Quick Reads:
- BYD Leopard 8 patent filed in India
- If launched, it would be the first PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) from the brand
- Has a rugged design, and go-anywhere capability
BYD has filed a design patent in India for its flagship, rugged SUV – the BYD Leopard 8. This move from the Chinese automaker hints at a possible launch of the SUV sometime in the near future.
The Leopard 8 has a boxy stance with a rugged design that gives it a strong road presence. The chunky cladding and the squared wheel arches put even the most off-road-focused designs to shame. The patent image also shows a modern LED lighting setup (on the roof as well), which looks quite elegant.
Under the hood, the Leopard 8 comes with a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 241PS and 380Nm. It also gets two electric motors, one on each axle. The front motor puts out 268PS and 360Nm, and the rear one producing 402PS and 400Nm.
These motors are powered by a 36kWh BYD Blade lithium-phosphate battery pack, which gives it 1200km of range and even supports 120kW of fast DC charging support. The combined output from the engine and the electric motors is 737PS and 760Nm. The Leopard 8 is also equipped with an intelligent 4WD system.
The Leopard 8 rolls on 20/21-inch wheels with 275-section tyres, has a roof rack, and has a lot of interior colour schemes to choose from. It is packed with modern features like a 12.3-inch instrument console and a 17.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless connectivity. There’s also a 12.3-inch passenger entertainment screen, a HUD (Heads-Up Display) behind the front seats, a night vision feature, and an 18-speaker Devialet audio system. Additional features include powered front row seats with memory, massage, and lumbar support functions. These seats are also heated and ventilated.
The safety features on the BYD Leopard 8 include 14 airbags, a 360° camera, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), a LiDAR, a dashcam, and a high-speed tyre blowout assist feature.
What We Think
We think the Chinese automaker is exploring a bigger and more premium segment in India. While the launch might not be confirmed yet, we do hope BYD brings the Leopard 8 to India, as it would be a one-of-a-kind SUV in the premium segment. Also, BYD’s are known for their capabilities, so the competition, though it is a lot more premium, needs to look out.
