Leaping to level two
Leapmotor has confirmed the B05 BEV, which it presented at Fieldays, will arrive at dealerships from August in two levels of specification and a launch offer from $43,990 plus on-road costs.
It has frameless doors, 19-inch “swift wing” alloys and comes with the “broadest shoulder width in its segment” at 1,880mm.
Measuring 4,430mm, 1,520mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,735mm, the B05 is “engineered for performance and stance”.
Brian Carr, general manager of Leapmotor NZ, says: “The B05 is more than a car, it’s a statement. It reflects commitment to innovation, accessibility and empowerment.”
As with the marque’s other models, the B05 is available in Life and Design trim levels with both “well-equipped with a significant level of premium features”.
The B05 ensures buyers benefit from the latest technology and a wide range of premium features. Depending on trim level, equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, automatic air-conditioning, automatic LED headlights and taillights, and electrically operated heated and folding exterior mirrors.
Smartphone connectivity is also standard, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad between the front seats. The B05 comes with a self-developed powerful audio system with up to 12 speakers.
Also included in the higher Design grade are electrically adjustable front seats – six-way for the driver and four-way for the passenger – trimmed in certified eco-leather. These seats feature a seven-layer construction and are dressed in bamboo charcoal upholstery.
As a result of Leapmotor’s cell-to-chassis technology, the B05 “is very space efficient, offering exceptional rear passenger shoulder room and generous headroom throughout”. In addition, the rear seats feature a rake of 27 degrees to improve comfort on long trips.
The BEV features a large boot, plus the rear seat has a 60-40 split fold function for enhanced flexibility. With the rear seats in place, the B05 has a boot volume of 345 litres, which expands to 1,400l with the seats folded.
There are 25 storage spaces throughout the vehicle, including in the centre console, door panels, seat backs and boot to meet daily needs, as well as ISO-fix fittings with top tether on the two rear outer seats.
Five exterior paint finishes are available, including the B05’s signature solid lightning yellow. The other metallic colours include starry night blue, windy grey, metallic black and galaxy silver. All are complemented by gloss-black trim inserts for the front grille, lower sills, window surrounds and door mirror housings.
For the interior, there’s a two-tone light-grey theme as well as a shadow-grey available both as a no-cost option.
The B05 is the first Leapmotor model to feature 21 driver-assistance systems that allow level-two semi-autonomous driving thanks to the introduction of an extra front sensor that enables four additional systems.
Key technologies include advanced emergency braking, automatic lane change, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, door open warning for cyclists and adaptive cruise control.