Leapmotor has revealed the A05, a compact electric hatchback that packs lidar and a 510 km claimed range into a price bracket previously reserved for basic city runabouts. According to Autohome, the car starts below 100,000 yuan (about $14,100) before taxes and incentives, with the lidar-equipped version coming in at around 80,000 yuan (about $11,300).
The A05 measures 4,200 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,560 mm tall, with a 2,605 mm wheelbase. It carries over Leapmotor's A-series design language, featuring a rounded body with a full-width front intake and semi-hidden door handles. The most distinctive touch is the front "mood light" cluster that forms a smiling face, echoed by a similar rear light bar. Seven exterior colors are offered, plus a two-tone A05S variant.
Inside, the A05 comes with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen. Autohome notes the infotainment responds quickly and menus are logically arranged, though the voice assistant struggles with complex or multi-clause commands. A 256-color ambient light system supports charging, startup and interaction animations, while driving modes include guard, car-wash and camping presets.
Pricing and equipment tiers
The entry-level A05, priced from around 60,000 yuan (about $8,500), already includes the 14.6-inch screen, a 360-degree camera and automatic emergency braking. Stepping up to about 80,000 yuan adds a lidar sensor and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8650 driver-assistance chip, positioning the A05 as one of the most affordable vehicles in China to offer such hardware. Autohome's review notes that while the car is generous on features, some controls—such as mirror adjustment, drive-mode selection and air conditioning—rely on touchscreen menus rather than physical buttons, and the front passenger seat is manually adjusted even on the top trim.
The A05's boot holds 474 litres in standard configuration, enough for three 20-inch cabin bags, expanding to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. A 91-litre washable under-floor storage compartment can be hosed down and keeps wet and dry items separate. Inside, the car offers 34 storage spaces and several seat configurations, including a front passenger seat that folds flat for surfboard transport, a driver seat that reclines to 149 degrees for napping, and a rear seat that folds to create a 1.75-metre flat sleeping surface. The rear bench can also flip up 60 degrees to free a 578 mm-long load area, with a 32-litre compartment underneath.
Market positioning
Leapmotor is targeting buyers who want advanced driver assistance and long range without the premium price. The A05's combination of lidar, a 510 km CLTC range and sub-100,000 yuan pricing puts pressure on rivals in China's fiercely competitive small EV segment. Autohome's review concludes that the car delivers on value, even if some ergonomic compromises remain.
