It’s called the Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 5, and it’s not your average body-on-frame SUV. Think Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner, but then crank the power up to nearly 700 horsepower and add some wild Chinese design flair. That’s what we’re looking at here.
This is the first model from BYD’s new luxury off-road brand, Fang Cheng Bao, and it’s already setting the tone for what could be a very interesting future. A massive thanks to DCAR Studio for providing this review unit—they brought this SUV over from China so we could take a close look at what the Leopard 5 is all about.
Powertrain & Performance
Let’s start with the big headline: 675 horsepower. That comes from a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine (making just under 200 hp) with dual electric motors—one at the front and one at the rear.
The result is standard four-wheel drive, strong instant torque, and 0–60 in about 4.8 seconds. For a body-on-frame SUV that weighs over 6,400 pounds, those are serious numbers.
This isn’t just a tall, slow truck. It’s quick, confident, and makes a clear case for electrified off-road power.
Exterior Design
You don’t need to squint to tell this thing is built for adventure. The Leopard 5 looks boxy and aggressive, like it means business. There’s nothing soft or curvy here—every panel looks chiseled and squared-off in a way that screams off-road ready.
The guy behind the design? Wolfgang Egger, the same designer behind the Alfa Romeo 8C and a former Lamborghini design chief. His influence is obvious—this SUV doesn’t look like a quirky knockoff. It looks legitimately cool.
From the short front overhang for better approach angles to the rear-mounted full-size spare tire, the design choices aren’t just for show—they actually support the SUV’s off-road capability.
Off-Road Details
Up front, there’s a skid plate underneath for trail protection. In the rear, you’ll find recovery hooks and another skid plate. Combine that with standard 4WD and an upright stance, and you’ve got real off-road credibility.
It even has decent ground clearance and rugged angles that should help on trails. While it hasn’t been tested on Moab just yet, the hardware is promising.
Lighting Quirks
You can’t talk about this SUV without mentioning the lighting. The front LED light bar runs across the grille in a clean, sharp formation that gives the Leopard 5 a futuristic face.
But the real party trick is out back. The Fang Cheng Bao logo glows in red when the tail lights are on. It almost looks like a superhero emblem, like something from a Marvel movie. Is it necessary? Not at all. Is it awesome? Absolutely.
Key & Entry
Even the key fob is a piece of conversation. It’s heavy, geometric, and doesn’t have a loop for a keyring. Instead, you’re supposed to admire it like a design object. A little excessive? Maybe. But it fits the vibe of this truck.
Open the door, and a powered side step extends to help you climb in. Close the door, and it disappears back under the body. A slick feature more commonly seen on big luxury SUVs, and it’s nice to see it included here.
Interior Quality & Layout
Step inside and you’ll forget any outdated stereotypes about Chinese cars being low quality. This cabin is solid.
The seats are covered in perforated leather with contrast accents. The dash features contrast stitching, the doors have Alcantara, and there’s a general feeling of sturdiness throughout the interior. Nothing feels cheap. It’s upright and squared-off like a true off-roader, but done in a way that still feels upscale and considered.
And here’s the shocker: the Leopard 5 is expected to be priced around $40,000 USD in China. That’s less than a base 4Runner TRD Pro, and this SUV gives you more power, more tech, and a lot more flair.
Tech & Features
The Leopard 5 hasn’t skimped on tech. The screens are crisp, the infotainment is snappy, and the interfaces feel modern. You’ll find large digital displays, multi-zone climate controls, and smart off-road data readouts.
It might not match Tesla’s software speed or Mercedes’ flash, but everything works well and feels integrated—not like a cheap afterthought.
Final Thoughts
The Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 5 is not just “good for a Chinese SUV.” It’s good, period.
It’s got power, presence, off-road capability, and a surprisingly high-quality interior. Combine that with the kind of quirky design elements you don’t see in most mainstream brands, and you have something genuinely different—and genuinely interesting.
Sure, it’s still unproven in U.S. markets and the badge doesn’t carry weight here. But if this is what Chinese automakers are bringing to the table now, traditional off-roaders like the Bronco, 4Runner, and Wrangler might want to pay attention.
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