Leapmotor T03 Review: Stellantis’s New €19,000 Electric City Car Tested
The question confronting prospective Leapmotor buyers isn’t about the car itself, but what it is. “A Leapmotor, you say? What in god’s name is that?” is a query those driving the Chinese electric vehicle brand are likely to encounter repeatedly, according to a recent report. The brand, founded in 2015 and beginning sales in 2019, is relatively new to the global market, but is rapidly gaining traction with backing from automotive giant Stellantis.
In 2024, Stellantis began selling Leapmotor vehicles across Europe after securing a 20% stake in Zhejiang Motor Technology Co Ltd three years prior. The Gowan Group, Stellantis’ representative in Ireland, began marketing the vehicles last year, expanding its dealer network across the country. Leapmotor produced 596,555 vehicles in 2023, a figure that underscores the rapid growth of the Chinese auto industry. Stellantis, which reported losses of €22.3 billion last year due to EV write-downs and restructuring, is hoping to capitalize on this growth.
The Leapmotor T03, a compact electric vehicle, is currently a key model for the brand. Priced just shy of €19,000, it offers a surprising level of standard equipment, including a panoramic sunroof, electric windows, cruise control, and a 10.1” infotainment screen. This affordability is particularly significant for Stellantis, which has struggled to produce a competitive modest electric urban runaround.
The T03’s exterior design has drawn comparisons to both a Fiat Bambino and bumper cars, eliciting amusement from onlookers. Despite its unconventional appearance, the vehicle boasts secure handling characteristics and Continental tires. Power comes from a 93bhp electric motor paired with a 37.3kWh battery pack, providing a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 12.7 seconds and a top speed of 128km/h. The claimed range is 265km, translating to a real-world figure of around 185km.
Although the interior features numerous hard plastics, build quality appears to be high. Front-seat passengers have ample space, though the rear seats are cramped. The car’s features include an 8” digital instrumentation cluster and steering wheel-mounted controls. A minor drawback is a subtle, but persistent, high-pitched noise and frequent driver assistance system alerts, though the latter can be disabled.
Caroline Springs Leapmotor, a dealership in Ravenhall, Victoria, Australia, highlights the company’s commitment to career opportunities, ranging from sales staff to management, and offers training and development programs. The dealership, established in 2026, operates Monday through Sunday and provides services including maintenance, finance, and trade-ins.
Leapmotor currently has approximately 10 different models in production, with the T03 supermini, B10 compact SUV, and C10 mid-sized SUV slated for European release. The company’s success will likely depend on its ability to overcome initial brand recognition challenges and establish itself in a competitive market. Stellantis’ investment and distribution network are expected to play a crucial role in this process.