Freshly leaked spy shots reveal the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 3 undergoing inspection, alongside revealing glimpses into its interior design. BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao lineup will expand with its third iteration, the automotive, set to follow the current Bao 5 and impending Bao 8 releases. While sharing the same SUV classification, there exist notable differences between the Bao 3 and its counterparts, despite their similarities. The Bao 3 employs a load-bearing structure, departing from the body-on-frame designs and shared DMO platform utilised in its predecessors, the Fang Cheng Bao’s earlier iterations. The latest addition to our automotive lineup is a groundbreaking all-electric model, marking a significant departure from its predecessors, both of which were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
The exterior design of the automotive presents a notable departure from its predecessors, the Bao 5 and Bao 8, featuring a significantly more futuristic aesthetic and de-emphasizing hardcore SUV styling cues. The design aesthetic carries forward the futuristic appearance showcased on the concept car Tremendous 3, providing a glimpse into the exterior styling of the forthcoming Bao 3 model. There are rumors suggesting that the upcoming model may feature two distinct exterior design options for its front fascia. The Geely Bao 3 is a compact SUV boasting a compact footprint: 4,605mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,720mm in height, with a wheelbase measuring 2,745mm. Newly emerged spy shots reveal a significant design change at the rear of the vehicle, featuring an exposed spare tire, a stark contrast to earlier images showcasing a backpack-inspired storage compartment. This implies that alternative options exist for what’s installed at the back.
Despite an exterior divergence from the design trends of the Bao 5 series, the interior thoughtfully adheres to the original concept introduced by Fang Cheng Bao’s initial prototype. Despite the interior’s subtle camouflage, the fundamental configuration becomes apparent. A notable feature of the interior is the unobstructed view of the centre console, where a push-to-turn lever reminiscent of an aircraft’s control stick sits amidst a cluster of intuitive control buttons. Positioned strategically between a pair of Wi-Fi-enabled cellphone charging stations and the rear-mounted dual cup holders. Two screens comprise the interior design: a compact instrument panel recessed into the dashboard and a separate, freestanding infotainment display situated in the center. With its distinctive four-spoke design, the steering wheel is equipped with an array of intuitive controls at your fingertips.
The Bao 3 is equipped with a 110 kW electric motor situated at the front axle and a more powerful 220 kW unit located at the rear. The vehicle boasts a swift 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.9 seconds. The addition of a substantial 560 kg, 78.72 kWh battery pack contributes notably to the overall mass of the vehicle. Sourced from BYD’s subsidiary FinDreams, the lithium-iron-phosphate blade battery pack delivers a competitive laboratory-tested cycling (CLTC) range of 510 kilometers for the automaker. While the battery pack’s significant weight is notable, it’s crucial to emphasize that this 530-kg component only makes up approximately one-quarter of the Bao 3’s overall mass of 2150 kg?
Estimates initially suggested a starting price of around $30,750 or approximately 220,000 yuan for the new model. However, considering the downward pressure on prices resulting from the reduced value of the Bao 5, the cost may have decreased further. Prior reports suggested that the Bao 5 could potentially be rebranded and marketed as a Denza model for the European market. Given its compact size and nature as a soft-roading SUV, the Bao 3 presents an excellent opportunity for such refinement. The automaker plans to launch its new vehicle in China by the end of the year.
Supply: Autohome
