Star Wars-inspired Fang Cheng Bao 3 is a rugged-looking entry BEV for BYD's newest sub-brand

Fang Cheng Bao is a name that does not roll off the tongue easily, especially for non-Mandarin speakers. It is the latest sub-brand from Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) maker, BYD and is translated to Formula Leopard in English, which does not make much sense either.

The BYD sub-brand will be more focused on SUVs and performance-oriented cars – supposedly why it's called Formula Leopard (Formula One + agile wild cat?). At its recently held Spring Conference, Fang Cheng Bao unveiled 3 new cars – the Super 3 which acts as the brand’s entry SUV model, the flagship Bao 8 SUV, and the Super 9 supercar convertible.

The Super 3 shown at the event is a concept but the production model will be likely called the Bao 3. Car News China reported the SUV measures around 4.7 metres; not what you might imagine “entry-level” but these numbers are speculative for now.

The BYD sub-brand has not revealed any figures regarding the Super 3’s dimensions or power output. However, it has been reported that the production model could be utilising a purely electric drivetrain with four-wheel drive (4WD).

This will be Fang Cheng Bao's first fully electric model. The company's lone production model, the Bao 5, is only offered with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain combining a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol unit with two electric motors (Combined 687 PS).

Unlike the traditional boxy aesthetic of the Bao 5 and Bao 8, the Super 3 has a rugged futuristic look that BYD calls “Star Wars Armour”. The wide, flared wheel arches might take inspiration from a Stormtrooper’s helmet while the combination of red and silver gives a forceful aggression.

The Super 3 concept is equipped with chunky off-road tyres and a roof rack. Attached to the latter is a drone landing pad though elements like that and a screen fitted within the front panel to show charging levels and other information could remain on the concept.

Even though some features are more fantasy like the space opera epic from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the production version of the Bao 3 could be highly customizable. The off-roading community loves to accessorise their rides and it wouldn’t be surprising to see plenty of customizing options available for the Bao 3.

Fang Cheng Bao will be showcasing the Super 3 along with the Super 9 and Bao 8 at next week’s Auto China 2024 in Beijing. It is expected to be priced at around CNY 200,000 (~RM 132k) and could be launched in the third quarter of the year (Q3 2024).