BYD Leopard 8 Vs. BYD Leopard 5

The following is a detailed comparison and analysis of the BYD Leopard 8 and BYD Leopard 5, focusing on key dimensions such as model positioning, design, power, off-road performance, intelligent features, space, and price:

Leopard 5:

Positioned as a mid-size hardcore off-road SUV, it is marketed as the "pioneer of electric off-road driving," emphasizing high cost-effectiveness and all-scenario applicability. It is aimed at young families, off-road enthusiasts, and urban commuters, especially those with a limited budget who seek extreme off-road performance and low fuel consumption.

Leopard 8:

Positioned as a large luxury flagship off-road SUV, it is known as the "ceiling of intelligent off-road driving" or "the little U8 to look up to." It combines high-end power, a luxurious cabin, and cutting-edge intelligent driving technology, targeting the high-end market, business needs, and technology-conscious users, focusing on a luxurious experience and all-terrain intelligent driving capabilities.

Exterior Style:

Leopard 5: Its square and rugged design features an external spare tire, muscular lines, and square headlights, highlighting its hardcore off-road style. It emphasizes functional design, and exterior colors like "Tarim Poplar Gold" further evoke an outdoor vibe.

Leopard 8: Its lines are more rounded and refined, with concealed door handles, a wraparound spare tire cover, and penetrating energy-blade headlights enhancing its sense of technology and luxury. Its styling evokes a "mobile space for urban elites in all scenarios."

Dimensions and Space:

Leopard 5: Length 4890mm × Width 1970mm × Height 1920mm, with a wheelbase of 2800mm. It offers a five-seat configuration across the entire model, and its trunk is spacious and practical, perfect for carrying off-road equipment. Leopard 8: The Leopard 8 boasts a comprehensive upgrade in dimensions, measuring 5195mm in length, 1994mm in width, and 1905mm in height, with a 2920mm wheelbase. It offers 6 or 7 seating options (the third row can accommodate adults for short trips) and a larger trunk, making it suitable for both family and long-distance travel.

Comparison: The Leopard 8 is larger and offers greater flexibility, but its parking and narrow-road maneuverability are slightly inferior to the Leopard 5.

Powertrain:

Leopard 5: Equipped with a 1.5T engine and a dual-motor plug-in hybrid system (DMO platform), it boasts a combined power of 505kW (687hp) and a combined torque of 760Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, has a pure electric range of 125km (CLTC), and a combined range of over 1200km. Fuel consumption is as low as 7.8L/100km when the battery is depleted, offering a balance of power and economy. The Leopard 8 features a longitudinally mounted 2.0T high-power engine and a dual-motor plug-in hybrid system (based on an upgraded DMO platform), generating a combined power of 550kW (748hp) and a combined torque of 760Nm. It also achieves 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, but boasts greater power reserve, particularly under high-speed cruising and extreme driving conditions. It boasts a pure electric range of 100km (WLTC), a combined range of 1,200km, and a low-battery fuel consumption of 8.5L/100km.

Off-road Capability:

Common Foundation: Both vehicles utilize a non-load-bearing body structure and come standard with three differential locks (mechanical center lock + electronically controlled differential lock). They support various terrain modes, including tank U-turns, off-road crawling, and snow, sand, and mud. They are also rated to tow up to 2.5 tons.

Suspension System Differences:

Leopard 5: Equipped with the standard Yunnian-P hydraulic suspension, which supports two-level stiffness adjustment. The suspension travel range is limited (ground clearance adjustment is limited) and there is no active pre-sight function, resulting in slightly noticeable body roll during off-road driving.

Leopard 8: Equipped with the full Yunnian-P intelligent hydraulic body control system, it features three levels of stiffness, intelligent damping adjustment, and a maximum suspension travel of 140mm. Combined with active pre-sight technology (LiDAR scans the road surface to proactively adjust the suspension) and four-wheel linkage, it significantly improves maneuverability, stability, and comfort in complex road conditions. It can wade up to 890mm of water and has enhanced roll suppression, making high-speed cornering and bumpy roads more manageable.

Intelligent Driving System:

Leopard 5: High-end models can choose Huawei Qiankun Intelligent Driving ADS 3.0 or the Eye of God system (Dual Intelligent Driving Solution), but the base model only has Level 2 assisted driving (Fipilot system), which supports 540° panoramic imaging, automatic parking, and other functions. It is suitable for off-road driving but less so for urban highway driving.

Leopard 8: All models are equipped with Huawei Qiankun Intelligent Driving ADS 3.0 as standard, integrating LiDAR, AR-HUD, and multiple sensors to achieve "parking space to parking space" full-scene connectivity. It supports complex functions such as urban and highway No-Acceleration (NOA), roundabout handling, remote parking and parking, and parking in and out. Its intelligent level is significantly advanced and suitable for intelligent driving needs in all road conditions.

Cockpit and Interaction:

Leopard 5: The interior focuses on practicality, featuring the DiLink intelligent cockpit (12.3-inch instrument cluster + 15.6-inch center console), a four-spoke steering wheel, and basic comfort features. A passenger entertainment screen is optional on some models.

Leopard 8: The interior is luxuriously upgraded, featuring the DiLink 150 intelligent cockpit, supporting a five-screen linkage (instrument cluster + center console + passenger seat + rear seat control screen + HUD). Features include NAPPA leather seats, a suede headliner, an onboard refrigerator, a multi-mode fragrance system, and Devialet audio, creating a luxurious, technologically advanced experience reminiscent of a mobile living room, enhancing the appeal of business meetings or family trips.

Space and Seating:

The Leopard 8's third row of seats and spacious trunk (650L standard capacity) make it ideal for family trips or loading large equipment. The Leopard 5's five-seat layout offers ample legroom, and while the rear seats offer slightly less support for taller passengers, the design provides improved passability.

Quietness and NVH:

The Leopard 8 features further improvements in sound insulation and ride quality, especially when cruising at high speeds or off-roading, offering superior comfort compared to the Leopard 5.

Wading and Passability:

The Leopard 5 has a wading depth of approximately 700mm (Yunyan version), while the Leopard 8, thanks to the Yunyan-P system, supports higher ground clearance and dynamic adjustment, resulting in even greater extreme wading capabilities.

The Leopard 5: With an official suggested price range of $33,000 to $46,000, it is affordable and the only plug-in hybrid SUV in its class that combines hardcore off-road capabilities with low fuel consumption, offering outstanding value.

The Leopard 8: Starting at $53,000, the high-end flagship version can reach over $56,000, a price difference of approximately $20,000. The premium is primarily reflected in size, luxurious features, intelligent driving systems, and the brand's premium positioning. It is suitable for users with a sufficient budget who seek a flagship experience in all scenarios.

Prefer the Fangcheng Leopard 5:

Budget under 250,000 RMB, seeking extreme off-road performance (such as the Alxa Crossing, climbing, and deep-water wading);

Primarily for solo/couple outdoor adventures and short-distance off-roading, balancing urban commuting with fuel economy;

Primarily for practicality and value, with lower requirements for luxury features and spacious interior.

Prefer the Fangcheng Leopard 8:

Budget over 350,000 RMB, requiring a spacious 6/7-seat vehicle for family long-distance travel or business meetings;

Daily commuting relies on smart urban highway driving (such as NOA) or seeking a high-tech flagship experience;

Demanding all-terrain coverage, but prioritizing comfort, quietness, and a luxurious cabin.

Essential Differences: The Leopard 5 is a benchmark for hardcore off-road value, focusing on the ultimate performance of "electric drive for both urban and off-roading"; the Leopard 8 is a luxury technology flagship, redefining the high-end experience of the "all-round off-road SUV."

Power and Off-Road Performance: The two models offer comparable acceleration, but the Leopard 8's 2.0T engine offers greater performance. The Yunnian-P full-featured version significantly outperforms in terms of comfort and maneuverability in complex terrain.

Intelligence: Huawei's ADS 3.0 system is a core advantage of the Leopard 8, making it particularly suitable for users who frequently use urban highways for intelligent driving.

Cost Considerations: If off-road driving is a high priority and the budget is limited, the Leopard 5 is more practical. If you have diverse needs (family, business, or technology experience) and a sufficient budget, the Leopard 8 is a more worthwhile investment.

Both models are based on BYD's DMO Super Hybrid Off-Road Platform, representing the leading position of Chinese brands in the new energy hardcore off-road segment. The ultimate choice depends on your budget, core usage scenarios, and your preference between luxury and pure off-roading.