Leapmotor B05 Brings Sub-$40K EV Choice to Australian Buyers

The range opens with the B05 Style, which uses a 56.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and offers a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 401km. The higher-grade Design LR is listed at $38,990 drive-away during its launch period, rising to $39,990 after 30 September 2026, and steps up to a 67.1kWh battery with a claimed WLTP range of 482km. Both versions use a rear-mounted electric motor producing 160kW and 240Nm, giving the B05 a performance profile that looks more engaging than many city-focused budget EVs.

For electric car finance customers, this is a useful development because drive-away pricing makes the starting point easier to understand. A lower purchase price can reduce the amount financed, potentially lowering repayments or giving buyers more room to choose a longer-range variant, add charging equipment, or keep a buffer for insurance and running costs. Before committing, shoppers should still compare electric car loans across interest rates, fees, loan terms and early payout conditions.

The B05 also appears designed to reduce the sense of compromise that can come with cheaper EVs. Standard equipment on the entry model includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, a large central touchscreen, wireless smartphone mirroring, satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera and a broad active safety suite. The Design LR adds comfort and premium features such as a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats and a 12-speaker audio system.

Charging capability is another point worth noting. Both variants support 11kW AC charging, while DC fast charging allows a 30 to 80 per cent top-up in roughly 16 to 18 minutes under ideal conditions. That matters for buyers weighing up whether an EV can fit their weekly routine, particularly if they do not have guaranteed home charging every night.

This story also extends Leapmotor’s broader value push in Australia following recent activity around its C10 electric SUV. The B05 gives the brand a smaller, cheaper entry point and places pressure on rivals such as the MG4 and BYD Dolphin. For households considering a first EV, the smartest next step is to model the total cost of ownership, including repayments, charging, insurance and servicing, using an electric vehicle loan calculator before deciding which variant best fits the budget.