The BYD brand that no one knows what to call seems to be growing. Yes we’re talking about Leopard or should that be Formula Leopard or in Chinese Fang Cheng Bao. So far the brand has the Leopard 5 (Bao 5) on sale which should be joined later this year by the Leopard 8. Now spy shots have emerged of the Leopard 3.
Little is currently known about the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 3, yes the Leopard 3 has an extra bao in its Chinese name. Obviously it is smaller than its Leopard 5 sibling with BYD taking a traditional size based approach to the model numbering.
Like the Bao 5 the new car will sit on the DMO platform. This is a platform optimized for all-wheel drive SUVs and is exclusive to the Fang Cheng Bao brand. Little is known about the platform but it is likely a modified version of BYD’s DM-p platform.
In a break from the Bao 5 and Bao 8 the new cub is an all-electric model rather than a PHEV, as suggested by the single charging port cover on the front right fender.
Although it is likely to be a similar size to the BYD Atto 3, the Bao 3 will be a serious off-road SUV. Not only will it be all-wheel drive but under car shots reveal independent suspension and chassis guards.
Although still quite heavily camouflaged it is clear that the Bao 3 has rugged looks. There’s a large rectangular grille and hefty front bumper plus the light clusters both front and rear are mounted high up. Teaser images previously seen suggest an optional rare mounted spare wheel.
From the spy shots it looks as if BYD have been putting the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 3 through its paces in cold weather testing. The Leopard 3 should go on sale later this year after the flagship Leopard 8. Car News China expects prices to lie in the 200,000 – 300,000 yuan (27,300 – 41,000 USD) range.
There is currently no news on the power of the car or battery capacity, however, we can be assured that the Bao 3 will use BYD’s famous lithium iron phosphate Blade battery from its FinDreams subsidiary.
In a break from BYD’s traditional dealership sales model the Fang Cheng Bao brand sell through directly operated stores with BYD aiming to open 150 by the end of 2024.
