Leapmotor B03X B-SUV EV Arrives in Malaysia by 2027

Leapmotor B03X B-SUV EV Arrives in Malaysia by H1 2027

The Leapmotor B03X is a B-segment electric SUV that will arrive in Malaysia by the first half of 2027, produced via complete knock-down (CKD) assembly at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, Kedah. This model is sold as the A10 in China but adopts the B03X nameplate internationally. The vehicle is manufactured by Leapmotor in partnership with Stellantis, and for Malaysian consumers, it is positioned as an affordable, compact electric SUV designed for urban commuting, with a projected retail price just above RM100,000.

The B03X addresses the need for a reasonably priced, locally assembled EV in Malaysia, avoiding the country's minimum power output regulations for imported CBU units. It is relevant to Malaysian drivers seeking a practical, compact EV with competitive range and fast-charging capabilities.

Key Facts

The Leapmotor B03X is a CKD-assembled B-segment electric SUV for Malaysia with a WLTP range of up to 382 km and a projected price above RM100,000.

What Is the Leapmotor B03X and Why Is It a New Model for Malaysia?

The B03X is an international specification version of the Chinese-market A10. It is a B-segment electric SUV that uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The model was confirmed for Malaysia at Auto China 2026, and it is now the third CKD model to be produced at the Gurun plant, following the Leapmotor B10 and C10 SUVs.

Importing the B03X as a CBU is not feasible because the vehicle fails to meet Malaysia's minimum power output requirement of 180 kW (245 PS). The CBU regulation also mandates a minimum CIF value of RM200,000 before duties, taxes and margins. Consequently, local assembly is the only viable route for this model in Malaysia.

"I'm one of the few OEMs who have a plant in Malaysia. If today I sell at RM125k, CKD I will still sell at RM125k. That's my advantage compared to all the new players in the market, because I have a plant and it's fully amortised."

— Isaac Yeo, Stellantis ASEAN Managing Director, in an interview with paultan.org

Local CKD assembly in Gurun is the only viable route for the B03X because it does not meet Malaysia's 180 kW minimum power requirement for imported CBU EVs.

What Are the International Specifications of the Leapmotor B03X?

Malaysia will receive the B03X in a specification largely similar to the international version sold in Europe, including the same battery options, motor output and charging capabilities. The global version differs from the China-market A10 in several areas, including the absence of LiDAR, a panoramic glass roof, a flip-down rear table and under-seat storage for some markets.

The B03X offers two LFP battery options: a 39.8 kWh unit with up to 292 km WLTP range and a 53.0 kWh unit with up to 382 km. Both batteries support '2.5C' fast-charging, which brings the state of charge from 30% to 80% in around 16 minutes. Maximum charging rates are 133 kW DC and 11 kW AC.

The single front-mounted motor produces 197 hp (145 kW) and 200 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. This is significantly more powerful than the Chinese-market A10, which has outputs of 94 hp (70 kW) and 121 hp (90 kW).

The B03X for Malaysia uses a single front motor producing 197 hp and 200 Nm, with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds.

How Does the B03X Compare to the China-Market A10?

Internationally, the B03X differs from the Chinese A10 by omitting LiDAR, a panoramic glass roof, a flip-down table for rear passengers and a storage box under the flip-up rear seat base. The passenger-side central air con vent attachment for accessories like ambient lighting or fragrance dispensers is also not available in Europe or Malaysia.

The A10 in China is less powerful, with 94 hp (70 kW) and 121 hp (90 kW) outputs, both with 150 Nm of torque. The A10 takes 10.5 and 12.0 seconds respectively for the century sprint. The international B03X is therefore tuned for stronger performance, and its ride and handling were developed by Stellantis at the Balocco proving ground in Italy.

The name change from A10 to B03X outside of China is intentional, to avoid the market confusing it for an A-segment car. The vehicle's dimensions confirm its B-segment classification: it is 4,270 mm long and 1,810 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,605 mm.

The B03X has more than double the power of the Chinese A10 and omits features like LiDAR and a panoramic glass roof for international markets.

What Is the Expected Price and Positioning in Malaysia?

Stellantis Malaysia aims to price the single-spec B03X just above RM100,000, slotting it below the CKD Leapmotor B10 Design, which is priced at RM118,800 on-the-road without insurance. The exact pricing is subject to negotiations between the carmaker and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

Pricing is a complex factor for non-national makes, as it is not fully within their control. The advantage for Stellantis is having a fully amortised plant in Gurun, allowing them to maintain price parity if tax schemes change. The B03X is intended to be an affordable EV option for the Malaysian market.

The B03X is targeted to be priced just above RM100,000 in Malaysia, below the RM118,800 CKD B10 Design.

How Does the B03X Compare to Other B-SUVs in Malaysia?

For context, the BYD Atto 2, an electric B-SUV, is 40 mm longer and 20 mm wider than the B03X, with a wheelbase 15 mm longer. Compared to the Proton eMas 5/Geely EX2, the B03X is 135 mm longer and 5 mm wider, but its wheelbase is 45 mm shorter.

The B03X is dimensionally positioned between these rivals, offering a compact footprint suitable for urban parking and Malaysian city driving.

The B03X is 135 mm longer than the Proton eMas 5 and 40 mm shorter than the BYD Atto 2, confirming its B-segment sizing.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Leapmotor B03X is ideal for Malaysian urban and suburban drivers seeking an affordable, compact electric SUV. Its dimensions make it suitable for tight parking spaces in condominiums and city centers, while its fast-charging capability supports both daily commutes and weekend travel between major cities on the North-South Expressway.

The 53.0 kWh battery's WLTP range of 382 km is practical for Klang Valley commuting and short intercity trips. The 11 kW AC charging rate is compatible with standard home wallbox installations using Malaysia's 240V supply and UK-style Type G plugs. For public DC fast charging, the 133 kW capability allows quick top-ups at networks such as Gentari, ChargeEV and Shell Recharge.

In Malaysia, this EV suits drivers requiring a compact, practical electric SUV for urban living with a range that comfortably covers Klang Valley commutes and occasional intercity travel.

Common Questions

Will the B03X be available as a CBU import in Malaysia?

No. The B03X fails to meet Malaysia's minimum power output of 180 kW (245 PS) for CBU EVs, which also require a minimum CIF value of RM200,000. Importing this model is therefore not feasible, making CKD assembly in Gurun the only route.

What is the expected launch date for the B03X in Malaysia?

The CKD B03X is expected to surface in the first half of 2027, pending negotiations between Stellantis and the government regarding compliance and pricing.

What is the difference between the Leapmotor B03X and the A10?

The B03X is the international version of the Chinese A10. It has a more powerful motor (197 hp vs. 94 or 121 hp), is tuned by Stellantis in Italy, and omits features like LiDAR, a panoramic glass roof and under-seat storage for global markets.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: a report published on paultan.org on 11 September 2026, titled "Leapmotor B03X will arrive in Malaysia by H1 2027 – B-SUV EV, international specs like Europe, CKD in Gurun." The source was cross-referenced with earlier paultan.org reports on the Leapmotor B10 and C10 CKD programme and the MITI CBU EV regulations.

All prices are quoted in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) as stated in the source. No currency conversions were required. Technical specifications such as battery capacities, range, power outputs and dimensions are reproduced as published in the source article. This article was last updated on 12 September 2026 based on the provided source date.