Behind the wheel of the Leapmotor B03X, an affordable electric city car

After our first contact, it is clear that its main selling point is not a single figure, but the balance between space, ease of driving and price.

Some cars need a long list of arguments to justify buying them. The Leapmotor B03X, by contrast, seems to have opted for a much simpler recipe: being easy to use every day. And that starts with its dimensions. With 4.27 metres in length, 1.81 in width and 1.63 in height, it has the size needed to offer presence and interior space, yet without becoming cumbersome when it comes to getting around the city.

From the driver’s seat, that compact crossover character is clearly felt. The raised seating position makes it easier to judge the body’s dimensions and access to the cabin, while the turning circle helps with manoeuvres.

Brilliant performance

The B03X we had the chance to drive on different types of Andalusian roads, equipped with the 53 kWh battery, has an electric motor producing 145 kW, equivalent to 197 CV, and 200 Nm of torque. As with any electric car, this torque is available immediately, so the response to the accelerator is direct and particularly lively when gaining speed quickly on slip roads or when pulling away from an intersection. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is quoted at 8.6 seconds.

The steering offers three modes, all fairly soft, allowing the driver to adapt its behaviour to their preferences. The same goes for motor response and energy recovery, with three settings in each case.

The 197 CV it quotes provide a sufficient margin for the B03X to handle itself confidently beyond the city. The top speed of 160 km/h confirms that its approach is geared more towards everyday use and inter-urban journeys than outright performance. Nevertheless, the acceleration figures are particularly impressive.

The front-wheel drive and independent McPherson suspension at the front, with a torsion beam at the rear, follow a simple and logical layout for a vehicle of this type, although it feels rather soft when it comes to fully digesting what the powertrain can deliver. More interesting is the CTC2.0 Plus battery architecture, integrated directly into the vehicle’s structure. According to Leapmotor, this solution lowers the centre of gravity and increases torsional rigidity, two factors that contribute to a more stable and consistent response.

An ambitious electric car

Range is another element that extends its reach. The 53 kWh battery is rated at up to 382 kilometres under the WLTP cycle. It can also charge on DC at a maximum of 133 kW and recover from 30 to 80% in 16 minutes, according to the technical data sheet. These figures mean the B03X can be considered as something more than a second urban car.

And here one of its great virtues appears: versatility. Because being able to cover more kilometres is just as important as being able to carry what we need. The B03X offers 510 litres of boot space, rising to 1,605 litres with the rear seats folded down. Beneath the floor there is also a 105-litre lower compartment that is waterproof and washable. The flexible rear seats allow more vertical space to be gained, and the maximum loading length reaches 2.53 metres.

The 2,605 mm wheelbase is one of the keys to this use of space. Although on the outside it is a 4.27-metre model, inside the sense of space aims to rival higher segments. There are 947 mm of legroom for rear occupants and up to 1,009 mm of headroom at the front. The flat floor also helps free up space and improve movement within the cabin.

The interior follows a minimalist philosophy, with a 14.6-inch central screen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Connectivity includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, online navigation, OTA updates and remote control functions via the app.

It incorporates the OS 4.0 Plus digital ecosystem and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor.

The connected services extend its functionality through the Leapmotor smartphone app, enabling remote pre-configuration, digital key, battery pre-conditioning, remote climate control, charging schedules, real-time monitoring and location services.

Unbeatable price

Leapmotor announces a starting price in Spain of 17,500 euros, including 3,375 euros from the Auto+ plan and 900 euros of CAE, according to the brand. Financing is also offered from 129 euros per month, although a deposit, additional instalments and a final payment must be taken into account when assessing the real cost of the deal.

And this figure changes the perspective. Because the B03X is not simply a relatively affordable electric car: we are talking about a 4.27-metre crossover, with a 510-litre boot, up to 382 kilometres of WLTP range and extensive technology and safety equipment.

The B03X is offered in two versions: the Life trim is available with the 39.8 kWh and 53.0 kWh battery options, and comes with automatic climate control, a synthetic leather steering wheel, LED headlights, roof bars, seven airbags, 21 ADAS functions, rain sensors, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen combined with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a six-speaker audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Design trim, offered exclusively with the 53.0 kWh battery, adds synthetic leather upholstery, a driver’s seat with six-way electric adjustment, heated front seats and steering wheel, and an automatically folding mirror, plus front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system.

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