Leapmotor (HKG: 9863) today commenced pre-sales of the Lafa 5 in China, entering the electric hatchback market to compete against models including the Volkswagen ID.3, SAIC MG4, BYD (HKG: 1211) Dolphin, and Nio Inc's (NYSE: NIO) Firefly EV.
The Lafa 5 offers five pre-sales variants -- 515 Plus, 515 Pro, 515 Max, 605 Pro, and 605 Max -- with starting prices of RMB 105,800 ($14,858), RMB 115,800, RMB 125,800, RMB 121,800, and RMB 131,800 respectively.
Its official launch is scheduled for November 28, when final pricing is expected to be lower, potentially reducing the entry-level model to about RMB 100,000. The higher-spec Ultra variant will be launched in 2026.
Nio's Firefly EV offers two standard variants, currently priced starting at RMB 119,800 and RMB 125,800 including the battery pack.
Lafa 5 is a rear-wheel-drive compact EV with a sporty driving style, tuned by Stellantis' European team. Leapmotor aims for the model to become the Dream Car for young people worldwide.
Built on Leapmotor's LEAP 3.5 Architecture B platform, it measures 4,430 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,520 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm.
These dimensions surpass those of the Firefly EV, which measures 4,003 mm long, 1,781 mm wide, and 1,557 mm tall, with a 2,615 mm wheelbase.
The Lafa 5 utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, offering 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh capacity options that deliver CLTC ranges of 515 or 605 kilometers.
It supports fast charging, capable of charging from 30 percent to 80 percent in 18 or 19 minutes.
The model is available only in a single-motor configuration. The entry-level variant features a motor with a peak power output of 132 kW, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The remaining four variants are equipped with a motor delivering 160 kW of peak power, achieving 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 6.5 seconds.
Its cockpit is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155P or 8295P, with the latter being the current mainstream choice for high-end EVs.
The model features the Leapmotor Pilot driver assistance system, with both Max variants additionally equipped with LiDAR.
Leapmotor delivered 70,289 vehicles in October, marking its sixth consecutive month of record-breaking performance.
From January to October, the Stellantis-backed Chinese EV maker delivered 465,805 vehicles, marking a 120.72 percent year-on-year increase.
The company aims to deliver between 580,000 and 650,000 vehicles in 2025, targeting 1 million units next year.
Leapmotor will unveil the A10 -- the first model in its A-series lineup -- at the Guangzhou auto show later this month.
($1 = RMB 7.1206)
