TL;DR: Leapmotor has revealed the B05 Ultra, a new 242bhp electric hot hatchback designed as a direct rival to the MG4 XPower. It packs rapid 19-minute charging thanks to 800V tech, and a UK launch is now being seriously considered.
Leapmotor B05 Ultra revealed: a new MG4 XPower rival with UK potential
The electric hot hatch market is heating up fast, and there’s a new name you’ll want to keep an eye on.
Chinese brand Leapmotor has unveiled the B05 Ultra, a punchy 242bhp EV that’s taking direct aim at the MG4 XPower. It’s quick, tech-heavy, and crucially, it could be heading to UK roads in the near future.
With Stellantis backing the brand’s European rollout, this isn’t just another concept or China-only curiosity. It’s a serious contender.
Key facts
- 242bhp rear-mounted motor with 320Nm of torque
- 0–62mph in 5.9 seconds
- 800V architecture enables 30–80% charge in 19 minutes
- 50:50 weight distribution for balanced handling
- Stellantis partnership boosting UK launch chances
A proper electric hot hatch feel
What makes the B05 Ultra interesting isn’t just the numbers – it's the setup.
Unlike the all-wheel-drive MG4 XPower, Leapmotor has gone for a rear-wheel-drive layout. That should translate into a more playful, driver-focused feel on twisty UK roads, rather than just straight-line pace.
With a 0–62mph time of 5.9 seconds, it’s still properly quick, more than enough to sit comfortably in hot hatch territory.
Fast charging that actually makes a difference
One of the standout features here is the 800-volt electrical system, something you’d usually expect in much pricier EVs like a Porsche Taycan.
In real terms, that means less waiting around. Leapmotor claims a 30–80% top-up in just 19 minutes on a compatible rapid charger. That’s the kind of charging speed that genuinely changes how usable an EV feels day-to-day.
Built to handle, not just accelerate
Leapmotor hasn’t just chased performance figures – there's been a clear focus on balance and handling.
The B05 Ultra uses:
- MacPherson strut suspension at the front
- Multi-link setup at the rear
- Near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution
Put that together, and you’ve got the ingredients for a car that feels composed in corners, not just quick off the line.
Range and battery options
Buyers are expected to get two battery choices:
- 56.2kWh
- 67.1kWh
Official figures (from China’s testing cycle) suggest up to 373 miles of range, but under WLTP you’re realistically looking at around 280–300 miles, still very competitive for this class.
Sporty looks, surprisingly premium interior
Visually, the B05 Ultra leans into the hot hatch brief.
It sits lower, rides on 19-inch alloys, and gets a noticeable rear wing to finish the look. It’s subtle, but aggressive enough to stand out.
Inside, things take a more premium turn. Expect:
- A large 14.6-inch touchscreen
- Smooth performance via a Qualcomm chipset
- Heated, ventilated, and even massaging seats
It’s a mix you don’t always see at this end of the market.
Will it come to the UK?
That’s the big question, but the signs are promising.
Leapmotor is already entering Europe with support from Stellantis, starting with the T03 city car and C10 SUV. The B05 Ultra isn’t confirmed just yet, but it’s reportedly under serious consideration for the UK once the brand gains a foothold.
If it does arrive, it won’t just be another MG4 alternative; it could be the more driver-focused option, blending rear-wheel-drive fun with cutting-edge EV tech.