There's a new electric hatchback arriving on Irish forecourts next month, and it's one worth paying attention to. The Leapmotor B05 is a C-segment hatchback with a B-segment price tag, and if that sounds too good to be true, the spec sheet might just change your mind.

What's on offer?

The B05 comes in two versions. The entry-level STYLE trim starts from €28,998 (after SEAI grant and VRT rebate), paired with a 56.2 kWh battery and up to 401km of WLTP range. Step up to the DESIGN trim at €32,984 and you get a larger 67.1 kWh battery, stretching that range to a very respectable 485km.

The spec that comes with it

Even on the entry STYLE trim, Leapmotor hasn't skimped. You're getting a coupe-inspired wide-body silhouette, frameless doors with hidden handles, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch aerodynamic alloys, a blade-style lighting signature and 21 ADAS safety features as standard.

Inside, the cabin is anchored by a 14.6-inch floating infotainment display paired with an 8.8-inch digital cluster, Leapmotor's Leap OS 4.0 Plus ties it all together. It feels considerably more premium than the price suggests.

Upgrade to DESIGN and you add eco-leather upholstery, ambient lighting, heated front seats and a Launch Control mode, which brings us neatly to performance.

How does it drive?

The B05 produces 218hp and 240Nm of torque, hitting 0–100km/h in 6.7 seconds. On paper, it should be genuinely fun to drive.

Charging is handled via an innovative Cell-to-Chassis architecture, supporting ultra-fast DC charging that takes the battery from 30–80% in around 17 minutes. Practically speaking, that's a meaningful top-up in the time it takes to grab a coffee.

The bottom line

Leapmotor isn't a brand that's been around forever, but the B05 makes a compelling case for why you should be paying attention. Strong range, sharp design, impressive performance and a spec list that punches well above its price.

Watch our full review for a closer look and get our on-the-road impressions.