Leapmotor has officially rolled out the Lafa 5, its latest electric hatchback aimed squarely at rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 and BYD Dolphin. With a startling introductory price of just RMB 92,800 (around €11,200), the Lafa 5 enters the market as one of the most aggressively priced electric cars in its segment. This launch signals a bold push from the Stellantis-backed automaker as it tries to carve out a substantial share in the global EV space.
The introductory pricing reflects a generous RMB 13,000 discount from the original pre-sale figure, a clear indication of Leapmotor’s intent to disrupt the market. Deliveries are expected to begin soon, and early impressions already highlight the sporty, confident character of this compact EV.
Interestingly, the Lafa 5’s handling has received additional refinement from Stellantis’ European engineering team another hint at Leapmotor’s growing international ambitions.
From a performance and range perspective, the Lafa 5 lineup keeps things refreshingly simple. Models in the 515 series deliver up to 515 km of CLTC-certified range, while the 605 series bumps that figure to quite fittingly 605 km. The naming might be on the nose, but it leaves no confusion for buyers.
When it’s time to recharge, the Lafa 5 supports fast charging that can take the battery from 30% to 80% in only 19 minutes, making it a competitive choice for commuters and long-distance travelers alike.
Built on the company’s LEAP 3.5 architecture B platform, the Lafa 5 boasts proportions that are generous for a compact hatchback. It stretches 4.43 meters in length, 1.88 meters in width, and 1.52 meters in height, with a spacious 2.73-meter wheelbase. This footprint gives it an advantage over several competitors, including models like Nio’s smaller Firefly. Passengers will likely appreciate the airy interior space, which is often a pain point in similarly priced EVs.
Inside, the Lafa 5 takes a modern, tech-forward approach. Depending on the model, it comes equipped with either the Snapdragon 8155P chip or the more powerful Snapdragon 8295P currently one of the leading chips used in premium EVs. This ensures smooth performance, quick interface response, and long-term software capability.
For driver assistance, Leapmotor includes its in-house Pilot system across the range, while the higher-end Max variants upgrade to advanced LiDAR for improved safety and semi-autonomous features.
The Lafa 5 family consists of five core trims: the 515 Plus, 515 Pro, 515 Max, 605 Pro, and 605 Max. Their names correspond directly to their driving ranges, making the lineup easy to understand for buyers comparing options. Early customers also received attractive benefits, including a RMB 5,000 cash incentive and an additional RMB 2,000 for those who participated in the pre-sale period.
After applying all available discounts, the effective price range starts at RMB 92,800 (around €11,310; ₹11,70,000; $13,120 ) for the entry-level 515 Plus and goes up to RMB 116,800 (around €14,100; ₹14,70,000; $16,510 ) for the fully-loaded 605 Max. For drivers looking for more power, Leapmotor has already confirmed that a higher-performance “Lafa 5 Ultra” variant is in the works for next year.
Expected to feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with close to 300 kW of output, this upcoming model is likely to target enthusiasts who want greater acceleration and capability.
This competitive launch fits into a much wider strategy for Leapmotor, which has rapidly evolved from a domestic EV player into a global contender thanks in part to its partnership with Stellantis. The company has ambitious plans to reach one million annual sales by 2026.
Recent results suggest it may be on the right trajectory. In October alone, Leapmotor delivered 70,289 vehicles, marking its sixth consecutive month of record-breaking sales. From January to October, deliveries climbed to 465,805 units, representing an impressive year-on-year surge of 120%.
The Lafa 5 also joins a steadily expanding product lineup. The recent release of the A10 compact electric SUV has strengthened the brand’s portfolio, and more models are already in development.
Leapmotor plans to introduce new D-series vehicles alongside the existing B- and C-series cars by 2026, further reinforcing its position in the global EV race. The Lafa 5, with its blend of performance, pricing, features, and international engineering input, clearly plays a central role in that long-term vision.
What are your thoughts on Leapmotor’s aggressive pricing and ambitious plans for the Lafa 5 do you think this electric hatchback can shake up the global EV market? Let us know in the comments below!
