Leapmotor B05 faces quick superseding by updated Chinese model

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Nov, 05:13 · Archive

The Leapmotor B05 electric hatchback, launched in Australia in October, will be updated in China this month with a larger touchscreen and new charging architecture.

The Leapmotor B05 electric hatchback, launched in Australia in October, will face rapid obsolescence as an updated version debuts at this month's Guangzhou motor show in China. The 2027 Lafa 5, as the model is known in its home market, will feature an augmented reality head-up display, a larger 17.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system up from 14.6 inches, and zero-gravity seats. The flagship Ultra variant will offer front seats with heating, ventilation and massage, plus a 14-speaker sound system.

The updated model will follow the recently updated Chinese-market B10 in moving to an 800V electrical architecture, likely enabling quicker charging. The new version will offer CLTC range figures of between 630km and 660km depending on the variant, compared with the current Lafa 5 range of 50km to 605km.

There is no guarantee the updated B05 will be offered in Australia. Leapmotor International's global head of brand strategy, product and marketing, Francesco Giacalone, told media in September that the average Chinese model cycle had fallen to around 3.5 years. Bringing updates to export markets, including local certification and parts and servicing support, takes another eight to 12 months, meaning manufacturers may announce replacements while the outgoing export version is still launching.

Leapmotor B05 faces quick superseding by updated Chinese model — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Another Chinese car getting a major update in China right after its Australian launchThe Leapmotor B05 sold in markets like Australia could be made obsolete by a new Chinese update, but there's no guarantee it'll be offered in export markets.The West Australian · 12 Nov, 04:46
Another Chinese car getting a major update in China right after its Australian launchThe Leapmotor B05 sold in markets like Australia could be made obsolete by a new Chinese update, but there's no guarantee it'll be offered in export markets.Perth Now · 12 Nov, 04:46

In this story: Leapmotor · Australia · China · Francesco Giacalone

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