Will Stellantis-Backed Leapmotor’s B05 Hatchback Cannibalise Its European Cousins?

• Leapmotor B05 undercuts Stellantis’ Peugeot e-308 and Opel Astra Electric by 15–25% on price.

• More power (215 bhp) and faster charging (168 kW) make the B05 a stronger spec sheet rival.

• Grounded, non-flashy styling could attract European buyers seeking a calmer alternative.

Stellantis poured €1.5 billion into China’s Leapmotor to get a piece of the EV action. Now the partnership has spawned the Leapmotor B05, a hatchback revealed in Munich that could end up competing more with Peugeot and Opel than Volkswagen.

Affordable and Grounded

The B05 is expected to start under £30,000, putting it a full 15–25% below Stellantis’ own Peugeot e-308 and Opel Astra Electric. And yet, on paper, it looks the stronger product:

215 bhp motor vs. 154 bhp in Stellantis’ hatchbacks.

0–62 mph in ~8 seconds, quicker than the e-308’s near-10.

Up to 270 miles of range with the bigger 67 kWh battery.

168 kW charging that beats Stellantis’ 100–115 kW cap.

But here’s the kicker — it doesn’t look like a “budget Chinese car.” The B05’s design is calm, grounded, and modern, more Golf than the last generation MG4. It avoids flashy lines and oversized gimmicks, which could lure buyers who find Peugeot’s aggressive snout or Opel’s Vizor grille a bit too much.

A Headache in the Showroom

Because Stellantis doesn’t just bankroll Leapmotor — it will sell and assemble the B05 in Europe from 2026. That means Stellantis showrooms could end up with two EV hatchbacks side by side: one with a French or German badge at £40k, and one wearing Leapmotor’s badge at £30k with more power and faster charging.

Cannibal by Design?

The strategy looks risky. Stellantis wanted Leapmotor to be its entry ticket into affordable Chinese EVs. Instead, the B05 might end up eating into Stellantis’ own bread-and-butter C-segment hatchbacks. For buyers who want a solid, understated EV without the price premium, the Leapmotor B05 may be the more compelling choice — even if it comes at Stellantis’ expense.

Check out the full gallery Featuring all the cars from Leap Motors.