BYD Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 8 2026: The 748 HP PHEV Off-Roader with 1,200 km Range & 3-Wheel Drive

BYD Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 8 2026 – The 748 hp, 1,200 km PHEV off-roader that can drive on three wheels. (Video: BYD / Speedo Science)

The BYD Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 8 is not merely a boxy SUV—it is a 5.2-meter, 748 hp plug-in hybrid off-roader that can drive on three wheels, proving that China's EV giant is serious about conquering the luxury off-road segment. Developed under BYD's premium Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand, the Leopard 8 is a full-size PHEV SUV built on the DMO Super Hybrid platform with a 2.0L turbo engine and dual electric motors producing a combined 550 kW (748 hp) and 760 Nm . It features a 36.8 kWh Blade Battery offering a 100 km pure EV range and a total range of 1,200 km . The Leopard 8 also features DiSus-P Ultra active hydraulic suspension, three differential locks, Huawei ADS 3.0 with LiDAR, and an 18-speaker Devialet audio system . Priced from 379,800 yuan ($52,000), this is the story of how BYD is challenging the Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender with electrified brute force.

1. What Is the BYD Leopard 8? The Electrified Off-Road Flagship

• Name: BYD Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 8 (Bao 8 / Denza D8)
• Manufacturer: BYD Auto (Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand)
• Role: Full-size luxury plug-in hybrid off-road SUV
• Length: 5,195 mm (204.5 in)
• Width: 1,994 mm (78.5 in)
• Height: 1,905 mm (75.0 in)
• Wheelbase: 2,920 mm (115.0 in)
• Seating: 5-seat / optional 7-seat
• Launch: 2024 (China), global expansion underway
• Price (China): 379,800 – 399,800 yuan ($52,000 – $55,000)
• Key Feature: 748 hp, 1,200 km range, 3-wheel drive, DiSus-P Ultra suspension, Huawei ADS 3.0

The Leopard 8 is a flagship model for BYD's Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand, which is dedicated to "personalized" and off-road-oriented vehicles. The model is also sold as the Denza D8 in some markets and is built on the DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) Super Hybrid platform . The Leopard 8 is positioned as a direct competitor to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Land Rover Defender, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class .

So What? The Leopard 8's 748 hp output surpasses the Land Rover Defender V8 (518 hp) and Mercedes-AMG G63 (577 hp), while its 1,200 km range addresses the primary concern of EV adoption: range anxiety. The DiSus-P Ultra suspension, which can actively lift individual wheels to maintain traction on three wheels, is a genuine off-road innovation .

2. 5 Fast Facts About the BYD Leopard 8

• 1. 748 hp DMO PHEV Powertrain: The Leopard 8's plug-in hybrid system combines a 2.0L turbo engine with dual electric motors for a total output of 550 kW (748 hp) and 760 Nm .
• 2. 3-Wheel Drive Capability: The DiSus-P Ultra active hydraulic suspension can lift individual wheels to maintain traction, allowing the Leopard 8 to drive even when one wheel is in the air .
• 3. 1,200 km Combined Range: With a 36.8 kWh Blade Battery, the Leopard 8 offers a 100 km pure EV range and a total combined range of 1,200 km .
• 4. Huawei ADS 3.0 with LiDAR: The Leopard 8 features Huawei's Qiankun ADS 3.0 autonomous driving system with a roof-mounted LiDAR .
• 5. 18-Speaker Devialet Audio: The interior features an 18-speaker Devialet audio system for a premium sound experience .

3. BYD Leopard 8 Performance Metrics

Powertrain

• Type: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
• Platform: DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) Super Hybrid
• Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (241 hp / 380 Nm)
• Front Motor: 268 hp / 360 Nm
• Rear Motor: 402 hp / 400 Nm
• Combined Power: 550 kW (748 hp / 738 hp)
• Combined Torque: 760 Nm (561 lb-ft)
• Battery: 36.8 kWh BYD Blade (LFP)
• Pure EV Range (WLTC): 100 km
• Combined Range (WLTC): 1,200 km
• 0-100 km/h: 4.8 seconds
• Drivetrain: Dual-motor AWD
• Charging: 120 kW DC fast charging

Chassis & Off-Road

• Chassis: Body-on-frame (ladder-frame)
• Suspension: DiSus-P Ultra active hydraulic suspension
• Differentials: Two electronic differential locks
• Ground Clearance: ~220 mm
• Approach Angle: Not specified
• Departure Angle: Not specified
• Wheels: 275/55 R20 or R21
• Fuel Tank: 91 L

Interior & Technology

• Central Screen: 17.3-inch infotainment
• Instrument Cluster: 12.3-inch digital display
• Passenger Screen: 12.3-inch entertainment display
• HUD: 50-inch AR-enabled HUD
• Audio: 18-speaker Devialet system
• ADAS: Huawei Qiankun ADS 3.0 + LiDAR
• Safety: 14 airbags, 360° camera
• Other: Night vision system, V2V and V2L reverse charging

Analysis: The Leopard 8's 748 hp output is extraordinary for a body-on-frame off-roader, surpassing the Land Rover Defender V8 (518 hp) and Mercedes-AMG G63 (577 hp). The 1,200 km combined range exceeds the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (1,000 km). The DiSus-P Ultra suspension is a genuine innovation, allowing the Leopard 8 to maintain traction even on three wheels .

4. The DiSus-P Ultra Suspension: Driving on Three Wheels

• System: DiSus-P Ultra active hydraulic suspension
• Function: Actively controls the height of each wheel independently
• Key Capability: Can lift one wheel off the ground while maintaining traction on the other three
• Benefit: Maintains vehicle stability and traction in extreme off-road conditions (rocks, deep ruts, axle articulation)
• Application: Extreme off-road situations where a wheel loses contact with the ground

The DiSus-P Ultra suspension is a significant technological advancement for BYD. Unlike a conventional suspension that simply follows the terrain, the DiSus-P system can actively intervene to maintain the vehicle's stance and traction. In extreme off-road conditions, where one wheel might lose contact with the ground, the system can lift that wheel while keeping the other three planted, allowing the Leopard 8 to continue moving. This is a feature typically found on much more expensive military-grade vehicles.

5. Interior: The "Digital Off-Road Lounge"

• Central Screen: 17.3-inch freestanding infotainment display
• Instrument Cluster: 12.3-inch TFT digital display
• Passenger Screen: 12.3-inch co-driver entertainment touchscreen
• HUD: 50-inch AR-enabled head-up display
• Audio: 18-speaker Devialet system
• Seats: Powered front row with memory, massage, lumbar support, heating, and ventilation
• Interior Colors: Multiple options
• Key Features: Wireless charger, floating center console effect, physical controls on steering wheel

The Leopard 8's interior is a blend of ruggedness and luxury, with a focus on technology and comfort. The 17.3-inch central screen and 12.3-inch passenger screen provide entertainment and information for all occupants . The 18-speaker Devialet audio system delivers a premium sound experience .

6. Competition: BYD Leopard 8 vs. The Rivals

• vs Toyota Land Cruiser 300: The Land Cruiser offers a V6 engine and a 1,000 km range. The Leopard 8 offers more power (748 hp vs ~400 hp), a longer range (1,200 km vs 1,000 km), and a lower price ($52,000 vs ~$85,000). The Land Cruiser has superior brand prestige and a longer off-road heritage.
• vs Land Rover Defender V8: The Defender V8 offers 518 hp and a 500 km range. The Leopard 8 offers more power, a longer range, and a lower price. The Defender has superior brand prestige and a more established dealer network.
• vs Mercedes-AMG G63: The G63 offers 577 hp and a 500 km range. The Leopard 8 offers more power, a longer range, and a significantly lower price ($52,000 vs ~$180,000). The G63 has superior brand prestige and a V8 engine note.

The Leopard 8's primary advantages are its power, range, and price. It out-performs and under-cuts its rivals while offering a unique combination of PHEV efficiency and off-road capability .

7. Why This Matters for the Global Off-Road Market

The BYD Leopard 8 matters for three reasons. First, it demonstrates that Chinese manufacturers are entering the luxury off-road segment with competitive technology. The combination of 748 hp, 1,200 km range, and DiSus-P Ultra suspension at a $52,000 price point is unprecedented.

Second, the Leopard 8's 3-wheel drive capability signals that BYD is serious about off-road performance, not just luxury posturing. This could attract buyers who previously considered only the Land Cruiser or Defender .

Third, the Leopard 8's global expansion—with patents filed in India and exports to the Middle East—suggests that BYD is serious about becoming a global player in the premium off-road segment .

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the BYD Leopard 8?

The Leopard 8 is a full-size luxury plug-in hybrid off-road SUV from BYD's Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand, featuring a 748 hp powertrain and a 1,200 km combined range.

How powerful is the Leopard 8?

The Leopard 8 produces 550 kW (748 hp) and 760 Nm from its 2.0L turbo engine and dual electric motors.

What is the Leopard 8's range?

The Leopard 8 offers a 100 km pure EV range and a total combined range of 1,200 km.

Can the Leopard 8 drive on three wheels?

Yes, the DiSus-P Ultra suspension can actively lift one wheel off the ground while maintaining traction on the other three .

Does the Leopard 8 have LiDAR?

Yes, the Leopard 8 features a roof-mounted LiDAR as part of Huawei's Qiankun ADS 3.0 autonomous driving system .

How much does the Leopard 8 cost?

The Leopard 8 is priced from 379,800 yuan ($52,000) to 399,800 yuan ($55,000) in China .

What is the Leopard 8's platform?

The Leopard 8 is built on BYD's DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) Super Hybrid platform, designed specifically for off-road vehicles.

Does the Leopard 8 have diff locks?

Yes, the Leopard 8 features two electronic differential locks for improved off-road traction .

Who are the Leopard 8's competitors?

The Leopard 8 competes with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Defender, and Mercedes-AMG G-Class .

Is the Leopard 8 available outside China?

The Leopard 8 is sold in China as the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 and in some markets as the Denza D8. Patents have been filed in India, indicating potential export .

9. The Future of Fang Cheng Bao

The Leopard 8 is a flagship model for BYD's Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand, which is dedicated to "personalized" and off-road-oriented vehicles. The brand has already launched the Leopard 5 and is expected to expand its lineup with more models in the coming years.

Fang Cheng Bao is positioning itself as a serious challenger to established off-road brands like Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Leopard 8, with its combination of power, range, and off-road capability, is a strong statement of intent.

For the global off-road market, the Leopard 8 represents a significant milestone—a Chinese off-road SUV that combines advanced technology, competitive pricing, and genuine off-road capability in a package that directly challenges European and Japanese incumbents. If BYD can successfully build brand equity and maintain quality, Fang Cheng Bao could become a serious challenger to the established off-road hierarchy.

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© 2026 SPEEDO SCIENCE | ENGINEERED FOR VELOCITY | Automotive, BYD, Leopard 8, Fang Cheng Bao, SUV

Sources: BYD, Fang Cheng Bao, MotorShow, CarWale, RushLane, Wikipedia, Car Test Magazine, BitAuto, Nguoiquansat, Speedo Science Database