The anticipation is building as Leapmotor, the Stellantis-backed Chinese electric vehicle startup, has unveiled the first official photos of its new hatchback, the Lafa 5. Just days before its debut at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich on September 8, these images showcase an exciting addition to the global EV market.
Previously known by the codename B05, the Lafa 5 is a compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) designed to compete with established models like the Volkswagen ID.3. Built on the LEAP 3.5 modular architecture, it shares some similarities with the B10 crossover, hinting at a versatile design approach.
Design Features and Specifications
The official images released on September 4 reveal the Lafa 5 sporting a camouflage wrap, generating buzz among EV enthusiasts. Its front end features the brand’s signature design language, characterized by sleek, curved headlights connected by an LED strip. The design includes a closed front with an air intake in the bumper, complemented by a millimeter-wave radar for added functionality.
From the rear, the Lafa 5 showcases sculpted fenders, a roof spoiler, and a minimalist taillight design. Although teaser images indicated the presence of a LiDAR sensor on the roof, the live photos do not feature this technology, suggesting that it may only be available in specific trim levels.
Performance Expectations
While detailed specifications remain under wraps, the Lafa 5 is expected to match the Volkswagen ID.3 in dimensions. For context, the ID.3 measures 4,262 mm in length, 1,809 mm in width, and 1,552 mm in height. The Lafa 5’s powertrain is anticipated to align with that of the B10 crossover, offering an entry-level trim with a single electric motor producing 132 kW (177 hp) alongside a 56.2 kWh LFP battery. The higher-end variant is projected to feature a more powerful electric motor generating 160 kW (215 hp) paired with a 67.1 kWh LFP battery.
Market Strategy and Future Prospects
The Leapmotor Lafa 5 is set to make a significant impact upon its debut at the IAA Mobility 2025. Cao Lin, Senior Vice President of Leapmotor Technology, emphasized that the Lafa 5 will be a crucial player in the company’s strategy to penetrate overseas markets. This model is clearly positioned as a key offering for consumers outside of China.
Since Stellantis acquired a stake in Leapmotor last year, the company has been ramping up efforts to expand its international presence. From January to August 2025, Leapmotor reported impressive sales of 328,859 vehicles, achieving semi-annual profitability. Currently, the company’s lineup includes seven models available in China, with three of them marketed globally.
As the EV landscape evolves, the Leapmotor Lafa 5 is poised to capture attention at the IAA Mobility, showcasing the growing capabilities of Chinese automakers in the global market.