BYD has filed a design patent for the Leopard 8 in India, which is also known as the Denza B8 and Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 in international markets. While the patent filing does not confirm the launch, it highlights the Chinese automakers future plans to expand its footrpint in the niche plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) segment in India. Currently, BYDs offers Seal sedan, Atto 3 SUV, Sealion 7 SUV and eMAX 7 MPV. The upcoming Leopard 8 is likely to sit at the top of BYDs portfolio in India, with prices estimated to range somehere between Rs 40-45 lakh (ex-showroom). Heres a closer look at its expected design, features, and overall positioning.
BYD Leopard 8: Design And Dimensions
The BYD SUV measures 5,195mm in length, 1,994mm in width, and 1,905mm in height and has a wheelbase
of 2,920mm. It follows a traditional SUV design approach, and has a boxy and muscular stance. The grille is semi-closed and there are vertical slats on it. The headlights have a conventional design and use LED, while the front bumper appears robust and well-sculpted.
On the sides, the SUV has heavy body cladding, alloy wheels, and a large glass area complemented by a thick C-pillar. It features a tailgate-mounted spare wheel and slender LED taillights at the rear. Other highlights include roof rails, a clamshell bonnet, flush door handles, and large ORVMs.
BYD Leopard 8: Interior And Features
The international-spec Leopard 8 has a practical and modern cabin, which comes a triple screen setup, including a 17.3-inch touchscreen for entertainment, a 12.3-inch display for information and a 12.3-inch for the co-passenger. There is a retractable gear selector that rises seamlessly when the SUV is started. Also, there are dedicated physical buttons for off-road functions and key controls.
Buyers get the option to choose either a 6-seat (2+2+2) or 7-seat (2+3+2) configuration. Key elements include an 18-speaker sound system, Nappa leather, a 50-inch AR-based head-up display, Huaweis Qiankun ADS 3.0 ADAS and wireless charging.
BYD Leopard 8: Powertrain
The Leopard 8 is underpinned by the brands dedicated DMO electric off-road platform. It uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with dual electric motors (one mounted on each axle) and has an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. The total power output stands at 738bhp, of which the engine alone churns out about 272hp of maximum power. The torque stands at 760Nm.
The BYD Leopard 8 has a 0 to 100km/h acceleration time of 4.8 seconds. The 36.8kWh battery enables an electric-only driving range of up to 125 kilometres and offers support for fast charging. The SUV comes equipped with BYDs YunNian-P intelligent suspension system, The SUV is equipped with BYDs YunNian-P adaptive suspension, which alters ride height and damping depending on the requirements of different terrains.
Also Read: BYD Atto 3 Now Gets Bigger Battery, More Range - But There Is A Catch!
BYD Leopard 8: Market Rivals
BYD has not officially confirmed about the launch of the SUV, but it is anticipated that the model could go on sale by the end of the year. If launched, the Leopard 8 will enter the premium full-size SUV segment and compete against the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and the upcoming JSW-Jetour T2.
