Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 5 is a Chinese SUV with global dreams

We have all seen SUVs. Heck, they've become so ubiquitous, it feels like everyone and their grandma's got one. But the Leopard 5 isn’t just another SUV trying to fit into the busy parking lot. Standing at a commanding 5 meters with a blocky design reminiscent of toy blocks children play with, it demands attention. Sporting BFGoodrich 265/55 R18 AT tires, D-shaped taillights, and a cheeky spare wheel mounted on its rear door, it's the sort of vehicle you'd definitely turn around to get a second look at.

Oh, and let’s not forget its flat windshield and large, conspicuous headlights which seem to scream, "Look at me!" Add a front bumper with fog lights, and you've got an SUV that’s not afraid to make its presence known. Yes, the classic 4x4 influences are clearly visible, and in all honesty, it doesn’t seem like Leopard 5 is trying to hide them. But don’t judge this book just by its beefy cover.

Step inside, and you're greeted with a floating screen, a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a retractable gear selector, not unlike the one on the F-150 Lightning. Makes you wonder: is this an SUV or a luxury yacht? Interestingly, the earlier rumors about an additional screen for the front passenger didn’t materialize. Perhaps the Leopard 5 realized we spend too much time on screens already.

Now, if the design piqued your interest, the specs will make you drop your coffee. Under its hood, the Leopard 5 boasts a powertrain based on BYD's innovative DMO system. And let’s just say, with a 485 kW (650 hp) output, this kitty purrs louder than most (technically doesn’t at all, but you get the idea). You'll be thrilled to know that it can add 78 miles of range in a mere 16 minutes of charging. And its mixed range? A whopping 746 miles.

If those numbers sound suspicious to you - well, you’d be right. Leopard 5 is not a BEV. Like most large SUVs these days coming from China, it is an EREV - Extended Range EV. It comes with a 1.5 L generator that is responsible for topping up the battery when it’s low on juice. Hence the whopping 746 miles range. The company hasn’t given out any details about the battery-only range or the battery capacity. What we do know is that Leopard 5 deals with the 0 to 62 mph sprint in just 4.8 seconds.

The term “Fang Cheng Bao” in the automotive context might be new to many. But it’s a brand positioned between Denza and YangWang in pricing, with aspirations that soar high. There's chatter about Fang Cheng Bao launching around 100 stores across 60 Chinese cities. So, if you happen to visit China, don’t be surprised if you find these showrooms popping up like Starbucks outlets.

Fang Cheng Bao tossed in an easter egg during the Leopard 5 unveiling, with a concept car named Super 8. Think of it as the Leopard 5's bigger, fancier sibling. Features like retractable door handles and cameras replacing side-view mirrors give it an aura of modernity. And let's not forget the phrase inscribed in the background: 共赴出海. Loose translation? ‘Go to overseas markets together’. Maybe that’s Fang Cheng Bao’s way of hinting: "World, we're coming for you."

Fang Cheng Bao plans to expand its portfolio with the mysterious Leopard 3 and the anticipated Leopard 8. Stay tuned as more is revealed at the Chengdu Auto Show, which kicks off on August 25. While the Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 5 is packed with promises and features, it enters the most contested EV market in the world - only time will tell if it roars or meows.

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