The BYD Leopard 3 1st Generation 2026 represents BYD’s bold expansion into the intelligent electric SUV and lifestyle off-road segment. Positioned under BYD’s premium Fangchengbao sub-brand, it blends rugged SUV proportions with advanced pure-electric performance, smart driving systems, and a tech-forward interior designed for both urban professionals and adventure-focused families.
Launched for 2025, the Leopard 3 targets buyers who want SUV practicality, electric efficiency, and intelligent all-wheel-drive capability without stepping into oversized or excessively expensive off-road vehicles. With multiple trims spanning rear-wheel drive and dual-motor AWD, it is engineered to adapt seamlessly from city commuting to highway cruising and light off-road exploration.
Powertrain and Performance
The BYD Leopard 3 is offered exclusively as a pure electric vehicle, with multiple drivetrain configurations tailored to different driving needs.
Rear-Wheel Drive Variants
The 501KM RWD Pro and 501KM RWD Max trims are powered by a single rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, producing:
- Power: 160 kW (approx. 215 hp)
- Torque (Nm): 310
- 0–100 km/h: 7.9 seconds
- Top speed: 201 km/h
These trims are designed for efficiency-focused buyers, offering smooth acceleration and balanced handling for daily urban and highway driving.
All-Wheel Drive Variants
For performance and off-road capability, BYD offers several dual-motor AWD trims, including:
- 501KM AWD Max
- 501KM AWD Ultra
- 501KM AWD Drone Edition
These models use a front asynchronous motor combined with a rear permanent magnet motor, delivering a combined output of:
- Power: 310 kW
- Torque (Nm): 510
- 0–100 km/h: 4.9 seconds (Ultra and Max)
- 5.3 seconds for the AWD Drone Edition
The AWD system enhances traction on snow, sand, and uneven terrain while maintaining confident high-speed stability.
Battery, Range, and Charging
All Leopard 3 variants use BYD’s proven Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery, known for safety, durability, and thermal stability.
- Battery capacities:
- 65.28 kWh (RWD)
- 72.96 kWh (AWD Max and Ultra)
- 78.72 kWh (AWD Drone Edition)
- CLTC pure electric range: Up to 501 km
- DC fast charging: 30–80 percent in approximately 30 minutes
- Energy consumption: as low as 9.3 kWh/100 km (RWD)
- Direct liquid cooling and battery preheating: ensure consistent performance across varying climates
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The BYD Leopard 3 adopts a boxy, muscular SUV stance, emphasizing strength while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
- Dimensions (standard body):
- Length: 4,605 mm
- Width: 1,900 mm
- Height: 1,720 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,745 mm
- Drone Edition height: 1,930 mm
- Approach angle: 25°
- Departure angle: 28°
- Wheel options: 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels, paired with ventilated disc brakes and an electronic parking brake across all trims.
Interior and Cabin Experience
Inside, the Leopard 3 focuses on premium materials, digital interfaces, and practical comfort.
Key highlights include:
- 8.8-inch full LCD instrument cluster
- 12.8-inch or 15.6-inch central touchscreen (trim-dependent)
- BYD DiLink intelligent cockpit system
- 5G connectivity, OTA updates, and app store support
- Wireless phone charging up to 50W
- Imitation leather upholstery across the range
Higher trims add heated and ventilated front seats, memory functions, lumbar support, and Devialet premium audio systems with up to 16 speakers.
Maintenance and Warranty
Ownership of the BYD Leopard 3 in the UAE is designed to be straightforward and reassuring, backed by official after-sales support and comprehensive warranty coverage.
- Officially supported in the UAE through BYD’s partnership with Al-Futtaim
- Access to authorised BYD service centres nationwide
- Servicing carried out by BYD-trained technicians using genuine parts
- Vehicle warranty; 6 years or 150,000 km
- High-voltage battery warranty: 8 years or 200,000 km
- GCC-spec testing for high temperatures and regional driving conditions
- Lower running and maintenance costs compared to petrol SUVs due to the electric powertrain
This support structure ensures peace of mind throughout ownership while keeping long-term costs predictable and manageable.
Comparison
Within the UAE market, the BYD Leopard 3 occupies a distinctive position in the compact electric SUV segment.
- Competes with compact electric SUVs such as the Volvo EX30 in size and pricing
- Boxy, upright design may appeal to buyers also considering petrol models like the Suzuki Jimny
- Delivers a fully electric driving experience with instant torque and quiet operation
- Stands out from urban-focused EVs with rugged SUV styling
- Available with all-wheel-drive electric configurations
- Broad specification range covering comfort, performance, and everyday usability
Overall, the Leopard 3 is best suited to buyers seeking a tough-looking electric SUV that combines modern EV efficiency with practical versatility, without stepping into a larger or more expensive vehicle class.