Leapmotor Lafa5 Ultra to Debut at Beijing Auto Show – Hong Kong's Young Drivers' "First Smart EV"

On April 24, the Beijing Auto Show will witness the official launch of a highly anticipated entry-level electric hot hatch – the Leapmotor Lafa5 Ultra. This top-tier variant of the Lafa5 lineup features exclusive sporty body kits and interior details, and more importantly, it already supports nationwide urban navigation assistance. With the "One-for-One" EV tax scheme ended and EV purchase costs rising, the Lafa5 Ultra – priced at around RMB 100,000-150,000 (approx. HKD 110,000-160,000) – offers a compelling combination of sporty design, urban ADAS, and over 600km range. For Hong Kong's Gen Z, this raises a key question: has their "first smart EV" finally arrived?

Exterior Design: A Wide, Low-Slung "Battle Stance"

The Lafa5 Ultra receives a comprehensive sporty makeover. The exclusive body kit includes a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a sporty rear wing. The wide, low stance is visually striking, complemented by 19-inch gunmetal wheels, matte dark grey calipers, and blacked-out badging. Frameless doors and flush side windows enhance the coupe-like feel. The car measures 4,490mm in length, 1,880mm in width, and 1,510mm in height, with a 2,735mm wheelbase, retaining a compact and agile proportion. For Hong Kong users, this wide, low design is highly distinctive on local streets – it's not a "grocery getter," but a "toy" that makes you look back after parking.

Performance Evolution: 180kW Motor + Urban Navigation Assistance

Power is a key upgrade. The Lafa5 Ultra features a 180kW high-power electric drive, up from the standard 160kW, paired with a China-Europe co-tuned chassis for a balance of sporty handling and daily comfort. The standard Lafa5 does 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds; the Ultra is expected to be quicker. It offers CLTC ranges of 515km and 605km, with 30%-80% fast charging in just 18 minutes. For Hong Kong users, 515km covers a week's commuting, while the 605km version allows "two weeks on a single charge." The 18-minute fast charge means a quick top-up at a shopping mall suffices for the week.

More notably, the Lafa5 Ultra already supports nationwide urban navigation assistance. This means it can autonomously follow, change lanes, and avoid obstacles in complex city traffic. While Hong Kong regulations restrict advanced ADAS, hardware pre-installation offers future-proofing. Leapmotor's move to bring urban ADAS to the 100,000 RMB class demonstrates its commitment to "ADAS democratization."

Smart Features: Dual 8295P+8650 Chips + LiDAR

The Lafa5 Ultra is fully loaded in intelligence. It features Qualcomm 8295P+8650 dual flagship chips and LiDAR, enabling nationwide urban NAP without reliance on HD maps. The 8295P chip ensures a smooth infotainment experience. For Hong Kong users, this hardware provides not only current performance but also ample computing headroom for future OTA upgrades.

Interior Upgrade: Suede-like Material + Sport Seats

The interior features wind-gray suede-like material with 4.48 sqm of soft-touch coverage, exclusive sport seats, body-colored printed seat belts, and aluminum sill plates. Front seats offer ventilation/heating – a rare feature in this class. For Hong Kong users, ventilation is a blessing in the hot summer, while heating is welcome on northbound trips in winter.

Hong Kong Perspective: Leapmotor's RHD Opportunity

Leapmotor entered Hong Kong in 2025 with the C10, priced from around HKD 240,000. The Lafa5 Ultra, as a more affordable coupe, is expected to be priced between HKD 150,000-200,000. If introduced in RHD, it would be highly competitive. A Leapmotor manager has stated that the brand competes with other domestic Chinese brands in Hong Kong, targeting the entry-level EV segment. Key rivals include the BYD Dolphin, VW ID.3, and SAIC MG4. With its 1,880mm width (110mm wider than the Dolphin) and wider tires (225/235), the Lafa5 Ultra has a clear sporty edge.

The "One-for-One" scheme ended on March 31, 2026, meaning EVs are now subject to full progressive First Registration Tax. The Lafa5 Ultra's estimated on-road price of HKD 150,000-200,000 remains attractive. For budget-conscious young buyers, it offers a high-value option.

Personal Opinion

The Lafa5 Ultra demonstrates that "ADAS democratization" has truly arrived. Features once reserved for 200,000 RMB-class cars – 180kW motor, urban navigation, dual flagship chips, LiDAR – are now packaged into a 100,000 RMB hot hatch. For Hong Kong users, it offers a compelling blend of entry-level pricing, sporty design, and smart features.

While RHD availability remains the key variable, Leapmotor's Hong Kong presence suggests its arrival is a matter of time. The April 24 Beijing Auto Show launch is a date worth watching. When domestic brands redefine the entry-level market with "ADAS democratization," Hong Kong drivers may soon see this "wide-body hot hatch" on their streets.