Leapmotor B05 Ultra: The Chinese Electric Hot Hatch Heading to Portugal
Published: 09/10/2025
Electric vehicles are shifting from being just practical to being exciting. The latest entrant - Leapmotor B05 Ultra - is aiming to bring performance, style, and European tuning to compete with models like the MG4 XPower. In this post, we explore what’s known so far, the likely price for Portugal, and what it means for the local EV landscape.
1. What Is the Leapmotor B05 / B05 Ultra?
- The Leapmotor B05 (internally called Lafa 5 in China) is a compact 5-door electric hatchback built on the LEAP 3.5 modular architecture.
- It made its global debut at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, as a sporty C-segment hatch aimed at younger drivers.
- The B05 Ultra is the performance variant, with a more aggressive aero kit (splitter, spoiler, gloss-black accents) and chassis tuning done in collaboration with Stellantis’ European engineering teams.
- Leapmotor claims the Ultra version will feature a balanced 50:50 weight distribution - ideal for better handling in corners.
1.1 Exterior & Styling
- Both standard and Ultra versions use 19-inch wheels.
- The Ultra’s aerodynamic upgrades are functional, intended to enhance stability at higher speeds rather than just decorative.
- The interior is still under wraps, but Leapmotor has hinted at “suede-like materials” and a sporty ambience.
1.2 Powertrain & Performance
- For the standard B05, Europe versions are expected with single-motor variants delivering about 177 hp and 215 hp outputs.
- Range estimates fall between ~400 to 500 km (WLTP-style) for those trims.
- The Ultra is widely expected to adopt a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) layout, pushing 320 to 400 hp depending on final tuning.
- That would place the Ultra squarely in competition with performance EVs like the MG4 XPower and VW ID.3 GTX.
2. Pricing & Launch Timeline: What Could It Mean for Portugal?
2.1 Europe Price Guide
- In Europe, the standard B05 trims are expected to start under €30,000 (some sources suggest ~€29,900).
- Some speculation also points to base European spec reaching up to €35,000, depending on local taxes and trim levels.
- The Ultra version will command a premium above those standard trims, though still pitched as a “competitive performance offering.”
2.2 Portugal Outlook & Estimates
When adjusting for Portuguese market conditions (import costs, VAT, EV incentives), we can make some educated estimates:
- Assume a base European price ~€29,900 before taxes and markups.
- In Portugal, with 23% VAT (or reduced VAT slabs if EV incentives apply), import duties, homologation, and dealer margin, I'd expect a landed price of €36,000 to €39,000 for the base versions.
- For the Ultra version, a safe ballpark might be €45,000 to €50,000, depending on how aggressive the performance trim is.
- For comparison, the MG4 Electric (non-performance versions) in Portugal tend to be priced in the mid-€30,000s (preincentives).
- Also note that the Portuguese government subsidies or incentives for EVs (if available at time of launch) could reduce the net price by a few thousand euros.
2.3 Launch Timing
- The standard B05 is expected to launch in China in late 2025, with deliveries in Europe beginning in Q2 2026.
- The B05 Ultra is expected to follow, with deliveries likely through the first half of 2026.
- In Portugal, considering homologation, import logistics, and marketing, a safe estimate would be mid to late 2026 for arrival in dealers.
3. How Does It Compare to MG4 Electric / MG4 XPower?
| Feature | MG4 Electric (standard) | MG4 XPower / MG4 Performance | Leapmotor B05 Ultra (expected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Output | ~200-250 hp (varies by trim) | ~320+ hp (XPower) | ~320–400 hp (dual motor) |
| Body Type | Compact hatchback / crossover | High performance hatch / crossover | Performance hatch (hot hatch) |
| Price Range in Portugal | mid-€30,000s (before incentives) | higher premium | estimated ~€45,000–€50,000 |
| Target Audience | Practical EV buyers | Enthusiast drivers | Younger, performance-minded drivers |
| Competitive Edge | Established brand, service network | Recognised performance badge | Chinese cost efficiencies, aggressive tuning, Stellantis support |
Leapmotor’s B05 Ultra aims to undercut or at least aggressively compete with MG4 XPower on performance-per-euro metrics, leveraging its Chinese OEM cost structure and Stellantis’ European know-how.
4. What It Means for the Portuguese EV Market
- A performance electric hatch like the B05 Ultra is still rare in Portugal; most EVs sold today are SUVs or crossovers.
- If priced competitively, it could attract younger buyers or EV enthusiasts who want fun, not just efficiency.
- The involvement of Stellantis in tuning and distribution gives it credibility in the European market.
- It may pressure rivals like MG, BYD, or even European OEMs to offer sportier variants at better value.
- Portuguese dealerships will need to prepare for servicing high-performance EVs (cooling, software updates, torque management).
5. Risks & Unknowns to Watch
- Final power, torque, battery capacity and real-world range are unconfirmed.
- Import costs, certification, and local taxes could push Portuguese pricing higher than estimates.
- Competition from European and Chinese brands could erode its advantage.
- After-sales support, warranty, charging network integration in Portugal will be critical for adoption.
6. Conclusion & What to Watch
The Leapmotor B05 Ultra brings fresh excitement to Portugal’s EV scene - a Chinese performance hatch backed by Stellantis, aiming directly at MG4 XPower and other hot e-hatches. If the final specs, price, and delivery timing align, it could become a compelling choice for Portuguese buyers who want sportiness and sustainability in one package.
Key milestones to watch for in Portugal:
- Official local pricing and specs
- Portuguese homologation & registration timelines
- Dealer announcements, test drives and launch events
- Portuguese incentives or subsidies that may influence the net cost