BYD has unveiled its Leopard 5, an SUV that rolls out under the FangChengBao brand in the Chinese market. This move marks a notable step in BYD’s brand architecture, placing FangChengBao between Denza and Yangwang as a distinct label focused on high-performance, technology-forward vehicles.
The Leopard 5 sits on BYD’s new DM-o platform, a design architecture that emphasizes a spacious interior, modern battery tech, and refined driving dynamics. At nearly five meters in length and with a 2.8-meter wheelbase, the SUV presents a balanced silhouette that blends practicality with a touch of premium SUV character. The front end is defined by a wide grille that visually connects the headlights, a flat windshield, and large mirrors that hint at its advanced driver assistance features and aerodynamic focus.
Under the hood, Leopard 5 borrows a hybrid powertrain layout that blends internal combustion with dual electric motors, one positioned on each axle. This setup delivers a total output of about 650 horsepower, providing robust acceleration and strong highway performance. The hybrid system is designed to optimize efficiency while delivering the torque and responsiveness expected from a performance-oriented SUV in the BYD lineup. With a claimed range around 1,200 kilometers on a mixed cycle, Leopard 5 targets buyers seeking long-range capability without frequent recharging on extended trips.
In the domestic market, Leopard 5 was introduced with a price point near 400,000 yuan, a figure that places it within reach for customers seeking a high-value, tech-rich SUV from a major automaker. Sales announcements indicated that deliveries began toward the end of 2023, aligning with BYD’s strategy to bring innovative models to market quickly under the FangChengBao banner. The Leopard 5’s combination of a strong hybrid system, a modern DM-o platform, and a bold design language demonstrates BYD’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in the competitive Chinese SUV segment.
This model continues BYD’s trend of pairing advanced propulsion with distinctive branding. The Leopard 5 embodies a bridge between established brands within BYD’s ecosystem and the newer, performance-focused FangChengBao lineup. Observers note that the vehicle’s design cues, engineering choices, and price positioning reflect BYD’s broader goal of delivering compelling, high-utility vehicles that appeal to both traditional SUV buyers and tech enthusiasts. The Leopard 5 also aligns with BYD’s push to showcase hybrid technology as a versatile solution for a range of driving scenarios, from daily commuting to longer road trips, challenging conventional expectations for what a mid-size SUV can offer in terms of both efficiency and performance.
As BYD continues to expand its catalog, the Leopard 5 stands out for its emphasis on a cohesive hybrid powertrain, a modern platform, and a design language that emphasizes breadth of capability without sacrificing style. With FangChengBao serving as the new-branded home for this model, BYD signals its intent to broaden choices for Canadian and American enthusiasts who follow global developments in electric and hybrid mobility, and who value hybrids that can pair extended range with dynamic driving experiences. Market observers will be watching how Leopard 5 is received in other regions as BYD leverages its DM-o platform to support future cross-border vehicle introductions while strengthening its competitive stance in the SUV segment. The Leopard 5, in short, represents a calculated step in BYD’s ongoing strategy to blend performance, efficiency, and practical luxury within a single, distinctly branded family of vehicles, catering to diverse customer needs and preferences across major markets.