2026 Leap Motor Lafa 5 Ultra
By Lorenzo Bianchi September 9, 2025
The Lafa 5 Ultra delivers 215 hp and up to 434 km of range, making it the flagship of the lineup.
A 67.1 kWh battery with 168 kW DC fast charging underpins everyday usability.
Stellantis’ global backing positions the Ultra to take on Europe’s compact EV leaders.
Design: Lower, wider, more grown-up
The Lafa 5 Ultra doesn’t shout, but it carries itself with a little more weight than the regular model. At 4,430 mm long and 1,880 mm wide, it’s almost identical in footprint to the VW ID.3, though the proportions are leaner, helped by a wheelbase stretched to 2,735 mm.
The front end sticks with the clean, closed-off look that’s become shorthand for EVs, but the Ultra gets its own trim touches and aero tweaks. Lighting remains slim and precise, and the stance has a confidence you don’t usually associate with a budget-friendly hatch. Leapmotor also promises a couple of exclusive paint finishes for buyers who want to stand out.
Performance: More muscle, faster legs
What separates the Ultra from the rest of the lineup is the motor. A rear-mounted unit tuned to 160 kW—about 215 hp—pushes the car forward with more urgency than the standard versions. Early numbers point to a 0–100 km/h time in the region of seven seconds, which is enough to keep pace with rivals.
The battery grows too, now at 67.1 kWh. On paper, that’s good for about 434 km on the WLTP cycle. Plug into a 168 kW DC fast charger and you’ll see 10 to 80 percent in roughly half an hour. At home, the 11 kW AC system takes care of overnight charging without fuss.
Cabin and tech
Inside, the Lafa 5 Ultra doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it does feel like a step up. A broad infotainment display dominates the dash, backed by a digital driver cluster with clear, no-nonsense graphics. The software is Leapmotor’s own, supporting voice commands and smartphone integration, though European buyers will be watching closely for how polished it feels.
The Ultra’s role as flagship is underscored with softer upholstery, better materials on the touchpoints, and ambient lighting that adds a touch of atmosphere on night drives. Space is unchanged—five seats, decent rear legroom, and a cargo area that should suit most small families.
Engineering and platform
Like the rest of the Lafa 5 range, the Ultra is built on Leapmotor’s LEAP 3.5 modular platform. It’s rear-wheel drive, which is unusual in this segment, and gives the car a slight dynamic edge over front-driven rivals. The chassis has been tuned to handle the bigger battery and extra power without compromising comfort too much.
Stellantis’ involvement matters here: it ensures that the engineering work is aligned with European regulations from the start, so the car doesn’t have to be rethought for export.
Market positioning: Playing in Europe’s toughest ring
China pricing for the Lafa 5 starts at around ¥160,000, and while official Ultra figures aren’t out yet, expect a step above that. In Europe, insiders are hinting at a sticker somewhere below €30,000—enough to make Volkswagen and MG sweat.
Technical Specification
Performance
- Maximum Power: 160 kW (215 hp)
- Acceleration (0–100 km/h): Approx. 7 seconds [Speculation based on power/weight]
Powertrain
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Electric Motor: Single rear-mounted motor
- Platform: LEAP 3.5 modular EV architecture
Battery and Charging
- Battery Capacity: 67.1 kWh
- Range (WLTP): Up to 434 km (270 mi)
- DC Fast Charging: Up to 168 kW (10–80% in ~30 min)
- AC Charging: 11 kW onboard charger
Body Measurements
- Length: 4,430 mm (174.4 in)
- Width: 1,880 mm (74.0 in)
- Height: 1,490 mm (58.7 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,735 mm (107.7 in)
Capacities
- Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
Price
- China: Expected above ¥160,000
- Europe: Projected around €30,000








