.