The Leapmotor Lafa 5 is coming for the VW ID.3 and other compact hatchbacks with electric powertrains
- Leapmotor is ready to expand its lineup with a new five-door hatchback.
- The Lafa 5 is expected to share its underpinnings with the B10 crossover.
- The fully electric model will be unveiled at the IAA Mobility Show next week.
A new player is about to join Europe’s compact EV hatchback scene, and it comes from a brand gaining momentum. Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis, has offered a first glimpse of its upcoming Lafa 5 before the official unveiling at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich on September 9. Positioned directly against Volkswagen’s ID.3, it marks the company’s first step into the competitive hatchback segment.
More: I Drove Stellantis’ Chinese Electric SUV That Rivals Tesla For Just $30K
The shadowy teasers reveal a five-door silhouette with clean proportions and a sporty edge. Up front, the headlights carry Leapmotor’s recognizable LED design language, tying the car visually to the rest of its lineup.
Design Cues with a Twist
The front end with the short hood is slightly reminiscent of the pre-facelifted Kia EV6, the pronounced rear shoulders send Renault Megane vibes, while the full-width LED taillights at the back have a hint of Porsche (if you squint…). We can also see a roof-mounted LiDar sensor that hints at advanced driver assistance tech.
The hatchback is expected to sit on the same LEAP 3.5 architecture as the B10 crossover. That platform currently supports a rear-mounted motor with up to 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and a battery pack offering as much as 67.1 kWh, so the Lafa 5 will likely share similar numbers.
A Record Month for Leapmotor
Leapmotor shared the Lafa 5 teasers on its social media accounts, celebrating a new record month in terms of sales. The brand delivered 57,066 units in August, which is an all-time high and represents an 88% increase compared to the same month last year.
More: Stellantis’ Chinese Brand Unveils Its First Sedan
The company’s vice president Cao Li described the Lafa 5 as a car designed for “young people who refuse to settle, conform, or be ordinary.” That ambition will put it directly in competition not only with the VW ID.3 but also with the Cupra Born, Peugeot E-308, Opel Astra Electric, MG 4, BYD Dolphin, and Renault Megane E-Tech.
More details are set to be revealed when the Lafa 5 takes the stage at the Munich Motor Show next week, so stay tuned for mow.
