The 2026 BYD Leopard 3 — sold in China under the Fang Cheng Bao brand as the Bao Tai 3 (陳3 EV) — is a refreshed version of BYD’s rugged-styled compact electric SUV that drops both the price and the battery weight while extending range. The 2026 update introduces a new 75 kWh battery (down from the previous 100 kWh pack) that paradoxically pushes CLTC range to 565 km in the standard trim and 620 km in the long-range variant. Pricing starts at ¥163,800 ($22,400) for the 565 km RWD trim and tops out at ¥180,800 (~$24,700) for the long-range AWD — a meaningful drop from the previous-generation pricing that started above $30,000.
Performance & Specs
| Battery | 75 kWh BYD Blade Battery |
|---|---|
| RWD trim | 260 kW / 349 hp |
| AWD trim | 375 kW / 503 hp |
| Architecture | 800V high-voltage |
The 2026 Leopard 3 is offered in two pure-electric configurations. The single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant produces 260 kW (349 hp) and 305 Nm of torque, hitting 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant adds a front motor and pushes total system output to 375 kW (503 hp) with 505 Nm of combined torque, dropping the 0-100 km/h sprint to a hot-hatch-level 4.7 seconds. Top speed for both is electronically limited to 200 km/h. The car runs on BYD’s proven 800V high-voltage architecture, with the iconic Blade Battery (LFP chemistry) sized at 75 kWh in the 2026 update — smaller than the outgoing 100 kWh pack but more energy-dense, allowing for the same or better range with reduced weight and cost.
| POWERTRAIN TYPE | Pure Electric (RWD or AWD) |
|---|---|
| SYSTEM POWER (RWD) | 349 hp (260 kW) |
| SYSTEM POWER (AWD) | 503 hp (375 kW) |
| TORQUE | 305 Nm (RWD) / 505 Nm (AWD) |
| 0-100 KM/H | 7.3 s (RWD) / 4.7 s (AWD) |
| TOP SPEED | 200 km/h |
| BATTERY | 75 kWh BYD Blade (LFP) |
| ELECTRIC RANGE | 565 / 620 km (CLTC) |
| ARCHITECTURE | 800V high-voltage |
Dimensions & Practicality
| Length | 4,605 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745 mm |
| Ground clearance | ~220 mm |
The Leopard 3 sits firmly in the compact SUV class — 4,605 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,720 mm tall, with a 2,745 mm wheelbase. The body-on-frame off-road silhouette and angular bodywork give it a tough visual character despite the relatively modest footprint. Cargo capacity sits at approximately 450-500 liters behind the rear bench, supplemented by a generous 151-liter front trunk (frunk) that can swallow charging cables and small luggage. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/60 R18 Chaoyang all-terrain tires complete the rugged exterior. The 220 mm ground clearance gives the Leopard 3 enough capability to handle light off-road excursions without compromising on-road manners.
| LENGTH | 4,605 mm |
|---|---|
| WIDTH | 1,900 mm |
| HEIGHT | 1,720 mm |
| WHEELBASE | 2,745 mm |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | ~220 mm |
| FRUNK VOLUME | 151 L |
| SEATING | 5 |
Charging & Battery
The 2026 Leopard 3’s 75 kWh BYD Blade Battery uses the brand’s legendary LFP chemistry, prized for its thermal stability, structural strength, and long cycle life. Built on an 800V high-voltage architecture, the Leopard 3 supports DC fast charging at peaks of 150-180 kW, taking the battery from 30% to 80% in roughly 18 minutes at a compatible station. AC charging at 11 kW completes a full overnight top-up in approximately 7-8 hours. The 800V system enables rapid bidirectional power flow, supporting Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) for camping equipment and tools.
| BATTERY | 75 kWh BYD Blade Battery (LFP) |
|---|---|
| ARCHITECTURE | 800V high-voltage |
| RANGE (CLTC) | 565 / 620 km |
| AC CHARGING | 11 kW (~7-8 h full) |
| DC FAST CHARGING | 30–80% in ~18 min |
Design & Interior
The Leopard 3’s exterior design language is best described as cyberpunk-meets-off-road. Vertical LED headlights, a slim chrome-trimmed forward grille, and a flat-stamped hood meet a squared-off greenhouse with thick D-pillars. The rear features distinctive narrow LED tail lights with a green accent strip, a vertical tailgate with the “Tai 3 EV” (陳3) wordmark, and an exposed lower bumper with what appears to be functional skid-plate detailing. Inside, the cabin shifts to modern and minimalist: a leather-wrapped power-adjustable steering wheel, a large central rotating touchscreen, and a separate digital driver display. The cabin features dual high-speed wireless charging pads (50W max), a panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade, and a center mirror with integrated cabin lighting. Higher trims add a center-console refrigerator and ventilated front seats.
Technology & Features
The infotainment system runs on BYD’s proprietary platform with a native English interface available out of the box — a notable advantage over many of the Leopard 3’s rivals from smaller Chinese brands. Standard equipment includes BYD’s “God’s Eye” advanced driver-assistance system using the brand’s in-house developed perception stack, a 360-degree surround-view camera, ultrasonic parking sensors, OTA software updates, a digital key system, and always-connected services. A head-up display projects key driving information onto the windshield, and the multi-zone climate control includes a heat pump for cold-weather efficiency. Apple CarPlay support is included natively. Higher trims may add an integrated DJI Air 3S drone, a unique BYD feature that allows owners to deploy a small camera drone directly from the vehicle.
Safety & ADAS
The Leopard 3 ships with BYD’s “God’s Eye C” ADAS suite as standard. Features include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and the 360-degree surround-view camera. Higher trims with LiDAR add unattended parking and more advanced highway and urban Navigation-on-Autopilot. The body structure incorporates the Blade Battery as a structural element, increasing torsional rigidity and protecting occupants in side impacts. Full curtain airbag coverage with side and knee airbags rounds out the safety suite.
| ADAS LEVEL | L2+ (BYD God’s Eye C) |
|---|---|
| ADAS FEATURES | AEB, ACC, LKA, BSM, 360° Surround View Camera, Auto Park |
| STRUCTURE | Blade Battery integrated as structural element |
Available Versions
| VERSION | DRIVETRAIN | SYSTEM POWER | BATTERY | EV RANGE | 0-100 KM/H | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 565km Standard | RWD | 349 hp | 75 kWh Blade | 565 km CLTC | 7.3 s | ¥163,800 (~$22,400) |
| 620km Long Range | AWD | 503 hp | 75 kWh Blade | 620 km CLTC | 4.7 s | ¥180,800 (~$24,700) |
Pricing & Availability
The 2026 BYD Leopard 3 launched in China with VIN production codes activating in Q2 2026. Starting price is ¥163,800 ($22,400) for the 565 km RWD trim, with the 620 km AWD long-range variant topping out at ¥180,800 (~$24,700). The previous-generation Leopard 3 with the 100 kWh battery and 501 km CLTC range remains available for export at slightly higher prices. The 2026 model is currently restricted to the Chinese domestic market, with export availability to follow as production capacity ramps up. Markets including Brazil, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia are expected to receive the Leopard 3 by late 2026.
How It Compares
The Leopard 3 carves out a unique niche in the compact electric SUV space. Compared to the budget-focused Leapmotor C10, the Leopard 3 offers significantly more power (349 hp vs 215 hp standard) and the rugged off-road styling that the C10 lacks, although the Leapmotor undercuts on price by $3,400. GAC’s Aion V Plus is similarly priced and offers comparable range, but it’s a more conventional crossover lacking the Leopard 3’s distinctive aesthetic. Xpeng’s G6 brings more horsepower at the AWD level (476 hp) and longer range options (up to 755 km), but it costs more and lacks the Leopard 3’s 800V fast-charging capability and Blade Battery construction. The Leopard 3’s ace card is the BYD ecosystem — the dealer network, parts availability, software support, and the proven Blade Battery technology that has been refined across millions of vehicles.
- Aggressive $22,400 entry price for a pure-electric off-road-styled SUV
- 800V architecture with DC fast charging from 30% to 80% in just 18 minutes
- Up to 620 km CLTC range from the new 75 kWh Blade Battery (lighter than 100 kWh predecessor)
- 503 hp AWD top trim hits 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds
- Native English interface standard — export-ready out of the box
- Optional integrated DJI Air 3S drone — unique market feature
- Compact 4,605 mm length limits second-row legroom for tall passengers
- Off-road styling is polarizing — some buyers prefer conventional crossover looks
- The 2026 update is initially China-only; export markets to follow later in 2026
The 2026 BYD Leopard 3 (Tai 3) is a smart refresh that lowers price, lightens the battery, and extends range — a genuine win for buyers in the compact electric SUV segment. The combination of 800V fast-charging, the proven Blade Battery, native English interface, and BYD’s "God’s Eye" ADAS makes the Leopard 3 one of the best value propositions in the sub-$25,000 EV market. The cyberpunk-off-road styling won’t suit everyone, but for buyers who want a distinctive electric SUV with serious tech credentials and BYD’s industry-leading manufacturing scale behind it, the Leopard 3 is hard to ignore.
