2026 Leapmotor B03X review: International first drive

Leapmotor already sells two models in Australia, the B10 and C10 SUVs, with the B05 electric hatchback confirmed to arrive locally by the end of this year.

But there are a few more models being considered, but not confirmed, by the brand for introduction to Australia, namely the D19 large SUV, and this small SUV – the B03X.

Drive was offered a short taste of the B03X on a test track in outer Shanghai, alongside the promising B05 and the D19, and while this small EV may not be a game-changer for its segment, it could be good value for money, if its Chinese price is anything to go by.

Starting at the equivalent of just AUD$13,413 in China (CN¥65,800) — but would likely be closer to AUD$30,000 in Australia — this BYD Atto 2-sized small electric SUV could be a lower-priced alternative to cars such as MG ZS EV if it came to Australia.

The B03X is not a fast car, displaying rather modest acceleration with four occupants inside – even by small-SUV standards. It is equipped with a motor that generates only 70kW or 90kW, depending on variant – so that performance is not surprising.

Leapmotor did not tell us if we were driving the 70kW or 90kW model, but the reviewed car took about 12 seconds to reach 100km/h, and did not generate tremendous confidence in how it would perform merging onto a highway. 

Time on public roads will need to wait until this car launches in global markets later this year.

With a length, width and height of 4270mm x 1810mm x 1635mm and a wheelbase of 2605mm, it's about the same size as a Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, MG ZS, or Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. 

The steering of the B03X was very light, and while the handling and suspension didn’t yield any surprises, its lack of power makes for a leisurely, rather than exciting experience.

Riding, handling and suspension tuning are all things that could, and would, be modified on this vehicle for the international market.

Space in the back is admirable – I'm over 180cm and still had head room to spare. But there are no air vents in the back, so it gets quite warm for rear occupants – even on a warm spring day in China – unless the front occupants set the AC to maximum power.

Behind the driver's seat is a fold-down tray table with a cupholder; a curious accessory that is only behind one seat. Without scoring a tray table, the other rear passenger is out of luck if they want somewhere to set down their coffee, as there is no cupholder in the doors nor a fold-down armrest concealed in the middle seat.

As is to be expected from a new car out of China, there's not a physical button in sight. To control any of the car's functions you'll need to navigate the 14.6-inch central screen to fiddle with the air conditioning or anything else.

I didn’t find any USB-A or USB-C ports hiding in the B03X's spartan interior despite searching, and none are listed in the car's specification sheets – but I’d still be surprised if there wasn’t one hiding somewhere near the front passenger.

Fortunately, there is a recessed wireless charging pad in the car's centre console, adjacent to the twin cupholders.

This 15W wireless charging recess is where Leapmotor owners would have typically placed the plastic keycard used to unlock this and other Leapmotor vehicles – an access system much derided.

But fortunately, the card will be ditched as the primary access key for all international Leapmotor models moving forward. So if this car comes to Australia, it will do so with a physical key. 

The B03X will still arrive internationally with the key card, so you won't miss out if this was a feature you liked, but it's now relegated to being a helpful backup key.   

At first glance, this car could seem simplistic, with its moderate power and reduced interior features. But what the B03X lacks in frills, it could make up for with a very competitive price.

Priced right, this could be a very appealing option for those looking for a small, but spacious, EV on a budget.

No pricing has yet been announced for the B03X internationally, but its starting price in China is the Australian equivalent of around AUD$13,413 to AUD$17,950 (CN¥65,800–CN¥86,800). 

That's much cheaper than the Atto 2, which starts in China at around AUD$19,740 (CN¥96,800) and retails here in Australia from $31,990 plus on-road costs.

Leapmotor's vehicles typically cost $15,000 to $20,000 more in Australia than they do in China, so the B03X could be priced under $30,000 if it made it to local roads.

The B03X in China comes with either a 39.8kWh or 53kWh battery, allowing for a claimed driving range of 403km or 505km respectively. But these range figures are based on Chinese testing standards, which typically yield higher range figures than a driver would experience driving on real Australian roads.

The Chinese version of this car is badged as the A10, but it would be known as the B03X internationally.

The new B03X name still manages to be confusing, easily jumbled with Toyota’s unrelated bZ4X electric SUV. Toyota even sells a model named the bZ3X in China, just one character shy of Leapmotor's chosen name.

The B03X also has intelligent driving systems in models equipped with the optional LiDAR sensory equipment.

However, a brief stint as a passenger in the B03X cruising along some semi-rural outer Shanghai roads created a few eyebrow-raising moments from the assisted driving system. So any assessment on its partial self-driving technology will have to wait until we can test it ourselves on local roads.

The B03X is not the standout of Leapmotor's promising new offerings to the international market — nor a standout in its category. But as a budget small electric SUV, it could be a good value for money option if it ever made it Down Under.

Max is the News Publishing Coordinator for Drive. He enjoys creating engaging digital content, including videos, podcasts, interactive maps, and graphs. Prior to Drive, he studied at Monash University and gained experience working for various publications. He grew up playing Burnout 3: Takedown on the PS2 and was disappointed when real life car races didn’t have the same physics.

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