Chinese electric car brand Leapmotor, which is backed by automotive giant Stellantis, has unveiled a stylish new electric saloon aimed at younger buyers. Called the B01, this fastback model is roughly the size of a Mercedes-Benz CLA and starts at just £10,400 in China.
The B01 shares design cues with the upcoming Leapmotor B10 crossover, which is expected to arrive in the UK later this year. While the B01 hasn't been confirmed for the UK, Leapmotor plans to offer six models here by 2027, including the T03 city car, the B10, and the C10 SUV.
So far, the B01 has only been revealed in its Chinese version, which includes a roof-mounted lidar sensor. A Leapmotor spokesperson told Autocar that the company is still evaluating whether there's enough demand in Europe for compact saloons, which have seen declining interest in recent years.
Despite limited details so far, the B01 promises a class-leading driving range of up to 404 miles (650km) on China’s CLTC test cycle. However, the more conservative European WLTP figure is likely to be closer to 350 miles. Its aerodynamic fastback design—with a drag coefficient of just 0.197—helps it achieve this range, making it more streamlined than both the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.
Speaking at the Shanghai Motor Show, Leapmotor’s senior vice president Cao Li said the B01 was built with younger drivers in mind. “Young people with a sense of style feel current options at this price point are too basic—especially those designed for ride-hailing,” he said. “They want quality, features, and great design all in one package.”
The B01 is expected to cost around £15,000 in China, but if it makes it to Europe, the price would likely rise to the mid-£20,000 range—putting it in competition with cars like the Citroën ë-C4, Renault 5, and MG 4.
Standard features include sporty alloy wheels, contrasting black trim, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen with over-the-air software updates, and chrome accents supplied by the same vendors used by Mercedes-Benz. Buyers can choose from two interior colour schemes, and the cabin also includes thoughtful extras such as a 256-colour ambient lighting system, a hidden 70-litre storage compartment under the boot, and even a tissue box integrated into the rear console—highlighting the brand’s attention to passenger comfort.
Powertrain details will be confirmed closer to launch, but Leapmotor has revealed that the B01 will use a single rear-mounted electric motor, providing rear-wheel drive.
