Leapmotor A05s. Credit: Leapmotor
- The Leapmotor A05s is the second A-series model after the A10, offering roof-mounted LiDAR.
- The entry-level model will compete with popular rivals such as the BYD Dolphin, supporting Leapmotor’s aggressive target of 1 million deliveries in 2026.
Leapmotor (HKEX: 9863) on Friday previewed the A05s, the latest A-series model, a compact electric vehicle (EV) that will bring advanced hardware such as LiDAR into the fiercely competitive budget segment.
The Stellantis NV (NYSE: STLA)-backed Chinese EV maker positioned the A05s as a “smart and nimble premium sedan.” It is the second A-series model following the A10 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Based on official preview images, the A05s is in fact a compact hatchback. In the Chinese market, such hatchback models are typically classified as sedans.
The new car features a “pink-and-ink” two-tone body with a compact, rounded design that continues Leapmotor’s family design language. The roof carries a prominent LiDAR sensor bulge.
In March this year, Leapmotor filed the A05 compact EV with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The A05s appears to belong to the same vehicle family as the A05.
According to the filing, the A05 measures 4,200 millimeters long, 1,800 millimeters wide and 1,560 millimeters tall, with a wheelbase of 2,605 millimeters. The body features semi-hidden door handles, and the taillight clusters incorporate a smiley-face design.
For powertrains, it offers two motor outputs of 70 kW and 90 kW, paired with 39.8 kWh and 53 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, delivering ranges of 405 kilometers and 510 kilometers respectively.
The car’s battery suppliers include Gotion High-tech (SZSE: 002074) and Zenergy, according to its filings.
LiDAR is regarded by many as a key component of advanced driver-assistance systems, significantly enhancing obstacle recognition. Bringing this once-expensive sensor down to entry-level models is becoming a key strategy for Chinese automakers vying for market share.
Leapmotor’s move closely follows the steps of its rival BYD, which has already added a LiDAR option to its cheapest Seagull model.
Once officially launched, the A05s will go head-to-head with popular compact EVs such as the BYD Dolphin and the Geely Xingyuan.
Leapmotor management said on the March earnings call that the A05 would be brought to market during the summer window, and expected new models including the A10 to contribute 60% of total sales in 2026.
For reference, the A10 launched in China in March this year, priced from 65,800 yuan ($9,680) to 86,800 yuan. The model posted record sales of 26,804 units in June, up a further 16.48% from 23,011 in May.
Leapmotor is sustaining its growth momentum with an intensive lineup of new vehicles. The company delivered 93,376 units globally in June, up 94.51% year-on-year and setting a new monthly record.
In the first half of this year, the company delivered a cumulative 356,487 units, up 60.82% year-on-year, moving toward its aggressive target of 1 million deliveries in 2026.
Leapmotor A10 Monthly Deliveries 2026-2026
Month
2026
March
3,970
April
14,372
May
23,011
June
26,804
Leapmotor A10 monthly deliveries
2026
Leapmotor B03X features a 145 kW motor, a significant power boost over China’s A10.
($1 = 6.7986 yuan)
