Spanish buyers comparing electric cars around €20,000 face two very different propositions: the Leapmotor B05, a larger compact hatchback focused on space and range, with extra power, and the BYD Dolphin Surf, a smaller city car designed for urban manoeuvrability. The headline prices need context: reported offers for both models can include government support and manufacturer discounts, so the amount payable depends on the incentives and promotions applied.
Design and Dimensions
The Leapmotor B05 stands out as a compact hatchback in a market crowded with SUVs. It measures 4.43 metres long and 1.88 metres wide, and stands 1.52 metres high. Its 2.73-metre wheelbase places it in the European C segment rather than the conventional city-car class. Leapmotor’s Advanced European Design Center in Munich has contributed to its European-facing design. Its understated exterior is paired with a minimalist dashboard. The cabin has a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom and width, although the low roofline limits headroom. The boot holds 345 litres, modest for a car of this size.
The BYD Dolphin Surf is more compact, measuring 3.99 metres long and 1.72 metres wide. Its playful styling, especially in bright lime green, makes it easy to spot. Inside, a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen takes centre stage, alongside voice control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The car has up to 20 storage compartments. Its rear seats can accommodate adults, though with less room than the B05. The boot holds 308 litres, expanding to 1,037 litres with the rear seats folded.
Performance and Range
The European-market Leapmotor B05 is specified with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 160 kW, or 218 CV, and 240 Nm of torque. Published figures put acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h at around 6.6 to 6.7 seconds, depending on the stated specification and test configuration. Buyers can choose between 56.2-kWh and 67.1-kWh battery options, with claimed WLTP ranges of up to 401 km and 482 km respectively. The car uses Leapmotor’s Leap 3.5 architecture and an 800-volt electrical system. Direct-current charging is reported at up to 174 kW. Manufacturer information gives a 30-to-80% charging time of about 17 minutes under specified conditions. Published kerb weights range from 1,580 to 1,680 kg depending on battery and equipment. These are specification figures, not independent real-world consumption results.
The B05’s larger battery and rear-wheel lead, paired with its high-voltage system, make it a more large compact EV than a typical urban runabout. Its reported cash price is €23,675, while a €19,400 starting figure has been reported after incorporating a €3,375 Plan Auto+ incentive and a €900 CAE discount. The lower figure is so conditional on the applicable aid and promotional terms, not an unconditional list price. The car’s stated equipment includes a 360-degree camera and LED headlights. It also comes with 19-inch wheels and adaptive lighting, plus a six-speaker audio system, online navigation and a heat pump.
The BYD Dolphin Surf offers three powertrains: Active and Boost trims use an 88-hp motor, while Comfort has a 156-hp motor producing 220 Nm of torque. All versions use BYD’s Blade Battery with LFP chemistry. The Active has a 30-kWh battery and a stated range of 220 km. Boost and Comfort use a 43.2-kWh battery, with claimed ranges of 322 km and 310 km respectively, and up to 507 km in city driving. DC fast charging is supported at up to 85 kW, with a stated 10-to-80% charging time of 30 minutes. All versions support 11-kW AC charging and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which can supply power to external devices. The stated starting price is €19,990, falling to €14,455 with the Plan Auto+ and manufacturer discounts described in the offer.
Equipment and Everyday Use
The Leapmotor B05 is offered in Life and Design trims, with the latter reserved for the larger battery. Standard equipment includes a surround-view camera and LED lighting. It also gets large alloy wheels and a streamlined, button-free interior. Its larger cabin and spacious rear seats make it the stronger option for families or buyers who regularly carry passengers, although its boot is less competitive than the body size might suggest.
The BYD Dolphin Surf, available in Active, Boost and Comfort trims, includes a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Its stated equipment list also includes navigation and adaptive cruise control, plus parking sensors and a rear camera. Higher trims add heated, power-adjustable front seats and more advanced connectivity. Its smaller footprint and tight turning circle favour city driving and parking, while the flexible boot adds everyday practicality.
Which to Choose?
The choice depends on how and where the car will be used. For urban commuters prioritising compact dimensions and easy parking, along with the lowest advertised entry price, the Dolphin Surf is the more natural fit. Its Active version is suited to shorter daily journeys, while Boost offers greater range. The advertised discounted prices depend on the incentives and manufacturer offers available to the buyer.
For longer journeys and frequent motorway driving, or regular passenger and luggage duties, the B05 has the advantage in power and claimed WLTP range, as well as cabin size. Its 67.1-kWh battery is rated for up to 482 km, but the reported sub-€20,000 price relies on incentives and discounts; the quoted cash price is €23,675. The comparison is so between two cars with different price conditions: a compact city EV and a larger, more powerful car whose headline offer is conditional.
The B05 also has a future Spanish manufacturing connection. Stellantis and Leapmotor have announced that production is planned for the Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza from 2027, making it the second Leapmotor model scheduled for assembly there after the B10. Stellantis described the move as an expansion of Leapmotor International’s European manufacturing presence. The company said the B05 would be “the second model built in Zaragoza (Spain).” The planned start date matters: the announcement does not mean that every B05 sold in Spain before 2027 is locally produced.
The rise of affordable Chinese EVs is reshaping Spain’s market, widening choice beyond established brands and intensifying competition over price and range, with equipment also in play. The shift is visible in other segments too, including the Citroën Ami’s collaboration with Rip Curl, which pairs bold styling with an urban-focused format.
As incentives and competition evolve, Spanish consumers have more electric options at accessible advertised prices. The basic distinction is what each offer includes: the Dolphin Surf prioritises affordability and city use, while the B05 brings compact-car space and stronger performance, along with longer stated range. Its lowest reported price depends on support and promotional conditions.
