BYD Leopard 5: review of a powerful hybrid for city and off-road

In 2025, the Ukrainian market of electric vehicles and hybrids was replenished with a new player that is definitely worth paying attention to. We are talking about the BYD Leopard 5, a mid-size SUV with a hybrid powertrain built on the new DMO (Dual Motor Off-road) platform. It has already made a splash in China, and now it is actively appearing in Ukrainian showrooms.

This is not a typical urban crossover. The Leopard 5 combines brutal looks, serious specifications and technologies that seemed like futurism just a few years ago. But what is behind all this in practice? In this review, we will find out why Leopard 5 is called a new generation hybrid and what it offers to Ukrainian drivers.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

What's under the hood: a hybrid that really pulls

Let's start with the technology, because it is this that best conveys the character of the Leopard 5. This hybrid is powered by a combination of a 1.5-litre turbo engine and two electric motors - one located in front and the other in the rear. This gives us a true all-wheel drive system that doesn't just work for show, but provides traction where most crossovers would give up.

The total power output depends on the specific configuration: the base versions have 505 horsepower, and the top versions have up to 686 horsepower. All modifications produce 760 Nm of torque, which allows you to accelerate the vehicle even on hills or slippery surfaces.

The Leopard 5 will reach 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. This is on the level of passenger sports cars, not family SUVs. And all this with a weight of more than 2.5 tonnes.

The battery capacity is 31.8 kWh, which is enough for approximately 120-125 km of driving on electricity alone. The total combined range is up to 1200 km in the CLTC mixed cycle. This is more than some diesel SUVs. By the way, fuel consumption in mixed mode is approximately 7.8 litres per 100 km.

Dimensions, ground clearance and chassis: not just "looks big"

The BYD Leopard 5 does not try to appear to be something else - it is a full-fledged SUV in all respects. It's not afraid to be massive, and you can feel it from the first minutes behind the wheel.

Main dimensions:

• Length: 4890 mm (4930 mm with spare tire fitted)
• Width: 1970 mm
• Height: 1920 mm
• Wheelbase: 2800 mm

The DMO (Dual Motor Off-road) platform is not just words from a marketing brochure. It is a truly robust, frame-based platform designed to withstand heavy loads. Some versions, such as the Yunni P, have the ability to adapt the chassis height - the air suspension allows you to raise the car off-road and lower it for a comfortable landing.

It's also worth mentioning that Leopard 5 has an excellent turning radius, despite its size. This means that even in a tight courtyard in Poznyaki or a car park in a shopping mall, it will not be difficult to manoeuvre.

A salon that is a real pleasure to be in

Leopard 5 is not about a "big screen" in the middle of the dashboard. This is a three-screen concept, where each driver and passenger area has its own functions.

Screens:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 15.6-inch home screen with 2.5K resolution
• A 50-inch HUD (Head-Up Display) that puts navigation directly on the windscreen
• Additional displays for climate and passenger multimedia

The Huawei HiCar interface is fast, intuitive and, most importantly, supports integration with smartphones. If you have a Huawei, you'll get the most out of it. Otherwise, DiLink works with a wide range of settings.

Comfort is in the details:

• Electrically adjustable seats with ventilation, heating and even massage
• Climate control for several zones
• Integrated fridge in the centre armrest
• The interior materials are not "under the skin", but really high quality
• Premium loudspeakers from Devialet with 18 drivers

This is a cabin that is pleasant for both the driver and passengers. And yet, you don't get tired here, even after 5-6 hours behind the wheel.

Safety and assistants: when the car thinks with you

Leopard 5 is not left out of the trend for semi-autonomous driving. It has one of the most advanced driver assistance systems on the market.

The system includes:

• Adaptive cruise control with full stop and start function
• Automatic parking in tight spaces
• Driver pick-up assistant (e.g. from a car park)
• Collision avoidance system
• Control of dead zones
• Lane maintenance
• 360° cameras with screen projection

The car also has a lidar on the roof to improve the accuracy of the assistance systems. In practice, this gives a sense of control even in difficult situations, such as on slippery roads or at night.

Packages in Ukraine: what to choose from

The following modifications are available on the Ukrainian market:

• Yunnan Deluxe - from $46 100
• Discovery Edition - from $49 350
• Navigation Edition - from $53 700
• Flagship Edition 2023 - up to $61 200

In some car dealerships, you can find cars in stock at a discount, especially from the previous model year. They differ most in terms of interior trim, multimedia, suspension, and the number of electronic functions.

The main advantages of Leopard 5

One of the main advantages of the BYD Leopard 5 is its power, which is really close to the level of sports cars. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, which is very good for a large SUV. At the same time, it has a range of up to 1,200 km, so it is ideal for both daily commuting and long journeys without frequent charging.

The Leopard 5 is equipped with all-wheel drive and air suspension that adapts to the road. This allows you to feel comfortable both in the city and off-road. Special attention should be paid to the modern driver assistance and luxurious interior with massage functions, multimedia and premium Devialet sound. Direct charging support and regeneration also add to the convenience of everyday use.

What you might not like

Despite all its advantages, the Leopard 5 also has its weaknesses. Its weight exceeds 2.5 tonnes, which slightly reduces manoeuvrability in tight urban areas and when entering corners at high speed.

It should also be borne in mind that a full charge from a regular outlet takes up to 9 hours, and for full integration with the Huawei ADS system, it is advisable to have a smartphone of the same brand. In addition, the BYD service network in Ukraine is still being formed, and in some regions, official service is still limited.

Who is this car for?

The BYD Leopard 5 is the perfect choice for those looking for a modern, but not "licked" crossover. This is a car for people who want to:

• A big and powerful car, but with low consumption
• Ability to drive both on electric power and in hybrid mode
• Comfort in the city and confidence off-road
• A multimedia and secure platform without unnecessary complexity

If comfort, space, and modern features without unnecessary complexity are important to you, the Leopard 5 is definitely worth a look.

How ECOFACTOR helps owners of hybrids such as the BYD Leopard 5

At ECOFACTOR, we are well aware that modern drivers of hybrids and electric vehicles, such as the BYD Leopard 5, need not just a car with a long range, but also a convenient, clear and accessible charging infrastructure. That is why we have created a whole ecosystem that covers the daily needs of owners of such cars: from charging stations to a mobile application and accessories.

Our charging stations and solutions for home and business

At our company, we are engaged in a full cycle: design, manufacture and service charging stations AC and DC types, including power up to 420 kW. Our devices are designed and assembled in Ukraine to meet the real-world operating conditions. All of them are compatible with modern hybrid models, including Leopard 5, which have built-in regeneration systems and support charging both from the mains and via high-speed DC stations.

Our stations are easily integrated into a grid management platform that allows you to track energy consumption, set tariffs, manage access and generate complete usage statistics.

App, station map and easy navigation

To help BYD Leopard 5 owners see where the nearest charging point is, we have created the ECOFACTOR mobile app. It is available for iOS and Android. With its help, you can:

• find a charging station on an interactive map
• check its status (free, busy, inactive)
• start or end a charging session
• view usage history

The application includes map of charging stationswhich is constantly being updated. Our platform already unites more than 3500 charging ports and has access to roaming with other European networks. This is especially useful for those planning trips outside Ukraine or travelling frequently within the country.

Online store of accessories for electric vehicles

In addition to the stations themselves, we also have online shop with charging accessories that every BYD Leopard 5 owner will need. There you can find:

• cables and adapters different standards
• wall mounted holders
• RFID cards
• adapters for industrial sockets
• charging stations

All products are tested, compatible with the most common car models and meet safety requirements.

Conclusion.

BYD Leopard 5 is the case when a hybrid SUV ceases to be a compromise. It combines electric autonomy and petrol endurance, comfort and technology that actually works, not just sounds beautiful on the screen. This car has gone beyond the classic concept of a "city crossover" and offered something new - a versatile vehicle for the city, the highway and even for going off-road. It looks serious, drives confidently and charges whenever you want.

For Ukrainian drivers who have long been ready for something more than just an economical car, the Leopard 5 is a real option. With the right approach to charging infrastructure, such as the ECOFACTOR solution, this hybrid will not only fit into everyday life, but will also make it easier. If you're looking for a car that can change your driving experience, the Leopard 5 gives you every reason to do so.

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