I Tested the Leapmotor B03X: Here’s Why This Spacious, Affordable Electric SUV Disappointed Me

How far will Leapmotor go? Just two years after entering the European market through a partnership with Stellantis, this Chinese startup has rapidly expanded its presence.

Having achieved profitability, numerous launches, a collaboration with Opel, and factories in Spain, Leapmotor is on a success streak, continuously introducing new models in Europe.

Just weeks after debuting the B05 and before unveiling the compact B03 at the Auto World Fair, Leapmotor has now introduced the B03X, its entry into the burgeoning market of compact electric SUVs.

This category was long dominated by Stellantis but has since seen entries from BYD Atto 2, Renault 4 E-Tech, and others including the formidable Volkswagen ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq.

Leapmotor enters this competitive field promising ample space and advanced technology at an attractive price. After a static reveal in Brussels, we took the B03X for a spin in Spain and came away with mixed feelings.

Technical Specifications

Design: Quite Standard

When it comes to the design of the B03X, there’s not much to analyze. While it’s not unattractive, the SUV features a very conventional, easily forgettable design.

Its front end is gentle, with headlights that carry the brand’s three-point lighting signature seen on other models. The smooth transition from the bumper to the hood and a straightforward side profile emphasize interior space over aesthetic appeal (oh, 18-inch wheels!).

The rear end, with its sharply angled hatchback, suggests a decent cargo volume, while the taillights feature what Leapmotor calls a “ha ha” design, mimicking a smiling face.

What else is there to say? The palette of six colors leans towards pastel, and the dimensions of the B03X place it at the upper end of the urban SUV category, directly competing with models like the Peugeot E-2008 and BYD Atto 2.

Overall, there’s nothing wrong, but Leapmotor offers a perfectly anonymous SUV here. Some may find this appealing.

A Spacious and Practical Cabin

Well Presented

Opening the doors (featuring semi-integrated handles to comply with Chinese regulations), it’s clear that the Leapmotor B03X doesn’t lack in presentation.

Indeed, it’s very “Chinese” at heart with pastel colors (if you’re not a fan of the beige/blue harmony in the photos, a more traditional black is also available), a minimalist design, and very soft-touch faux leather seats. However, the effort is evident.

It even includes some extras, such as a majority of padded surfaces (both front and back) that few competitors offer.

The layout is quite standard, with a horizontal dashboard featuring a huge 14.6-inch screen and a raised central console with an induction charger (whose effectiveness is questionable: after an hour, my Pixel 10 Pro had lost 10% battery). However, small graphics throughout and an overrepresentation of the brand’s mascot, Leapy, hidden around the cabin, add some interest.

Plenty of Space Everywhere

More and more families, previously driving compact sedans and minivans, are now opting for urban SUVs, indicating a need for these vehicles to offer space that matches their purposes.

On this front, the B03X excels. Thanks to its generous wheelbase (2.60m) and front-wheel-drive configuration (the only one along with the aging T03 not to have a rear motor), the interior space is impressive.

Front seat occupants enjoy a very comfortable position (note: the passenger cannot adjust the seat height), while rear passengers will find ample space for their feet, knees, and heads.

The amenities are minimal: a USB A port, a USB C port, storage in the door panels, and that’s about it since there are no seatback pockets or air vents. However, the flat rear bench has an excellent feature borrowed from Honda: a lever allows it to be lifted, making room for a bike or any other bulky item. You’ll just need to be able to slide it in, as the door opening isn’t very generous.

Speaking of practical aspects, it’s worth noting a very large trunk of 405 liters, expandable to 510 liters with a huge under-trunk. A benefit of the front motor shared by the Ford Puma Gen-E and the Volkswagen ID. Cross / Skoda Epiq duo, but the B03X adds a handy feature: a drain, making it possible to wash the bin without a second thought.

The only downside: the extremely cheap-feeling luggage cover that lacks any restraint. In other words, any manipulation is likely to make it fall. Leapmotor promises a quick fix for this issue.

Infotainment: Getting Used to It?

Since the central 14.6-inch screen houses almost all the controls (the only physical button is for the emergency lights), it’s worth focusing on.

Yes, it’s unfortunate that such basic functions as sound volume, air temperature, or seat heating require intervention through this panel (nonetheless attractive and responsive). However, the system (named Leap OS 4.0 Plus) has adapted somewhat to European tastes: several shortcuts, both on the screen and on the steering wheel, help mitigate this issue and handle the most common functions fairly easily.

Voice commands also allow for fairly effective adjustments, even managing to detect who is speaking. Additionally, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard.

As for the 8.8-inch digital dash, there’s not much to criticize: the information is clear and complete, with a layout that allows quick and easy access to the desired data.

Lastly, the 12-speaker sound system on our high-end test model is quite decent… after some tinkering with the settings, which can be a bit puzzling at times. Did you know that Niagara’s “Pendant que les champs brûlent” sounds remarkably good when you pair “Classical Music” mode with the “Dynamic” bass-boost setting?

Route Planner: Very Basic

All Leapmotor B03X models come with connected navigation, featuring a route planner capable of calculating charging stops on long journeys.

In a simulation from Malaga to Madrid, the charging stops seemed quite credible, but there are numerous shortcomings: no indication of stop duration at charging stations, no settings for charging levels at stations or at the destination.

While it’s good that it exists, one can only hope for a significant update to make it truly useful if it aims to match the excellent systems from Renault (thanks to Google) or Volkswagen.

Driving Aids: Needs More Work

Like many Chinese cars, the Leapmotor B03X comes standard with a plethora of driving aids—the press release proudly mentions 21 different systems.

Of course, this includes equipment made mandatory by the latest GSR-2 regulations (driver monitoring camera, overspeed alert, lane departure warning, etc.), but also a rear-view camera and a level 2 semi-autonomous driving system (including adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping); the high-end version adds a 360° camera, always useful for maneuvering.

Once on the road, things get a bit rough. While Leapmotor (like many other Chinese brands) has not yet succumbed to a button that disables all beeps with one gesture (as MG or Renault have), it should be noted that driving profiles can be saved to disable selected aids by default.

Although the driving aids (especially lane keeping) seemed less intrusive than during the B05 test, you’ll still be treated to a symphony of beeps if you leave everything activated. European brands know how to be more discreet.

A word about the semi-autonomous driving system. A first loop on country roads left me puzzled: the management of acceleration, braking, and especially steering was not at all up to par, as if the car was being driven by a panicked novice with harsh braking and a rather erratic trajectory.

A second loop with another car, on the same roads, was more reassuring with much better tracking—while excessive braking at every curve remains, confidence was restored… before joining a short stretch of highway, where this B03X was unable to handle a broad highway curve, despite it being free of any traps. Serious recalibration is needed in this area.

Driving: Pleasant in the City, Less So Elsewhere

To power the B03X, Leapmotor has kept it simple: two battery options, which we’ll detail later, both connected to the same engine, located under the front hood.

Only the power varies slightly: the smaller battery offers 130 kW (177 HP) and the larger 145 kW (197 HP), but the performance is identical with 200 Nm of torque, a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds, and a top speed of 160 km/h. Quite competitive for the category.

In the city, the Leapmotor B03X is in its element. Cobbled streets and speed bumps are comfortably absorbed, the turning radius is good (10 m), the throttle response is adequate, and the brake pedal offers a very pleasant consistency. Only the steering, which is far too light, requires switching to “Sport” mode to get any real feedback.

Things deteriorate once you leave urban areas. While the behavior of the B05 had impressed me, I found the B03X to exhibit the flaws of many Chinese cars: a chassis with settings far too soft.

Where to start? The steering provides no feedback about what’s happening under the wheels, while the suspension causes the car to sway excessively over road undulations, causing concern for passengers’ stomachs—I felt queasy behind the wheel, which is a rare occurrence.

Then there’s the issue of the tires: the Yokohama BluEarth GTs selected by Leapmotor (and specific to the European market) quickly reach their limits, especially when accelerating out of intersections or roundabouts, with rapid loss of grip. Leapmotor confirmed they are working on recalibrating the torque delivery.

It’s important to note that I didn’t have to drive recklessly to come to this conclusion. While it’s never dangerous (if you increase the pace, understeering occurs quickly before the ESP corrects the trajectory), all competitors offer a much more rigorous and comfortable chassis.

Battery, Range, and Consumption: Promising Numbers

Two Batteries to Choose From

For its battery technology, Leapmotor relies on LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry to power the B03X. Two capacities are available.

The entry-level model comes with a 39.8 kWh battery (the brand assures us this is both the net and gross capacity, as if there’s no buffer capacity), offering up to 292 km of range according to the WLTP cycle. If you want to go further, a 53 kWh battery is also available, extending the range to 382 km WLTP.

In both cases, charging from 10% to 80% takes just 21 minutes with peak charging powers of 100 kW and 133 kW respectively. This charging speed is unmatched in the category, with the best performers (Ford Puma Gen-E, Volkswagen ID. Cross) requiring about 25 minutes; others take around half an hour.

Remarkable Efficiency

While the driving part, as you’ve gathered, is disappointing, one aspect still brings a smile: the consumption.

After a first loop between Malaga and Ronda covering 189 km, the computer displayed an average consumption of 12.7 kWh/100 km—suggesting a theoretical range of 417 km under those conditions. A second 42 km loop was rewarded with an impressive 11.8 kWh/100 km, equating to a theoretical range of 449 km.

These figures, it must be said, were achieved under optimal conditions: around 30°C, with little highway driving. The standard heat pump should help limit consumption in winter. However, we were unable to test the charging.

Price, Range, and Availability: An Attractive Price/Equipment Ratio

True to its reputation, Leapmotor offers a very compact range for its B03X. Two trims are available. The first, called Life, already includes a lot: all driving aids, a rear-view camera, a connected screen, a heat pump, 18-inch wheels, and much more.

The Design trim adds some extras like faux leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 360° camera, and an electric driver’s seat.

The prices are particularly attractive. In customer pricing (Leapmotor adds a discount to the list price that should be permanent), the B03X with the smaller battery is listed at 23,550 euros, while the larger battery is only 25,550 euros. The Design trim, only offered with the larger battery, is priced at 26,550 euros.

Assembled in China, the B03X does not qualify for the CEE premium. European competitors, once the minimum premium is deducted, approach these prices but with far less equipment: for versions with 300 km of range, a Renault 4 E-Tech starts at a minimum of 26,370 euros, a Volkswagen ID. Cross at 24,460 euros, a Skoda Epiq at 22,935 euros. Versions with 400+ km range are priced between 28,000 and 30,000 euros in their base trims.

Therefore, the closest competitors to the B03X are likely the duo Citroën ë-C3 Aircross / Opel Frontera, cousins by alliance that are also remarkably spacious, reasonably affordable… and with a much healthier chassis.