BYD unveils new car with a nonstop range of 2,300 kilometers
BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle maker, has unveiled a new large plug-in hybrid crossover, the Fang Cheng Bao Ti 9, featuring a 536-horsepower (hp) powertrain and a 66.5 kWh battery that provides up to 310 kilometers of all-electric range. In Kazakhstan and several other markets, Fang Cheng Bao vehicles are sold under the Leopard name.
A true giant
Officially unveiled at the Chengdu Auto Show, the Ti 9 dwarfs the Leopard 3 and Leopard 5, both already familiar to Kazakhstani buyers. It measures 5,270 millimeters (mm) long, 1,999 mm wide and 1,850 mm tall, with a 3,130 mm wheelbase.
Despite an exterior that evokes a body-on-frame SUV — thanks to its massive build, tall hood, flared fenders and 22-inch wheels — the Ti 9 actually rides on a monocoque structure.
It also comes equipped with DiSus-P Ultra hydraulic suspension, rear-wheel steering and roof-mounted LiDAR. Rugged looks aside, the vehicle is ultimately positioned as a large family crossover.
Fang Cheng Bao is a brand under the BYD umbrella. Its vehicles are sold under the Fang Cheng Bao name in China and as Formula Leopard in export markets, including Kazakhstan.
What’s under the hood
The Ti 9’s powertrain pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 154 hp with two electric motors, for a combined peak output of 400 kW (536 hp).
Power comes from a 66.5 kWh battery, giving the crossover up to 310 km of pure electric range and a total range — including the gas engine — of 2,300 km.
BYD is also touting fast charging as a standout feature, claiming the battery can go from 10% to 97% in just 9 minutes.
The interior has yet to be revealed, but according to Chinese regulators, the Ti 9 is expected to offer five-, six- and seven-seat configurations.
Could it be headed to Kazakhstan?
Sales in China are expected to begin before the end of 2026.
There’s no official word on a launch in Kazakhstan. But given how prominent the Leopard 3 and Leopard 5 have already become locally through gray-market dealers, it wouldn’t be surprising if this larger sibling found its way into the country too.
