Gasgoo Munich-Due to the impact of Typhoon "White Dolphin," the launch event for the Leapmotor A05, originally scheduled for August 10, was rescheduled to August 11. Held at the Xizi Langqiao in Hangzhou, the event aimed to bring the new vehicle directly into the daily lives of young consumers.As the second global model built on Leapmotor's A-platform, the A05 is positioned as a "smart, agile boutique sedan." It offers five versions with two range options—405 km and 510 km—and carries a guide price of 63,900 to 90,900 yuan.Image source: LeapmotorLeapmotor has thrown down the gauntlet in the sub-100,000 yuan electric vehicle market with a compact model that comes standard with a Qualcomm 8295 cockpit chip across the lineup, topped off with LiDAR and a Qualcomm 8650 autonomous driving chip. As the company puts it, this is a case of "over-engineering" a small car: in the 60,000 to 90,000 yuan price bracket, advanced intelligence is no longer a luxury.Specs That Transcend the SegmentThe core product logic behind the A05 is straightforward: excel in the five dimensions that matter most to young first-time buyers, pushing performance to the limit—or even beyond its class.In terms of aesthetics, the A05 measures 4,200 mm by 1,800 mm by 1,560 mm with a 2,605 mm wheelbase, balancing interior space with an agile stance through a short front overhang. Its signature three-segment "emotional" headlights offer high recognition, while six nature-inspired colors target personalized tastes. Notably, Leapmotor collaborated with BVLGARI's chief design consultant, Matteo Menotto, to create a "warp and weft" luxury wrap pattern, turning Oriental weaving aesthetics into a visual symbol for the model's global rollout. The A05s special edition adds a contrasting pink-and-ink exterior with suede-like interiors for those seeking exclusivity.Image source: LeapmotorRegarding range and powertrain, the 510 km version packs a 53 kWh battery delivering a CLTC comprehensive range of 510 km. Thanks to 2.5C supercharging, it can recharge from 30% to 80% in just 16 minutes—adding over 15 km of range per minute of charging. Energy consumption is as low as 10.6 kWh per 100 km. It features the segment's only seven-in-one oil-cooled electric drive, supporting stable cruising at 150 km/h. A tight 4.9-meter turning radius, combined with LMC motion control, makes maneuvering U-turns on narrow city streets and navigating older residential neighborhoods effortless.The smart cockpit is the A05's key differentiator. All models come standard with the flagship Qualcomm 8295 chip paired with a 14.6-inch 2.5K central screen. The new Leapmotor OS integrates the Tongyi Qianwen AI model, supporting multimodal interaction, dialect recognition, and full-scenario voice control. A 12-speaker, 7.1-channel audio system, microphone-free karaoke, and a dual-ecosystem connectivity system further maximize the cabin's entertainment value.Image source: LeapmotorAutonomous driving is the A05's "trump card." The 510 LiDAR version features high-precision LiDAR and a Qualcomm 8650 chip, achieving the only gate-to-gate full-scenario assisted driving in its class. It covers the entire loop from exiting the parking lot, transit, passing gates, cruising, to automatic parking. With 43 driver-assistance functions—including HPA memory parking, APA parking assist, and 120-meter trail reverse—it handles high-frequency scenarios like extremely tight spots and dead ends. Priced at 85,900 yuan, this hardware combination is unmatched in the sub-100,000 yuan market.Space and safety were not compromised. Leveraging CTC (Cell-to-Chassis) battery technology, the A05 achieves a class-leading 88.4% space utilization rate. The trunk offers 474 liters of base volume, expandable to 1,308 liters with rear seats folded. An industry-first 91-liter washable underfloor storage compartment supports high-pressure washing and wet-dry separation, ensuring muddy or wet gear from camping or fishing stays out of the main cabin. On safety, high-strength steel makes up 74% of the body structure, with 2,000 MPa aerospace-grade thermoformed steel in critical occupant areas. The CTC 2.0 Plus battery technology guarantees no fire for 48 hours after thermal runaway. Full-speed, all-direction AEB can effectively brake at 120 km/h, while AES emergency steering assist creates a comprehensive chain of protection from warning to impact.The "Dual-A" Matrix Takes ShapeThe A05's launch is more than a lineup expansion; it marks the formal formation of the A-series "dual-vehicle matrix." The A10 took just 135 days to produce its 100,000th unit in the sub-100,000 yuan electric SUV market, validating the A-platform's potential for hit models. Now, the A05 enters the fray as a sedan. Both models share core technologies like CTC battery integration and the seven-in-one electric drive, covering different lifestyles through SUV and sedan body styles.Data shows the sedan market under 100,000 yuan moves roughly 5.37 million units annually, making it one of the largest segments by volume. Huachuang Securities projects monthly sales of the A05 could reach 15,000 to 20,000 units. If achieved, the A-series duo would contribute a stable base of over 30,000 units per month for Leapmotor.From a broader strategic perspective, the A05 carries the weight of Leapmotor's 2026 goal of 1 million annual sales. In July 2026, Leapmotor delivered 101,267 vehicles—a 102% year-over-year increase—making it the first domestic startup to breach the 100,000 monthly delivery mark. With cumulative deliveries reaching approximately 457,800 units in the first seven months, the company needs to average over 108,000 units per month for the remaining five months. The A05 arrives just in time, serving as both a key move to cement its status as the "top choice under 100,000 yuan" and a critical growth driver for the second-half sales sprint.Leapmotor founder Zhu Jiangming has repeatedly emphasized that full-domain self-research is the underlying capability allowing the company to bring high-value configurations to affordable price bands. By self-developing and manufacturing 65% of high-value core components, Leapmotor enjoys far greater freedom in cost control than traditional automakers.Returning to the launch slogan "Born to understand you, spirited all the way," the A05 conveys more than a simple value-for-money narrative; it offers a deep response to the needs of young first-time buyers. Even on a limited budget, they deserve a mobility experience that is intelligent, safe, and high-quality. While the industry still debates whether high-end autonomous driving is feasible under 100,000 yuan, Leapmotor provides a definitive answer with the A05: yes, it is, and it can be done exceptionally well. For the entire sub-100,000 yuan electric market, this is a genuine game-changer.
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