Key highlights
- BYD Leopard 8 patented
- It is likely to be the first plug-in hybrid BYD car in India
- India launch possible in the future
BYD has patented its premium plug-in hybrid SUV, the Leopard 8, in India. The big boxy SUV is likely to become the first BYD PHEV car in India. Read below what to expect from it.
Also read: 2027 Hyundai Creta spotted testing in the US
What to expect from the BYD Leopard 8?
The new design sketch patent of the Leopard 8 plug-in hybrid SUV has raised eyebrows of every car enthusiast in India. It is a big premium SUV of the brand that measures 5.2 metres in length, and it is positioned against the premium rivals like the Nissan Patrol and the Toyota Land Cruiser in the Chinese market.
While the design patent is not a certainty of its launch in India, we are hopeful that BYD will bring it to the Indian subcontinent. It is because the other Chinese carmakers like Chery, Jetour, Jaeccoo, and more are homologating their upcoming PHEVs in India. This hints at an upcoming plug-in hybrid market that is likely to be led by the Chinese carmakers in India.
Speaking of the Leopard 8, it boasts a boxy design silhouette with the typical old-school design traits, including the tailgate-mounted spare wheel, flared wheel arches, an upright stance, functional roof rails, and more. Meanwhile, the modern bits include the LED lights, puddle lamps, dual-tone R21 alloy wheels, and more.
On the inside, it packs a five-seater layout with a cabin draped in high-quality materials and leather upholstery. Customers can choose from various theme options for the interior. Meanwhile, the features include a 12.3-inch digital driver console, a 17-inch infotainment screen, a passenger screen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, OTA updates, and LiDAR-based ADAS, V2V and V2L reverse charging, an 18-speaker Devialet audio system, 14 airbags, a 360-degree camera, electric seats with ventilation and massage functions, and more.
Powering the Leopard 8 PHEV is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that standalone makes 241 bhp and 380 Nm. It is paired with a dual electric motor setup that offers an all-wheel drive capability, and a total output of 737 bhp and 760 Nm. This setup also offers a claimed range of over 1,200 km on a full tank of fuel.
With that said, we are still uncertain whether BYD will launch the Leopard 8 in India or not.
