Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled the large plug-in hybrid crossover Fang Cheng Bao Ti 9 at the Chengdu auto show. The flagship model features a 536-horsepower powertrain, a 66.5 kWh battery, and can travel up to 310 km on electric power alone. The new model is of interest to Kazakhstan because Fang Cheng Bao vehicles are known there as Leopard, reports infohub.kz.
The Ti 9 was officially shown at the Chengdu auto show. Its dimensions significantly exceed those of the Leopard 3 and Leopard 5, which are familiar to Kazakhstanis: length is 5,270 mm, width is 1,999 mm, height is 1,850 mm, and wheelbase reaches 3,130 mm.
At first glance, the Ti 9 could be mistaken for a body-on-frame SUV: massive body, high hood, flared fenders, and large 22-inch wheels. However, the vehicle actually has a unibody construction. The crossover features DiSus-P Ultra hydraulic suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a roof-mounted LiDAR. The exterior is deliberately rugged, but this is not a classic SUV; it is a large family crossover.
The Fang Cheng Bao brand is part of BYD's structure. In China, its vehicles are sold under their own name, while on export markets they use the name Formula Leopard. Therefore, for Kazakh buyers, the Ti 9 is most easily compared to the familiar Leopard 3 and Leopard 5, which are actively imported into the country by private importers.
The Ti 9's powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 154 hp and two electric motors. Their combined peak power reaches 400 kW, or 536 hp. Power comes from a battery with a capacity of 66.5 kWh. On a single charge, the crossover can travel up to 310 km, and the total range with the gasoline engine reaches 2,300 km.
The manufacturer also highlights charging speed: according to BYD, the battery can be charged from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes. The interior has not yet been revealed, but the Chinese regulator has already confirmed that the Ti 9 will be available with five, six, or seven seats.
Sales of the Fang Cheng Bao Ti 9 in China are expected to begin before the end of 2026. There are no official plans for deliveries to Kazakhstan yet. However, the Leopard 3 and Leopard 5 have already become a noticeable presence in the country thanks to gray imports. Therefore, the arrival of another, much larger model from this family on the Kazakh market seems quite possible, even if it initially comes through the same route.