BYD’s recently launched Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand has officially unveiled its new boxy plug-in hybrid off-roader in China, along with a new concept that forms part of its expansion plans.
As reported by CarNewsChina, the Bao 5 (or Leopard 5) is set to be shown off at this year’s Chengdu motor show, which starts on August 25, ahead of sales beginning in China later this year.
The Bao 5 has a similarly boxy appearance to not only the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport, but also a bevy of new Chinese models like the Jetour Traveller, BYD’s own Yangwang U8, and GWM’s Haval Menglong and Tank 300.
It’s powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors producing system outputs of 500kW and 760Nm. Fang Cheng Bao claims it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.
The plug-in hybrid off-roader has a combined range of over 1200km on the lenient CLTC cycle, with its high-voltage battery claimed to be able achieve to 125km of CLTC electric range after 16 minutes of charging.
It also has three differential locks, as well as BYD’s new DiSus-P suspension system, also known as the Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System, which also features in the Yangwang 8.
The two-row Bao 5 measures in at 4890mm long, 1970mm wide, and 1920mm tall, with a 2800mm wheelbase. This makes it slightly longer than the GWM Tank 300 which recently launched in Australia.
As part of the reveal event, Fang Cheng Bao also revealed the Super 8 concept which previews a larger SUV for the brand that slots above the Bao 5.
The Super 8 concept still has a boxy silhouette but has features like retractable door handles and cameras instead of conventional side mirrors.
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Super 8 concept
It’s unclear when Fang Cheng Bao will unveil the production version of this larger SUV that’s understood to be named Bao 8, though the brand also confirmed it will introduce a mysterious third model called the Bao 3.
During the part of this part of the reveal presentation there was an inscription which translates directly to ‘go to sea together’. It’s unclear if this means Fang Cheng Bao is looking at entering overseas markets.
BYD is busily embarking on a massive global expansion, with its namesake brand having recently entered markets like Australia and Europe.
With its export program, however, it has been focusing on its electric vehicles and not its plug-in hybrids.
The Chinese automaker only produces electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as of last year.
BYD has debuted its new Fang Cheng Bao and Yangwang brands with boxy off-roaders, which seem to be the latest craze in the Chinese market.
