Leapmotor B03X compact EV: 5 things I’d fix to make it a daily driver

Published April 12, 2025 – The Leapmotor B03X arrived in the US market earlier this year through the company’s new joint venture with Stellantis, and it’s already turning heads as a sub-$25,000 compact electric hatchback. It promises plenty of tech, a surprising amount of interior space, and a ready-to-roll driving experience. After spending a week with the B03X in Los Angeles traffic, I came away impressed – but not fully convinced. Here are five changes that would make it a car I’d actually keep in my garage.

1. The suspension could use a sharper tune

The B03X’s ride is soft and forgiving over potholes, which is great for city cruising. But at highway speeds, the car feels floaty and lacks the tight damping of a Volkswagen ID.3 or a Chevy Bolt EUV. A firmer anti-roll bar and recalibrated dampers would add confidence when changing lanes quickly. I’d sacrifice a bit of cushion for control, especially given the 250‑mile range doesn’t encourage sedate driving.

2. Infotainment lag undermines all that screen real estate

Leapmotor boasts a 12.8‑inch central touchscreen with crisp graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay. Problem is, the interface can stutter when you rapidly swipe between menus – think a cheap Android tablet from 2019. During peak sun, the screen also struggles with glare. A simple software update to prioritize CPU for UI tasks and an optional anti‑reflective film would fix most frustrations. According to an iFixit teardown, the head unit uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, which is two generations behind what rivals like Volvo use. A swap to the 8cx Gen 3 would be a game‑changer.

3. Rear seat comfort is compromised for that “coupe” roofline

The B03X’s sloping fastback design gives it a sporty silhouette, but it eats into headroom. At 5’10”, my hair brushes the roofliner in the back seat. The base model lacks rear AC vents and USB‑C ports, which feels stingy on a 2025 EV. Adding a modest roofline bump and standard rear amenities would turn the B03X from a “just okay” family car into a legitimate competitor to the BYD Dolphin.

4. Charging speed needs an urgent boost

With a CCS port, the B03X accepts a peak of only 100 kW. On a 350‑kW Electrify America charger, that means a 10–80% stop takes 38 minutes – 12 minutes longer than a Hyundai Kona Electric. In a segment where 150 kW is becoming entry‑level, Leapmotor needs to upgrade the battery pack to support 200 kW+ or offer a heat pump as standard. Until then, road trips will test your patience. (I waited an extra 15 minutes at the Bakersfield station last Tuesday.)

5. Frunk? No, just a shallow cubby

Open the B03X’s hood and you’ll find a small storage bin that barely holds a level 1 charger cable. The space is warm from the motor inverter, making it unsuitable for groceries. Rivals like the Mini Cooper SE offer a proper 44‑liter frunk. Leapmotor could reorganize the electronics to carve out 30 liters of usable space – an easy win for practicality.

What I wouldn’t change: The B03X’s value proposition is undeniable. Its 250‑mile EPA range, standard 360‑degree camera, and Level 2 autonomy features put it ahead of many $30k competitors. The build quality – once a weak point for Chinese EVs – now matches mid‑tier European brands, with tight panel gaps and durable interior plastics.

Bottom line: The Leapmotor B03X is a compelling entry into America’s budget‑EV arena, but it’s not yet a universal recommendation. If Leapmotor addresses these five points – especially charging speed and rear‑seat comfort – they could steal sales from the Chevy Bolt EUV and the Nissan Leaf. For now, it’s a “test drive it and see if the quirks bother you” car. As for me, I’ll wait for the mid‑cycle refresh.

Disclosure: Leapmotor lent us the B03X for one week of testing. All opinions are my own.