by Leapmotor Prepares New Five-Door Hatchback Model
Chinese automaker Leapmotor, partially owned by Stellantis, has announced a new model ahead of its debut at the IAA Mobility exhibition in Munich on September 9. The Lafa 5 will become the brand’s first hatchback and will be a direct competitor to the Volkswagen ID.3.
Design and Technical Features
Teaser images showcase the stylish silhouette of the five-door hatchback with a sporty stance. The model has inherited the characteristic LED headlights seen in most modern Leapmotor vehicles. The front end with a short hood resembles the pre-facelift Kia EV6, the pronounced rear fenders – the Renault Megane, and the full-width LED tail lights have a slight hint of Porsche. A LiDar sensor is also visible on the roof, indicating the presence of advanced driver assistance systems.
Technical Base and Specifications
The electric vehicle is expected to use the LEAP 3.5 platform, shared with the B10 crossover. The latter is equipped with a rear electric motor producing up to 215 hp (160 kW) and a battery with a capacity of up to 67.1 kWh.
Record Sales and Brand Goals
Leapmotor published the Lafa 5 teasers on its Weibo account, celebrating a record sales month. In August, the brand delivered 57,066 vehicles, which is a historical maximum and 88% more than the same month last year.
We want to create a dream car for young people who refuse to settle for mediocrity or conform to patterns.
Competition in the European Market
Besides the VW ID.3, the Lafa 5 will also compete with models such as the Cupra Born, Peugeot E-308, Opel Astra Electric, MG 4, BYD Dolphin, and Renault Megane E-Tech in the European compact hatchback segment.
More information about the new model will be presented at the Munich Auto Show next week.
The growing popularity of electric hatchbacks in Europe opens up new opportunities for Chinese manufacturers like Leapmotor, which combine affordability with advanced technology. The success of the Lafa 5 could significantly impact market dynamics, especially given the aggressive pricing policy and rapid model range expansion.
