BYD Leopard 8

BYD Leopard 8

The BYD Leopard 8 is a large plug-in hybrid SUV that combines serious off-road ability with the comfort and technology expected from a premium family SUV. Also known as the Fangchengbao Bao 8 in China, it sits above the Leopard 5 and is built on BYD's DMO electrified off-road platform.

At over 5.1 metres long, the Leopard 8 is a substantial SUV with a body-on-frame construction, three-row seating options and intelligent four-wheel drive. Its plug-in hybrid system produces around 738hp and gives the SUV sports-car levels of straight-line performance despite its size and weight. In the UAE, the Leopard 8 is mainly available through imported specifications, with six- and seven-seat versions commonly offered. Officially, though, it is sold by Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility as the Denza B8.

Design & Styling

The Leopard 8 has the upright, squared-off shape expected of a large off-road SUV. The front features a broad grille section, angular LED lighting and a tall bonnet, while the pronounced wheel arches and high shoulder line strengthen its rugged appearance.

At the rear, a full-size spare wheel is mounted externally, complemented by vertical lighting and a side-hinged tailgate. Roof rails, side steps and large 20-inch wheels further emphasise its off-road focus, while 21-inch wheels are available on selected versions.

The Leopard 8 measures 5,195mm long, 1,994mm wide and 1,905mm tall, with a 2,920mm wheelbase. Those dimensions give it considerable road presence, although its size can make tight urban parking and narrow streets more challenging.

Engine & Performance

Power comes from BYD's DMO plug-in hybrid system. It combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with front and rear electric motors. The petrol engine itself produces around 241hp and 380Nm.

A 200kW electric motor powers the front axle, while a stronger 300kW motor powers the rear. Combined system output is rated at 550kW, or approximately 738hp, with 760Nm of maximum torque.

Despite its large body-on-frame SUV size, the Leopard 8 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Top speed is around 180km/h. Electric four-wheel drive also allows the powertrain to distribute torque between the axles quickly, giving the Leopard 8 strong acceleration both on-road and across loose surfaces.

Off-Road Capability

Off-road ability is one of the Leopard 8's main strengths. Its DMO platform combines a body-on-frame structure with electric four-wheel drive and BYD's DiSus-P intelligent hydraulic body-control system. The suspension can adjust its height and damping depending on the terrain and selected driving mode.

Drivers can choose dedicated settings for sand, mud, snow, rocks, mountains and wading, alongside a low-speed 4WD mode and crawl function. A Leopard-style tight-turn function can also reduce the amount of space required to turn the vehicle around.

An electronic rear differential lock is fitted across the current range, while higher specifications can add an electronic front differential lock. The Leopard 8 can also tackle water crossings approaching 900mm under suitable conditions. These features make it particularly well suited to desert driving and off-road trips in the UAE.

Fuel Efficiency

A 36.8kWh BYD Blade battery lets the Leopard 8 cover shorter journeys mainly on electric power. Its electric-only range is around 100km under the WLTC cycle, while the more generous CLTC testing standard puts it at roughly 125km.

With the petrol engine and a 91.5-litre fuel tank included, the claimed combined driving range can reach approximately 1,200km under CLTC conditions. This makes the Leopard 8 considerably more flexible on longer journeys than a battery-electric SUV.

Fuel consumption with a depleted battery is around 8.5L/100km under published test figures, although real-world consumption will depend heavily on speed, driving style, terrain and battery charge. The battery supports DC charging at up to 120kW, with a 30 to 80 per cent charge taking around 16 minutes under ideal conditions.

Interior & Features

The Leopard 8's cabin mixes traditional off-road controls with a technology-heavy dashboard. A 17.3-inch central touchscreen dominates the centre console, accompanied by a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a separate 12.3-inch entertainment screen for the front passenger. A head-up display is also available.

Depending on the specification, equipment includes Nappa leather upholstery, electrically adjustable seats, heating, ventilation and massage functions. Higher trims offer second-row comfort features including ventilation, massage and adjustable leg rests.

Other highlights include three-zone climate control, an opening panoramic sunroof, multi-colour ambient lighting, wireless phone charging and an integrated heating and cooling refrigerator. An 18-speaker Devialet audio system is another premium feature available across current Chinese-market specifications.

Space & Practicality

The Leopard 8's large exterior translates into a spacious cabin. Six-seat versions use a 2+2+2 configuration with two individual captain's chairs in the second row, while seven-seat versions use a more conventional 2+3+2 arrangement. A five-seat version also exists in the wider model range, although six- and seven-seat models are more commonly seen in the UAE.

The 2,920mm wheelbase provides generous space for front- and second-row occupants, while the third row suits additional passengers when needed. Electrically adjustable and folding rear seats make it easier to switch between passenger and luggage space.

Boot capacity varies depending on seating configuration, with UAE-listed figures generally sitting around 520 to 550 litres. Folding the rear seats significantly increases the available load area. A full-size spare wheel mounted outside the cabin also avoids taking up valuable luggage space.

Safety & Driver Assistance

The Leopard 8 comes with a broad range of active and passive safety technology. Equipment includes multiple front, side and curtain airbags, tyre-pressure monitoring, electronic child locks, stability control and systems designed to help maintain vehicle stability following a high-speed tyre failure.

Current versions can also be equipped with Huawei's Qiankun ADS 4 driver-assistance technology. Depending on specification and market availability, functions include adaptive cruise control, lane centring, highway driving assistance, assisted lane changes, automatic parking and reversing assistance.

Higher specifications can add an infrared night-vision system to improve awareness in poor visibility. The Leopard 8 also uses cameras, radar and LiDAR hardware on selected versions to support its more advanced assistance functions. Availability and operation of some connected or assisted-driving features can differ on imported UAE vehicles, so buyers should check the exact specification of an individual car.

Verdict

The BYD Leopard 8 offers an unusual combination of performance, luxury, electrification and genuine off-road hardware. With around 738hp, intelligent four-wheel drive, adjustable hydraulic suspension and a 4.8-second 0-100km/h time, it has far more performance than its large dimensions suggest.

Its spacious six- and seven-seat layouts, extensive comfort equipment and useful electric driving range also make it suitable for family use. At the same time, its body-on-frame construction, dedicated terrain modes and strong wading capability give it real potential away from paved roads.

Its considerable size and complex technology will not suit everyone, and UAE buyers should carefully check warranty coverage, software compatibility and equipment on imported examples. However, for those looking for a powerful plug-in hybrid SUV that can handle everyday driving as well as desert trips, the Leopard 8 is one of BYD's most capable models.