Leapmotor’s newest model, the B03X, is a baby SUV that merges compact size with bold styling to attract urban drivers seeking an electric vehicle with distinct character. Measuring just 4,275mm in length, it ranks among the shortest in its class, yet its 2,605mm wheelbase delivers surprising interior space for a city-focused car. As Leapmotor’s first true subcompact offering, the B03X follows the introduction of larger models like the C10 SUV and B05 hatchback, solidifying the brand’s expansion into the affordable electric vehicle segment.
Battery Options and Range
The B03X provides two battery configurations—a 39.8kWh option and a larger 53.0kWh pack—delivering 292km and 382km of range under WLTP conditions. Fast charging reaches 133kW for the higher-capacity battery, while the onboard AC charger supports 11kW charging. Underneath, Leapmotor’s Cell-to-Chassis 2.0 Plus architecture embeds the battery into the frame, lowering the center of gravity and keeping curb weights between 1,460kg and 1,560kg.
Bold Styling and Interior Quirks
Design choices for the B03X are polarizing. The front grille and rear lamps incorporate Leapmotor’s signature checkerboard pattern, while the taillights resemble a smiling face when illuminated. The brand’s identity extends to color options like Berry Blue, Seaweed Green, and Acorn Brown, with the test vehicle finished in Tundra Grey. Inside, the cabin balances utility with quirks, featuring a 14.6-inch floating infotainment display, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a cartoon character graphic marking the passenger airbag location.
Storage solutions are a standout feature, with 33 compartments hidden throughout the cabin, including concealed spaces under the center console. The console also houses a 15W wireless charger and dual cupholders, while the rear seats fold flat like those in the Honda Jazz. Cargo capacity totals 405 liters in the boot, plus an additional 105 liters in a GigaBox under the floor, a washable, waterproof compartment, bringing the total to 510 liters.
Pricing, Trims, and Performance
Pricing begins at $37,990 for the base Life trim, equipped with the smaller battery and a 130kW motor. The $42,990 Design variant adds eco-leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera system. Despite the larger battery and increased weight, both models achieve 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.6 seconds. However, the steering feel leans toward city driving, lacking engagement on highways.
The B03X’s safety package includes 21 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) features and 14 sensors, supported by a customizable steering wheel button for quick adjustments to driver-assistance settings. While the test vehicle’s software remained in calibration, the active safety systems performed effectively. Leapmotor is expanding its New Zealand dealer network, opening locations in Rotorua, Hawke’s Bay, and Palmerston North this year, with additional sites planned for 2027. The brand has also extended its factory warranty from four to six years.
The B03X’s 300km range makes it well-suited for daily urban commutes, where electric efficiency is most valuable. Buyers prioritizing style and space over long-distance capability may prefer the Life model, which offers nearly identical performance to the Design variant at a lower price, with only minor trade-offs in weight and range.
The B03X’s front-wheel drive layout and lightweight construction make it ideal for urban environments, though its steering response, described as unresponsive on open roads, aligns with its city-focused design. The Design model’s 145kW motor compensates for its added weight, maintaining the same 8.6-second 0-100km/h acceleration as the Life trim’s 130kW unit, despite a 100kg weight difference. Test drivers noted increased body roll and steering effort at higher speeds, but the car’s flat-floor design and low center of gravity ensure stability in tight maneuvers.
For buyers evaluating alternatives, Leapmotor’s local importer, Auto Distributors, offers the Donfeng Vigo ($37,990) and the newly launched Arcfox T1 ($34,990); both are just over 4.3m long rather than just under like the Leap, but they’re close. Other compact electric vehicles in this category include the BYD Atto 2 ($40,990–$46,990), Geely EX2 ($32,990–$37,990), GAC Aion UT ($39,990–$43,990), and MG4 Urban ($38,990). The BYD Atto 1, however, remains the B03X’s closest competitor in terms of size and price, starting at $30,990.