BYD Leopard 5 characteristics

More and more new electric cars and hybrids from China are appearing in Ukraine, but the BYD Leopard 5 attracts attention in a special way. It cannot be called a typical crossover for the city. This is a serious frame SUV with a hybrid setup that is not afraid of difficult conditions. At the same time, it has all the technological features that we expect from a modern car.

This model was released under the Fangchengbao sub-brand, which BYD created specifically for such “strong” vehicles. The Leopard 5 really looks powerful: an aggressive front end, high ground clearance, 4×4, three differential locks, and a nice little feature – the car can charge other devices and equipment if necessary.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial

Dimensions and weight: what you need to know

For those who are used to the dimensions of the RAV4 or Outlander, the Leopard 5 will seem bigger and more serious. It is closer to the Land Cruiser 150, but with a modern electric accent.

• Length: 4890 mm
• Width: 1970 mm
• Height: 1920 mm
• Wheelbase: 2800 mm
• Ground clearance: from 220 to 308 mm (depending on the configuration)
• Curb weight: 2890 kg
• GVW: up to 3625 kg

Despite its weight, the car is quite dynamic, as we’ll discuss further.

Engine and hybrid system

The Leopard 5 uses a sequential hybrid, which means that the petrol engine does not turn the wheels, but works as a generator for the electric motors. This is a typical arrangement for powerful hybrids with a long range.

Main characteristics of the power plant:

• Petrol engine: 1.5 litre, turbo, 145 kW (197 hp)
• Two electric motors
• Total power: up to 687 hp (505 kW)
• Torque: 760 Nm
• Drive: four-wheel drive, with three differential locks
• Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.8 sec

This is no mistake – an off-road vehicle weighing almost 3 tonnes accelerates to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds. Impressive? You bet. But it’s worth bearing in mind that the top speed is limited to 180 km/h – which is to be expected for a car in this class.

Battery and charging

The Leopard 5 has a 31.8 kWh battery made using LFP (lithium iron phosphate) technology. This type of battery is well suited to the climate of Ukraine – it is stable, less prone to overheating, and most importantly, it is durable for daily use.

• Electric range (CLTC): up to 125 km
• Total range (with internal combustion engine): up to 1200 km
• Fast charging: 30-80% in 16 minutes (100 kW)
• Connector type: GB/T (standard for Chinese cars)

If you plan to charge Leopard 5 at home, you’ll need an adapter or charger that supports Chinese connectors.

Fuel consumption

Despite its power, the Leopard 5’s fuel consumption is a pleasant surprise:

• Minimum consumption (WLTC): 1.8 l/100 km
• In hybrid mode: 8.8–8.9 l/100 km

Considering the dimensions and weight, the figures look more than acceptable. In the city, you can often move around exclusively on electric traction, and on the highway, the internal combustion engine helps maintain power and range.

Suspension and handling

The Leopard 5 has an independent suspension with the DiSus-P hydropneumatic system in the top versions. This technology is borrowed from the Yangwang U8 and makes it possible to:

• adjust the stiffness of the shock absorbers
• change the ground clearance of the car depending on the road
• adapt to the surface (asphalt, sand, gravel)

As a result, the car really does ‘stick’ to the road, even when driving off-road or on slippery surfaces. Its stability is particularly noticeable when cornering – where a standard crossover would already start to roll, the Leopard 5 remains composed.

Interior and amenities

Inside, the Leopard 5 offers a blend of functionality, digital technology and a touch of luxury. The manufacturer hasn’t set out to make it ultra-luxurious, but the higher-spec models look rather smart.

• Three displays: head-up (15.6″), instrument cluster (12.3″) and passenger screen (12.3″)
• Nappa leather seats, heating, ventilation, massage
• Premium Devialet audio system (18 speakers)
• HUD projection on the windscreen
• Car fridge with heating function
• Panoramic roof with electric drive
• Fragrance, multi-colour interior lighting

For a large family or long-distance trips, this car looks very suitable.

Packages: what to choose?

There are 4 main options available in Ukraine:

• Max: basic set, but with all-wheel drive, battery and safety systems
• Ultra: comfort options are added (electric boot release, massage seats, HUD)
• LaserHuawei Qiankun system, traffic light recognition and reversing assistance are introduced
• Flagship: top of the range with adaptive suspension, electric steering and digital rear-view mirror

Even the Max will do for everyday use. But if you want a complete set, Laser or Flagship will offer the maximum possible.

Technology that works for you

One of the Leopard 5’s interesting features is its ability to supply power to external devices. With a full tank, the car can act as a mini power station: charging another car, powering household appliances, lights, heating appliances or even a laptop.

This isn’t just a fantasy – the manufacturer actually claims that the Leopard 5 can provide power for several weeks without a mains supply. And given the realities of life in Ukraine, this can sometimes be very relevant.

How Leopard 5 behaves in the city

Despite its size, the Leopard 5 is not as difficult to drive in everyday city traffic as it might seem at first glance. Yes, it’s wide and long, but the electric steering and 360° cameras help. The parking assistance system works well, and the HUD projection allows you to be less distracted by the screen.

What’s particularly handy is that the Leopard has a very small turning circle for its class: just 3.4 metres, thanks to torque control technology on the front and rear axles. This comes in handy on narrow streets or when pulling out of a parking space.

Another advantage is the virtually silent operation of the electric motor. In traffic jams or on short journeys, the petrol engine doesn’t switch on at all.

On- and off-road behaviour

On the track, the Leopard 5 is quite calm. Thanks to its all-wheel drive and rigid body, it is stable even at high speeds. There are no overloads or “floating”. The stabilisation system works gently, without any sudden interventions.

But the fun begins on bad roads. Leopard is not afraid of broken asphalt, gravel, puddles and pits. With its adaptive suspension and adjustable ground clearance, it is not afraid of height differences, and additional modes help to adjust its behaviour depending on the surface.

In practice:

• sand, snow, mud – no problem
• Climbs – without any slippage
• deep potholes – handles them with ease

Maintenance and adaptation in Ukraine

An important question for any owner is how to service such a car in Ukraine? BYD already has dealers in Ukraine (for example, Ncars in Odesa), which are engaged in official deliveries, service and warranty.

What to consider:

• Leopard 5 has a non-standard charging system (GB/T), so you either need to look for an adapter or charge at home/at special stations
• The oil in an internal combustion engine is changed less often than in a conventional car, because the engine does not run constantly
• Software updates are available through dealers or official service

The cost of maintenance is lower than that of similar diesel SUVs, especially given that the main work is done by electric traction.

Comparison with other hybrids

To better understand the positioning of Leopard 5, it is worth looking at who it can compete with in the Ukrainian market. Although it has few direct competitors, there are some similar ones:

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

• More expensive
• Less technological
• Classic diesel engine

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

• Smaller and lighter
• Electric traction is less powerful
• Fewer functions for off-road use

Tank 500 HEV (Great Wall)

• Similar in concept
• Weaker local support
• Higher consumption

The Leopard 5 still looks the most balanced in terms of power, price and technology if you’re looking for a hybrid SUV rather than a purely electric or diesel car.

Strengths of BYD Leopard 5

To sum up, here is a short list of what makes this model interesting for Ukrainians:

• True four-wheel drive with three locking mechanisms
• Hybrid system with a range of up to 1200 km
• Power at the level of sports cars (687 hp)
• Adaptive suspension and high ground clearance
• Interior with modern multimedia and amenities
• Ability to power external devices
• Lending options and official support in Ukraine

How ECOFACTOR helps drivers of hybrids like the BYD Leopard 5

We, ECOFACTOR, are working to make charging electric vehicles and hybrids throughout Ukraine as convenient as filling up a petrol car. And if you’ve already looked at the BYD Leopard 5 hybrid SUV, you’ve probably thought about access to charging infrastructure. This is where our contribution comes in.

The Leopard 5 has a 31.8 kWh battery and supports fast charging, but its standard is Chinese – GB/T. This means that charging at home or at public stations requires compatible equipment. We are taking this into account.

What we offer to BYD Leopard 5 owners

• Charging stations AC and DC power supplyFrom mobile to stationary, with a capacity of up to 420 kW
• Cables and adapters: in our online store there are adapters and accessories that will help you connect even cars with non-standard connectors
• Public charging stations across UkraineMore than 3500 ports in our network, some of which support Asian standards
• Map of charging stations: available in the mobile app, where it is easy to find the nearest outlet
• ECOFACTOR app: works on iOS and Androidwith an intuitive interface and support for the Ukrainian language
• Flexible billing and consumption statisticsthrough your personal account or directly in your phone

We don’t just sell charging services – we give drivers of BYD, Tesla, Nissan, Hyundai and other brands the chance to use the charging infrastructure stress-free. Our billing system is transparent, with no hidden catches, and we regularly run promotions, such as 0% billing from 1 May.

We also develop our own devices – rather than sourcing them from China, we manufacture charging stations in Ukraine, tailored to our local conditions. This is important, particularly when it comes to reliability during periods of unstable power supply or voltage fluctuations.

If you’re already planning to buy a Leopard 5 or another electric car, don’t forget to think about the convenience of charging. In our online store, you can choose a charging station for your home or business, buy cables and adapters, and use the app to find the nearest station and start charging right away. It’s simple and hassle-free.

Conclusion

The BYD Leopard 5 isn’t the sort of hybrid you buy just ‘to drive on electric power’. It’s a car for those who want something powerful, practical, yet high-tech. Its powertrain, well-engineered suspension, comfortable interior and the ability to cover up to 1,200 km without refuelling – all this makes it an attractive option for drivers who aren’t confined to the city.

Infrastructure readiness in Ukraine is also gradually moving towards such models. If you already have a Leopard 5 or are thinking about it, you don’t have to worry about where and how to charge it. Charging stations, cables and adapters, an online accessory store, a map of charging points – all this is already available, and we at ECOFACTOR are working to make it even more convenient. Today, the electrification of transport is not the future, but the very real present, and the Leopard 5 fits in well.

Frequently asked questions