BYD Leopard 8 Plug-in Hybrid SUV Patented in India

The BYD Leopard 8 is a full-size SUV, measuring over 5.1 metres in length with a long wheelbase, placing it in the same league as luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Chinese automaker BYD has recently patented the design of its upcoming BYD Leopard 8 plug-in hybrid SUV in India, signaling a potential entry into the premium hybrid SUV segment. While a patent does not confirm a launch, it highlights the brand’s intent to expand beyond its current EV lineup.

Key highlights of BYD Leopard 8:

• Large body-on-frame SUV with rugged, off-road-focused design

• Three-row layout with up to 7-seat configuration

• Premium cabin with triple-screen setup (17.3-inch + dual 12.3-inch displays)

• Advanced features including ADAS, LiDAR sensors, and 18-speaker audio system

The BYD Leopard 8 stands out with a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, delivering an impressive output of over 740 hp and 760 Nm of torque. This setup enables the large SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just around 4.8 seconds, underlining its performance credentials. It is equipped with a 36.8 kWh Blade battery, offering an estimated electric-only driving range of 100-125 km, while the total claimed range extends up to an impressive 1,200 km, making it suitable for both daily commutes and long-distance travel.

Read more about the Blade Battery, developed by BYD and introduced in 2020 by clicking the link.

Beyond performance, the BYD Leopard 8 is engineered with serious off-road capability in mind. It features a rugged ladder-frame chassis for enhanced durability, along with a high ground clearance of up to 310 mm to tackle challenging terrains. The SUV also comes with an all-wheel-drive system supported by multiple terrain modes, electronic differential locks, and an advanced suspension setup, ensuring strong off-road performance without compromising on comfort.

Globally, the BYD Leopard 8 is also known as the Denza B8 under BYD’s premium sub-brand, further indicating its positioning as a high-end electrified off-roader.

The BYD Leopard 8 is expected to rival premium off-road SUVs like the Land Rover Defender 110 while offering a more efficient plug-in hybrid alternative.

In the Indian context, the BYD Leopard 8 has already taken an initial step with its design patent filed and approved in April 2026, indicating the brand’s intent to explore the premium SUV space in the country. However, there is no official confirmation regarding its launch timeline yet. If introduced, the model is expected to be positioned in the Rs 70-90 lakh range (estimated), placing it among high-end SUVs while offering a unique plug-in hybrid proposition in a segment largely dominated by conventional petrol and diesel rivals.

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