Chinese car giant BYD is gearing up to launch what could be one of its most popular electric vehicles (EV) from its off-road focused sub brand.
Source: Autohome and Car News China
Images published by Autohome – and Car News China – show the Fang Cheng Bao 3 without camouflage for the first time, previewing what we can expect from the Toyota RAV4-sized EV.
Fang Cheng Bao is a BYD brand which focuses on more rugged models, with ample ground clearance and boxy appearances, highlighted here by the upcoming Bao 3.
Unlike the larger plug-in hybrid Bao 5, Car News China reports the Bao 3 will be available as an EV only, with a 110kW motor powering the front axle and a 220kW unit for the rear, totalling 330kW combined and resulting in an expected sub-5.0 second 0-100km/h time.
According to Autohome, it’s fed by a 78.72kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery which can provide up to 510km of driving range on China’s lenient CLTC lab test.
Measuring 4605mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall on a 2745mm wheelbase, it’s slightly shorter but wider than the Toyota RAV4.
The Bao 3’s exterior design is heavily influenced by the Super 3 concept unveiled in April.
This includes boxy wheel arches, thin lights at either end, integrated roof rails and a spare tyre carrier.
Autohome’s images also provide a first look at its interior, which is closer to the Bao 5 than the exterior appearance.
The cabin includes an aircraft-style push-type gear selector in front of a row of control buttons, a large floating infotainment touchscreen and a smaller digital instrument cluster ahead of its four-spoke steering wheel.
Neither BYD or EVDirect, the Chinese company’s Australian distributor, have announced plans to launch the Fang Cheng Bao brand in local showrooms, though the Yangwang spinoff has previously been tipped for a local berth.
Super 3 concept
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