This year is shaping up to be a busy year for BYD’s new Fang Cheng Bao brand with the forthcoming launches of both the Bao 3 (Leopard 3) and Bao 8 (Leopard 8). Days ago we brought you official camouflage pictures of the Bao 3, today it’s spy shots of the Bao 8 interior.
The Bao 8 made its debut at the Fang Cheng Bao night event in April this year and from that we have a good idea of what the exterior will look like. Although still heavily camouflaged the spy shots of the interior give us some idea of what to expect. It’s believed that the Bao 8 will be available in 6 and 7 seat options and the spy shots clearly show the 7 seat version.
In the front we can that the Bao 8 carries over the general Fang Cheng Bao design language. Currently the Bao 5 is the brand’s only car on sale and we can see that the Bao 8 seems to have a more luxurious feel about as indicated by things like the suede type material on the A-pillar and roof. The steering wheel is quite heavy with control buttons and there seems to be an instrument screen buried under the covering over the dashboard. More clearly visible are the large central infotainment unit and the possibly dual wireless phone charging pads.
Little can be ascertained about the second row from the spy shots. However, it’s expected that the seats will have electric adjustment for back angle and should feature heating and ventilation functions.
The Bao 8 has a boxy look not unlike the Yangwang U8 and measures in at 5195, 1994 and 1875 mm (l/w/h) while the wheelbase is 2920 mm. The roof rack on the Bao 8 take height up to 1905 mm. It will ride on a choice of 20 or 21-inch wheels. Like the Bao 5 the Bao 8 uses BYD’s DMO super hybrid off-road platform. Instead of having a central differential lock the Bao 8 uses electronic inter-axle energy locks. With a non-load bearing body it has double wishbone suspension front and rear. An optional tow hook will allow the Bao 8 to tow up to a 2.5 ton trailer.
Equipped with Lidar the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 should have a reasonable level of driving assistance. Other equipment is believed to include a panoramic sunroof, and streaming rearview mirror.
Unlike the Bao 5 the Bao 8 swaps out the 1.5T for a more powerful 2.0T engine with peak power of 200 kW. A PHEV the car has a 200 kW electric motor on the front axle and 300 kW behind. Battery power comes of course via BYD’s blade battery but so far pack capacities are unknown.
The Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 is expected launch around the end of the third quarter and prices are likely to be around 500,000 yuan (69,000 USD). BYD introduced the Fang Cheng Bao brand last year and currently the brand specializes in heavy duty off-road SUVs all of which are PHEVs. However, the brand has shown at least a concept of a sports car indicating that the brand may not exclusively focus on this area. The Bao 3 should follow on from the Bao 8 either late this year or early next year.
Sources: Autohome, Fast Technology
