Hey, have you heard about the latest sensation in the off-road vehicle scene? Meet the Bao 5, an exciting new release from Fang Cheng Bao, a renowned brand under the BYD umbrella. This isn’t just any off-roader; it’s a powerful plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that rockets from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. And the best part? It’s hitting the market at an unbelievably affordable starting price of $39,800 USD. Get ready to be amazed!
Byd Leopard 5 Price
BYD’s founder and CEO, Wang Chuanfu, is known for his knack for slashing costs, and it shows with the Bao 5. Initially announced in a presale with a price tag ranging between 300,000 – 400,000 yuan, the final price actually dipped to an even more wallet-friendly 289,800 – 352,800 yuan ($39,800 – $48,400 USD). Talk about giving more bang for your buck!
Custom Upgrades Without the Sticker Shock
What’s even more impressive? The customization options. Want to upgrade to some sleek Michelin or Pirelli tires? Or maybe you’re thinking about adding 6-piston brakes and some stylish extras like a painted wheel arch or an all-inclusive spare tire cover? Guess what? That’ll only set you back an extra 10,000 yuan ($1,370 USD). If this were a luxury brand like Benz or BMW, you’d be looking at paying up to 40,000 yuan for those same upgrades! Pretty amazing, right?
Changing the Sales Game
This time around, BYD is shaking things up by ditching the traditional dealership model. Instead, they’re rolling out the Bao 5 exclusively through 70 direct-operated Fang Cheng Bao stores across China, with plans to bump that number up to 150 by next year. They’re starting to deliver these bad boys in November—so the excitement is just building up.
Design and Specs that Impress
Let’s talk design. The Bao 5 sits on the DMO platform and boasts dimensions that make it a solid mid-size SUV—perfect for those who need space but also want something robust for off-roading. It’s pretty roomy, with a 2800 mm wheelbase, and it has impressive approach and departure angles of 35 and 32 degrees, respectively. Plus, it offers a ground clearance starting at 220 mm. Oh, and for the more adventurous, there’s an option that cranks that up to 310 mm!
Fang Cheng Bao’s Bao 5 is stirring quite a buzz as a formidable entrant into the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) market. Combining rugged 4WD capabilities with the sophistication of dual electric motors and a turbocharged engine, the Bao 5 is designed to impress both in terms of power and efficiency.
Byd Leopard 5 Power and Performance
The Bao 5 is all about showing off its strengths. Up front, it’s got a powerful 200 kW motor, while the rear packs another impressive 285 kW. Add in a 1.5L turbo engine cranking out 135 kW, and you’ve got a total of 505 kW of pure power with a staggering 760 Nm of peak torque. This beast can launch from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Now that’s what you call thrilling performance!
Battery and Charging: Ready for Anything
The heart of the Bao 5’s hybrid system is a robust 31.8 kWh LFP Blade battery. This powerhouse supports 100 kW DC fast charging, letting you juice up from 30% to 80% in just 16 minutes—perfect for quick top-ups. But that’s not all. The PHEV also boasts a 6 kW external discharge and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging capabilities, including a vehicle discharge rescue function with a maximum power of 20 kW. With an 85-liter fuel tank, the Bao 5 promises a combined range of 1,200 km under the CLTC standard, ensuring you’re always road-trip ready at a moment’s notice.
Byd Leopard 5 Interior and Trim Levels
The Bao 5 is available in three trims:
- Discovery at 289,900 yuan
- Pilot at 309,800 yuan
- Yunnian Flagship at 352,800 yuan, with deliveries starting in January 2024
Each trim shares the same powerful 505 kW powertrain, ensuring no compromise on performance across the board.
Unlike the minimalist approach typically seen in BYD models, Fang Cheng Bao opts for a more tech-forward interior. The Bao 5 features three large screens: two 12.3″ instrument panels for both the driver and co-pilot, and a grand 15.6″ central control screen. The center console retains the classic BYD style with plenty of physical buttons and essential amenities like two cup holders.
Fang Cheng Bao isn’t stopping with just the Bao 5. Plans for 2024 include the launch of the Bao 8 SUV PHEV in the latter half of the year and the Bao 3 all-electric SUV. Additionally, there are ambitions to introduce 2-3 all-electric sports cars, with the first expected to hit the roads in 2025.
Strategic Moves
By launching the Bao 5, BYD has effectively completed its multi-brand strategy. Alongside other premium sub-brands like Denza and YangWang, Fang Cheng Bao is a testament to BYD’s push to elevate its market position and enhance profitability.
As BYD ventures further into premium territories with these new brands, it will be fascinating to see how the company leverages this diversified approach to scale new heights in the automotive industry. The Bao 5 is more than just a car; it’s a bold statement in BYD’s ambitious narrative.
