Leapmotor Lafa 5 EV Teased – A Hatchback That Breaks Rules

The electric automotive segment is rapidly escalating, and Leapmotor, the Chinese automaker in partnership with Stellantis, has made sure it's part of the process. Announcing the recently unveiled Lafa 5, a five-door electric hatchback to be showcased at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, this hatchback is taking all the latest design cues, a functional battery configuration, with a definite eye towards global expansion; this hatchback should stir a little competition up against popular hatchbacks including VW ID.3 and Hyundai Kona Electric.

What is the Leapmotor Lafa 5

The Lafa 5 is Leapmotor's first serious entry into the crowded compact EV category. This fully electric hatchback is aimed at attracting a younger, tech-savvy driver looking for style, affordability, and performance in a single hatchback. The Lafa 5 will be formally revealed at IAA Munich in September 2025, one of the largest, most important global auto trade shows of the year. Backed by Stellantis, Leapmotor will expand beyond China as it moves to Europe, while eventually having a say in the U.S. EV adoption.

Lafa 5 Electric Hatchback Features 

Under the hood (on the five, under the floor, as it's an EV), the Lafa 5 has a modular LEAP 3.5 architecture. The same architecture as Leapmotor's B10 crossover. Powered by a rear-mounted electric motor with about 215 horsepower, with a 67 kWh battery pack onboard, the anticipated driving range is around 260 miles, which is practical, especially for commuters, families, or anyone who enjoys weekend road trips with limited worry about stopping to charge every couple of hours.

• Rear motor output: ~215 hp
• Battery Capacity: 67 kWh
• Driving Range: approx. 260 miles
• Compact Footprint, Easy to use Around Town

Exterior Design and Styling Changes of Leapmotor Lafa 5

The Lafa 5 certainly has personality based on the teasers. With a futuristic feel from its sharp LED headlights and sleek front-end styling, there are rear shoulders and a taillight bar that pay homage to some of our favorite European hatchbacks. But the strong novel element of the Lafa 5 is the roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, demonstrating that Leapmotor is packing advanced driver-assistance tech into a compact car. The Lafa 5 combines this tech with a set of door handles that are flush and a smooth aerodynamic shape - we could see sharing this car with a mate for every-day practical use, but also sporting it.

Leapmotor Global Growth and Future Plans

The Lafa 5 won't be arriving solo—it's arriving to a spike in growth at Leapmotor. In August 2025, Leapmotor delivered 57,066 vehicles, an 88% gain year-on-year. The total was nearly 329,000 units over the January to August period, and Leapmotor even recorded its first half year of net profit. For any new EV maker, such strong momentum is a solid indication that buyers are willing to engage with what the brand has to offer.

What Makes the Lafa 5 Important for EV Buyers

Compact electric vehicle hatchbacks are trending. Affordable, easy to park in urban environments, and with the range that modern drivers expect, the Lafa 5 hits the market as buyers increasingly choose an EV not just for its eco-friendliness, but for its performance and design. With Stellantis bolstering Leapmotor's international strategy, the Lafa 5 could effortlessly grow beyond Europe and eventually garner interest in the U.S. market as compact and affordable electric vehicles rapidly gain interest.

Lafa 5 Electric Hatchback Price Expectations and Rivals

Although we have no official pricing from Leapmotor yet, we expect it to sit below the VW ID.3 and Hyundai Kona Electric as a cost-effective option. Industry speculation indicates a sales price of around $30,000–$35,000 (after incentives in some areas). If that ends up being the case, then the Lafa 5 is an extremely strong potential competitor in the compact EV space. The compelling combination of styling, range, plus cutting edge tech such as LiDAR would position the Lafa 5 well among the younger generation who want cool tech without paying too much for it.

Leapmotor Lafa 5 Electric Hatchback Specifications

Conclusion

The Leapmotor Lafa 5 is not just another zero-emission hatchback—it is a testament to just how rapidly the electric vehicle space is changing. With its aggressive styling, next-gen technology, and tremendous promises on performance, it is quite clear Leapmotor intends to compete on the same playing field as legacy manufacturers Volkswagen and Hyundai. Regardless of whether the Lafa 5 will one day grace the roads of the United States, the Lafa 5 will most certainly be one of the most talked about vehicles at this year's IAA Mobility Show, and a clear signal that the future of electric vehicles will be even more competitive and more thrilling than we could have imagined.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops