New Chinese EV Joins UK Market with Stellantis Partnership, Offering Value but Lacking Driving Dynamics
The Leapmotor B03X SUV enters the UK market with a strong emphasis on practicality and features, but its driving experience and steering have drawn criticism.
A new electric SUV, the Leapmotor B03X, has arrived on UK roads, marking a significant collaboration between Chinese automaker Leapmotor and European giant Stellantis. This partnership highlights the increasing integration of Chinese brands within the European automotive industry. Stellantis, owner of marques like Peugeot and Vauxhall, holds a 20% stake in Leapmotor and a majority stake in a joint venture, Leapmotor International, which is bringing several Leapmotor models to the UK.
The B03X is positioned to compete with established rivals such as the Renault 4 E-Tech and Kia EV3, both priced similarly around £27,000. While Leapmotor is also known for its budget-friendly T03 EV, the B03X aims for a more premium feel despite its competitive pricing. The company describes the SUV as a 'passion magnet' that is 'fun to use,' a claim that has been tested by reviewers.
Design and Interior
Visually, the B03X has been described as a less striking version of the Mini Countryman, featuring rounded front and rear designs with a subtle 'smile' effect created by its LED light signatures. This gives the vehicle a friendly rather than sporty appearance. The interior adopts a 'Smart Minimalist' layout with a low dashboard and soft-touch materials, though the fabric finish is noted as being on the less premium side. A 14.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch driver display are prominent features, complemented by 64-colour ambient lighting.
Practicality is a strong suit for the B03X. Leapmotor claims 33 storage spaces throughout the cabin, including a spacious centre console tower and decent door bins. The rear seats offer good headroom and legroom due to a flat floor. The boot capacity is notable, with a 405-litre main compartment supplemented by a deep, washable 105-litre compartment underneath, bringing the total to 510 litres. This offers more space than the Kia EV3 and, with the rear seats folded, provides a load length of 2,530mm, capable of accommodating items like surfboards or flat-pack furniture.
Driving Experience and Performance
Despite its practical attributes, the B03X's driving dynamics have faced criticism. The vehicle's acceleration from a standstill is described as less sprightly than expected for an EV, with a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds feeling slower in practice. The most significant drawback identified is the steering, which is characterized as 'wishy-washy' and disconnected, leading to a lack of confidence when cornering. Adjusting driving modes to 'Sport' reportedly made little difference to the steering's responsiveness.
An issue with the air conditioning system was also noted during testing in high temperatures, where it reportedly only functioned on the 'max' setting, blasting ambient air otherwise. Leapmotor is expected to address such issues via over-the-air software updates before UK market launch.
On the positive side, the B03X is noted for its quiet and smooth ride, with minimal road or exterior noise entering the cabin. The suspension effectively glides over road surfaces, and it handles speed bumps well. The regenerative braking system is responsive and can be adjusted across three modes, proving particularly useful in urban driving. The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are also praised for being unobtrusive, a rare positive for many new car models.
Range, Trims, and Pricing
Leapmotor is offering the B03X in a single trim level, which is comprehensively equipped. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, eco-leather upholstery, keyless entry, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and vehicle-to-load functionality. The provisional price for the B03X is £26,995, which includes Leapmotor's 'Leap Grant.'
The SUV is equipped with a 53kWh battery, offering an official range of up to 237 miles. DC fast charging from 30% to 80% is stated to take just 16 minutes. This positions the B03X as a value-oriented option, offering significant equipment and practicality for its price point, although dynamic performance is a clear compromise.