The automotive landscape is perpetually reshaped by innovation, and the 2025 BYD Leopard 5 Ultra arrives as a formidable testament to this evolution. This plug-in hybrid SUV, launching with a compelling expected market price between RMB 400,000 and RMB 600,000, doesn't just aim to compete; it aims to redefine the segment. With a potent powertrain, the Leopard 5 Ultra is engineered for extremes – from challenging off-road trails to the daily urban grind, and everything in between.
BYD's new Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand, positioned to explore the premium segment, has positioned the Leopard 5 as its flagship offering. This model embodies a fusion of robust off-road aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and the practical efficiency of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It targets buyers who demand capability without compromise, offering a blend of performance and long-distance travel that few can match, all wrapped in a package that promises to be as versatile as it is visually striking.
Performance & Powertrain
The 2025 BYD Leopard 5 Ultra is a powerhouse, showcasing a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system designed for both immediate responsiveness and sustained endurance. The Fang Cheng Bao brand announced on July 4 that its first model is named Leopard 5. The Leopard 5 is expected to target a market priced between RMB 400,000 and RMB 600,000. The 2 in the codename "2316" refers to dual motors, the 3 to triple locks, the 1 to a new platform, and the 6 to a June release, though the number changed to "2318" suggesting a push back to August.
The hybrid architecture is built around a substantial battery pack. When the battery is depleted or additional power is required, the internal combustion engine seamlessly kicks in, acting as a generator to recharge the battery or directly supplement propulsion, extending the total combined range. This dual-mode operation ensures that range anxiety is virtually non-existent, making the Leopard 5 Ultra a viable option for long-distance travel.
- POWERTRAIN TYPE: PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
- ENGINE: 1.5L Turbocharged — Estimated 145 kW (195 hp) — ~300 N·m (Generator function)
- MOTOR (traction): Dual Electric Motors (Front & Rear) — Combined System Output: Estimated 500 hp (373 kW) — 750 N·m
- BATTERY: BYD FinDreams Battery
- ELECTRIC-ONLY RANGE: 125 km (CLTC) — 31.8 kWh Blade battery
- COMBINED RANGE: 1,200 km (CLTC)
- 0-100 km/h: 4.8 seconds
- TOP SPEED: 180 km/h
- DRIVETRAIN: AWD (dual-motor)
- FAST CHARGING: 80% in 15 minutes (DC Fast Charging)
Design & Interior
The exterior design of the BYD Leopard 5 Ultra is a bold statement, blending rugged, utilitarian aesthetics with modern SUV proportions. Its "Leopard aesthetics" are evident in its commanding stance, robust body cladding, and functional design elements that hint at its off-road prowess. The front fascia features distinctive LED headlights and running lights, complemented by a functional grille that underscores its capability. At the rear, LED tail lights provide a modern signature. The overall design language communicates strength and adventure, positioning it as a vehicle ready for any challenge.
Step inside the Leopard 5 Ultra, and the cabin reveals a premium environment designed for both comfort and technology. The Ultra trim is equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring paddle shifters, allowing for manual control over the hybrid system's regenerative braking. A Head-Up Display (HUD) projects vital information directly into the driver's line of sight, enhancing situational awareness. Comfort is further amplified by features such as a refrigerator, a sunroof with an integrated sunshade, and illuminated vanity mirrors. The practicality extends to ample storage, with cup holders thoughtfully placed and a substantial 550-liter cargo space, expandable by folding the rear seats, though this particular operation requires manual effort.
Technology & Features
The Leopard 5 Ultra is equipped with a suite of advanced technologies, designed to enhance safety, convenience, and the overall driving experience. A 360-degree camera system provides comprehensive visibility around the vehicle, invaluable for navigating tight spaces and off-road obstacles. The integration of a Huawei Lidar system, while noted for potential regional limitations outside of China, points to BYD's commitment to incorporating cutting-edge autonomous driving hardware. This system, alongside other sensors, forms the backbone of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Further enhancing the technological offering are features like LED lighting throughout, ensuring optimal visibility and energy efficiency. The cabin is designed for modern connectivity and comfort, with air vents strategically placed for optimal climate control. The inclusion of paddle shifters and a HUD suggests a driver-focused approach, while the refrigerator and extensive cargo space cater to practicality and lifestyle needs. The fast-charging capability, promising an 80% charge in just 15 minutes, is a significant convenience for PHEV owners, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability.
Driving Experience
The BYD Leopard 5 Ultra is engineered to excel in a dual role: a capable off-roader and a comfortable daily driver. Its design cues and robust construction suggest a vehicle built to withstand demanding terrain. The combination of electric torque and the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine provides ample power for climbing steep inclines or navigating uneven surfaces. The all-wheel-drive system, powered by dual electric motors, ensures traction and stability across a variety of surfaces, from muddy tracks to gravel roads. The functional exhaust system, while perhaps more for aesthetic or performance signaling, adds to the vehicle's assertive character.
On the road, the Leopard 5 Ultra aims to deliver a refined experience. The substantial battery pack and electric motors provide a quiet and smooth initial acceleration, characteristic of electrified powertrains. The extensive range means that long journeys are undertaken with confidence, reducing the need for frequent stops. The paddle shifters offer a degree of driver engagement, allowing for more controlled deceleration and energy recuperation. The adaptive suspension system is tuned to balance off-road capability with on-road refinement — a dual-purpose setup that delivers composed highway cruising while maintaining serious trail readiness.
Pricing & Availability
The Leopard 5 Ultra is positioned aggressively in the market with an expected market price between RMB 400,000 and RMB 600,000. This pricing strategy places it as a highly competitive option within the premium PHEV SUV segment.
How It Compares
The BYD Leopard 5 Ultra enters a segment populated by increasingly capable plug-in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles, but it distinguishes itself with a potent combination of performance, electric range, and total range at its price point.
- 2023 Aito M7 REV 6: With 200 hp and a 40.0 kWh battery, the Aito M7 REV offers a 200 km CLTC electric range and starts at $36,115–$47,681. The Leopard 5 Ultra significantly surpasses it in power (estimated 500 hp vs. 200 hp), electric range (estimated 100+ km vs. 200 km), and total range (estimated 1,100+ km vs. unspecified combined range), while being comparably priced.
- 2026 Aito M8 REV: This model boasts 272 hp, an 80.0 kWh battery, and a 650 km CLTC range, with prices from $54,650–$65,059. The Leopard 5 Ultra offers more power and a vastly superior total range, while its starting price is considerably lower.
- 2026 Aito M9 EREV 6-Seater: The range-topping Aito M9 offers 530 hp and a 220 km CLTC electric range with a 42.0 kWh battery, priced between $67,922–$82,380. While the M9 offers slightly more horsepower and a comparable electric range, the Leopard 5 Ultra provides a much longer total combined range and a significantly lower entry price.
The Leopard 5 Ultra’s key advantage lies in its ability to deliver substantial electric range and exceptional total range at a price that undercuts many of its more powerful or longer-range competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Expected market price between RMB 400,000 and RMB 600,000
- Capable off-road design and features
- Fast DC charging: 80% in 15 minutes
- Large 550-liter cargo space
- Brand and technology launch scheduled for August 16
Cons:
- Huawei Lidar system functionality may be limited outside of China
- Rear seat folding mechanism is manual, detracting from convenience
FreshMotors Verdict
The Leopard 5 Ultra arrives not as another SUV, but as a statement piece for the Fang Cheng Bao brand. It masterfully blends the rugged capability expected of a dedicated off-roader with the efficiency and extended reach of a plug-in hybrid, all while delivering performance figures that rival more expensive, dedicated performance vehicles. For the buyer who needs a vehicle that can conquer challenging trails on the weekend and then silently commute through the city during the week, all without the constant worry of finding a charger, the Leopard 5 Ultra presents a compelling, feature-rich package. Its aggressive pricing and impressive range figures make it a serious contender that redefines expectations for what a PHEV SUV can and should be.
