Stellantis-Backed Leapmotor Prepares Volkswagen ID.3 Rival: The Lafa 5
Leapmotor, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer now partnered with Stellantis, is poised to enter the competitive compact electric hatchback segment with its new model, the Lafa 5. The vehicle will be unveiled at the IAA Mobility Motor Show in Munich, beginning September 8, 2025, and is directly aimed at challenging established players like the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, Peugeot E-308, and Opel Astra Electric.
This launch marks a meaningful expansion for Leapmotor in the European market, following its entry into the region in 2024 with the T03 city car (approximately 265km WLTP range) and C10 family SUV (420km WLTP range). the electric crossover B10 (up to 430km WLTP range) will also debut at the Munich show and become instantly available in the EU.
Teaser images reveal a sporty design targeting a younger demographic, featuring distinctive LED daytime running lights and full-width rear lights echoing a boxed theme. A heavily sculpted hood contributes to a more aggressive and modern aesthetic.
the Lafa 5 is built on the Leap 3.5 platform, shared with the B10 crossover. This platform supports electric motors delivering up to 218 hp and utilizes a 67.1 kWh battery,enabling the B10 to achieve a range of up to 600 kilometers on a single charge. Notably, chassis advancement for the B10 involved engineers from Maserati, suggesting a similar focus on driving quality may be expected in the Lafa 5.
Leapmotor International, a joint venture established in 2024, reflects the partnership structure: Stellantis holds a 51% stake, while ChinaS Leapmotor owns the remaining 49%.
