EV to start at $37,990
Leapmotor is set to strengthen its position in New Zealand’s expanding electric-car market by launching its new B03X in October.
It’s a compact electric SUV designed to deliver “class-leading practicality, generous cabin space and advanced technology in a city-friendly package”.
Priced from $37,990 plus on-road costs for the Life model and from $42,990 for the Design, the B03X will expand the brand’s Kiwi range while it increases its dealer network to 12 locations as extra outlets open in Napier, Taupo, Rotorua and Palmerston North.
At 4.27 metres long, the B03X is designed to offer the manoeuvrability of a compact SUV without sacrificing passenger or cargo space. A 2,605mm wheelbase and flat-floor EV architecture contribute to a spacious cabin with 947mm of rear legroom and up to 1,009mm of front headroom.
“The B03X brings a different proposition to the compact EV market,” says Brian Carr, general manager of sales at Auto Distributors. “It’s easy to manoeuvre and park in an urban environment, but once you get inside the amount of space and flexibility is apparent.
“We’ve focused heavily on making the B03X a vehicle that’s genuinely useful every day, while giving customers the technology, performance and EV efficiency they expect.”
510 litres of boot space
The B03X’s practicality is underlined by its flexible interior and innovative storage solutions. The standard boot provides 405l of cargo capacity with 105l more available beneath the boot floor in Leapmotor’s GigaBox.
The waterproof and washable storage compartment takes total boot capacity to 510l, while folding the rear seats increases total cargo volume to 1,605l.
Leapmotor has incorporated a flexible rear-seat system. This allows the rear cushions to be raised to create extra cargo flexibility.
There are 33 storage compartments in the cabin, including extra storage beneath the floating centre console, while a 15W wireless smartphone charging pad and dual cupholders are integrated into the console design.
Up to 382km in range
The B03X will be available with two LFP battery options – a 39.8kWh unit providing up to 292km of WLTP range and a larger 53kWh battery offering up to 382km. The smaller-battery Life can deliver 130kW of power while the larger Design model offers up to 145kW.
DC fast charging supports up to 100kW with the 39.8kWh and 133kW on the 53kWh model, while the onboard AC charger supports up to 11kW.
At the heart of the B03X is the marque’s cell-to-chassis 2.0-plus battery architecture. Integrating the battery directly into the vehicle’s structure lowers the centre of gravity and increases torsional stiffness, while thermal runaway protection maximises battery safety and durability.
Focus on technology
The B03X features a large 14.6-inch floating central touchscreen. It’s complemented by an 8.8-inch digital instrument display.
Leap OS 4.0 Plus is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while over-the-air software updates allow the vehicle’s software and functions to be continually improved.
The technology package extends beyond infotainment, with level-two driver assistance incorporating 21 ADAS features, supported by 14 sensors and cameras. Three driving modes allow owners to tailor the B03X’s characteristics to different conditions.
Carr says: “Technology should make the ownership experience easier rather than more complicated. The B03X has been designed around that philosophy, combining a sophisticated digital platform with straightforward functionality and a cabin that’s clean and easy to use.”
The B03X is anticipated to achieve a top ANCAP safety rating following the five stars already achieved by Leapmotor’s B10 and C10.
Safety and driver-assistance technology are integral to the B03X package. Its ADAS suite has been designed to provide extra support across a range of everyday driving situations, complemented by the inclusion of seven airbags.
The B03X will also be backed by a six-year warranty, adding further reassurance for customers entering the EV market.
Brand expands Kiwi footprint
The B03X’s launch comes as Leapmotor expands its national retail presence with new dealerships in Napier, Taupo, Rotorua and Palmerston North taking its New Zealand network to 12 outlets.
“Expanding the dealer network at the same time as introducing B03X is an important step for Leapmotor in New Zealand,” says Carr.
“We’re offering a range of vehicles that offer customers genuine choice, and it’s equally important have convenient access to sales and after-sales support. The new locations significantly strengthen our coverage across the North Island.”
On the global stage, Leapmotor continues to perform at an “impressive level”. For June 2026, it ranked third for top automotive brands in the world for EV sales. This helped solidify its fourth-place position on the same list over the first six months of 2026.
Leapmotor also achieved a milestone in July when worldwide deliveries passed 100,000 units in a month for the first time. The result of 101,267 deliveries was up from 50,129 in July 2025 and was more than four times the 22,093 units achieved in July 2024.
