London, UK – Chinese electric vehicle (EV) disruptor Leapmotor has firmly signalled its ambitious global intentions, placing Europe at the vanguard of its international growth strategy. At the highly anticipated 2026 Brussels Motor Show, the brand showcased a trio of crucial model unveils, underlining a commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible electric mobility backed by the considerable might of its strategic partner, Stellantis.
The presentation confirmed Leapmotor's rapid ascent, highlighting record-breaking sales figures and an expanding international footprint now spanning over 40 markets and approaching 1,700 sales and service points globally. This momentum is crucial as the brand navigates the competitive landscape of the UK and broader European EV sectors.
Record Momentum Fuels European Acceleration
Leapmotor’s presence in Brussels was not just about new metal; it was a declaration of market leadership. Tianshu Xin, Leapmotor International CEO, emphasized the foundational strength driving their expansion: “Our global ambitions are built on rigorous quality and consistency. Every Leapmotor product is conceived, designed, manufactured, and distributed with one clear goal: delivering excellent, high-quality vehicles at an accessible price.”
The company’s performance in 2025 was nothing short of remarkable. Selling over 600,000 units—a staggering 103% year-on-year increase—Leapmotor secured the top position among Chinese New Energy Vehicle (NEV) start-up brands. This commercial success provides the critical capital and confidence needed for aggressive international deployment.
Europe: The Strategic Growth Hub
For the UK market specifically, Leapmotor’s focus on Europe is particularly relevant. 2025 served as the establishment year, where the brand successfully launched three models, built over 800 points of sale, and registered more than 35,000 vehicles across the continent. With these foundations set, 2026 is earmarked for acceleration, leveraging the established distribution networks facilitated by the Stellantis collaboration.
Key Model Debuts Driving 2026 Strategy
The Brussels stage was used to unveil three pivotal vehicles intended to capture key segments of the European automotive hierarchy:
1. B03X: The Global B-SUV Challenger
The premiere of the Leapmotor B03X marked the brand’s first significant entry into the fiercely competitive compact B-SUV segment. This vehicle is historic as it is the first to be developed entirely on an all-new global platform, specifically engineered to meet stringent international standards for performance, safety, and smart technology integration. Set for a European launch in Autumn 2026, the B03X promises to redefine accessibility in the growing crossover segment, appealing directly to UK drivers seeking practical, reliable electric performance without premium price tags.
2. B05 Interior Reveal: Hatchback Sophistication
While the exterior of the B05 C-Hatch has been teased, the Brussels show provided the first detailed look at its interior architecture. This reveal focused heavily on user-centric design, advanced digital interfaces, and material quality—areas where Chinese manufacturers are rapidly closing the gap with established European rivals. The B05 is scheduled for a Summer 2026 arrival, positioning it perfectly to challenge established hatchbacks in the UK market later that year.
3. B10 Hybrid EV: Expanding Electrified Choice
Perhaps the most pragmatic launch for immediate volume was the debut of the B10 Hybrid EV. Recognizing that full Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) still face adoption hurdles related to charging infrastructure, Leapmotor is diversifying its offering. The B10 features a Range-Extender (REx) powertrain, sitting alongside the existing C10 Hybrid EV. This dual-hybrid strategy ensures Leapmotor can cater to a wider range of consumer needs as they transition toward full electrification. The B10 Hybrid EV is confirmed to arrive in the UK market starting Summer 2026, providing compelling competition for hybrid crossovers.
The Stellantis Advantage in the UK
The success of Leapmotor’s European strategy is intrinsically linked to its partnership with Stellantis, which provides invaluable logistical support, regulatory navigation, and established dealer networks across key territories, including the UK. This collaboration allows Leapmotor to bypass years of infrastructure building, focusing instead on product differentiation and rapid market penetration.
As the automotive landscape continues its rapid shift toward electrification, Leapmotor’s display in Brussels confirms that accessible, quality-driven competition is arriving fast. With the B03X, B05, and B10 all slated for significant European rollouts between Summer and Autumn 2026, UK consumers can anticipate a substantially broader and more competitive EV marketplace in the coming years.
