Tesla Faces New Challenge From Leapmotor B01

China’s EV scene continues to grow at unprecedented rates with new models being released seemingly every day. Leapmotor, one of the top brands in China, has just launched the new B01 electric sedan, a car that looks to shake up the global EV game with serious value and specs.

So, what is the B01? Think of it as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, but at a fraction of the price.

▶️MORE FROM ZECAR: 2025 Leapmotor C10 price and specs

Price: 36% Cheaper Than a Tesla Model 3

The Leapmotor B01 is expected to launch in China later this year at a starting price of just ¥150,000 (around A$32,230). That’s 36% cheaper than the base Tesla Model 3. For a vehicle similar in size and features that is a big discount for anyone shopping in the mid-sized electric sedan space.

While Australian launch plans haven’t been confirmed, Leapmotor’s ambitions and distirbution network in Australia suggest that the B01 could be a possibility in the future. The company entered the local market in 2024 with the C10 electric SUV, and has big plans to grow here.

▶️MORE: 2025 Leapmotor C10 REEV Lands in Australia With Impressive Range

Bigger Than a Model 3

This isn’t a small budget sedan. The B01 beats the Model 3 on length and height, and even edges out the BYD Seal on boot space.

Spec	Leapmotor B01	Tesla Model 3	BYD Seal
Length	4770 mm	4720 mm	4800 mm
Width	1880 mm	1850 mm (est.)	1875 mm
Height	1490 mm	1440 mm (est.)	1460 mm
Wheelbase	2735 mm	2875 mm	2920 mm
Boot Space	460 L (+70L underfloor)	~561 L incl. frunk	400 L approx

Even with slightly less width and a shorter wheelbase, interior space is ample from all accounts. The extra 70L of underfloor boot storage is a clever use of space.

650km Range and Sleek Aerodynamics

While we’re still waiting on the full powertrain specs, Leapmotor claims a driving range of up to 650km, thanks in part to its ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.197Cd. This puts it right up there with some of the most aerodynamic EVs in the world.

Drag coefficient (Cd): 0.197
Claimed range: 650km (Chinese CLTC cycle) or ~500 on the WLTP cycle.
Powertrain: Details pending, but likely to follow Leapmotor’s existing electric motor and battery systems

Inside the Cabin: Screens, Soft-Touch, and Mood Lights

Climb into the B01 and it’s obvious Leapmotor is gunning for that premium EV feel, without the premium price tag.

▶️MORE: 5 Cheapest Electric Cars in Australia (2025)

Interior Highlights:

14.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen
8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
256-colour ambient lighting system
Panoramic roof (optional)
88% soft-touch surface coverage
460L boot space plus 70L hidden compartment

The layout and materials definitely aim higher than the price suggests—a welcome trend we’ve been seeing from Chinese EV brands.

Tech and Safety: Lidar Over Cameras

Leapmotor has been taking a different route from Tesla when it comes to driver assistance tech. Instead of relying solely on cameras, the B01 is expected to feature a Lidar-based ADAS system for its autonomous and safety features.

This aligns with Leapmotor’s push toward Level 2+ autonomy, already seen in its C10 SUV.

▶️MORE: What is Bidirectional Charging, V2G, V2H, V2L?

What This Means for Australia

Right now, the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal are the only sub-$60k electric sedans available in Australia. If the B01 were to launch locally at anything near its Chinese pricing it could be priced well below the $50k mark, opening up the market to a whole new tier of Aussie EV buyers.

With Leapmotor’s C10 already on sale, and the brand’s clear ambition to expand its lineup, the B01 is a model to watch closely.