2026 Formula Leopard 5 and Leopard 8 "Flash Charge" Editions Expected to Launch on May 13

Formula Leopard—a brand under the BYD umbrella—is set to launch the 2026 editions of the Leopard 5 and Leopard 8 "Flash Charge" models on May 13. These new vehicles represent a plug-in hybrid SUV lineup that seamlessly integrates ultra-fast charging technology with professional-grade, rugged off-road capabilities. Far from being merely "off-road vehicles with added fast-charging," they offer zero fuel consumption for city commuting, hassle-free long-distance travel without the need to queue for refueling, and robust power retention even in extreme environmental conditions. Aimed at off-road enthusiasts in China and across the globe, these two models set a new performance benchmark for new-energy rugged SUVs, featuring the second-generation Blade Battery combined with Flash Charge technology, the Cloud-P hydraulic suspension system as standard across the entire lineup, and an optional advanced intelligent driving system.

2026 Formula Leopard 8 (Fast-Charging Edition)

1. Vehicle Technical Specifications

project	Leopard 5 Flash Charge Edition	Leopard 8 Flash Charge Edition
Platform Architecture	BYD DMO Plug-in Hybrid Off-Road Platform	BYD DMO Plug-in Hybrid Off-Road Platform
Vehicle dimensions	Dimensions (L x W x H):4880–4920 × 1970 × 1920 mm; Wheelbase :2800 mm	Dimensions (L×W×H):5195 × 1994 × 1905 mm; Wheelbase :2920 mm
Curb weight	Approximately 2200–2300 kg (depending on configuration)	3320kg / 3360kg (dual versions)
Powertrain	1.5T turbocharged engine (110kW) + dual electric motors (front/rear) system combined power:505kW	2.0T turbocharged engine (200kW) + dual electric motors (front 200kW / rear 300kW) system combined power:550kW
Peak torque	760 N · m	760 N · m
0-100 km/h acceleration	4.8 seconds	4.8 seconds
Battery system	Second- generation blade battery capacity :47.8kWh(ternary lithium) CLTC pure electric range:125km / 210km	Second- generation blade battery capacity :46.704kWh(lithium iron phosphate); WLTC all-electric range:150km
Charging system	BYD's "Flash Charge" technology : At room temperature : 10% → 70% in just5 minutes ; 10 % → 97% in just9 minutes. In extreme cold (-30℃): it only takes an extra 3 minutes.
Charging port	China's GB/T standard (compatible with public fast charging stations)
Top speed	180km/h	180km/h
Tire specifications	255/60R18 \| 275/55R20 (optional)	275/55R20 \| 275/50R21 (optional)
drag coefficient	0.33Cd	0.34Cd

Note: The current models are sold exclusively in the Chinese market, utilizing the GB/T charging interface standard; compatibility information regarding international standards such as CCS2 or SAE J1772 has not yet been released. However, the underlying technical platform possesses the potential for global expansion.

2. Vehicle Flash Charging Technology

Core Technology: BYD 2nd Generation Blade Battery + Full-Link High-Voltage Flash Charging Architecture (While not explicitly labeled as 800V, its performance benchmarks against it.)

Charging Efficiency:

5 Minutes: Charges from 10% to 70% (providing approximately 150 km of CLTC range).

9 Minutes: Charges from 10% to 97% (approaching a full charge).

Extreme Environment Performance:

In extreme cold environments of -30°C, charging time increases by only 3 minutes compared to normal temperatures, breaking through the performance bottlenecks typically associated with low-temperature battery charging.

Technical Advantages:

Full-link optimization (covering battery, BMS, charging gun, cables, and thermal management) ensures stable, high-power output—delivering consistent power rather than relying solely on momentary peak bursts.

Supports universal flash charging piles compatible with the entire model lineup; in the future, this capability will extend to BYD’s self-built flash charging network, comprising over 4,000 stations.

2026 Formula Leopard 8 (Fast-Charging Edition)

3. Vehicle Intelligent Driving System

Model	Intelligent driving system	Core configuration	Features
Leopard 5 Flash Charge Edition	Eye of the Gods 5.0 (standard configuration) Huawei Qiankun ADS 4.0 (optional)	Forward-facing LiDAR (trapezoidal module) with 11 cameras and 5 millimeter-wave radars.	- Self-developed system is the default configuration, offering better cost performance. - Huawei solution is optional, supporting city NOA, memory parking, and unprotected left turns.
Leopard 8 Flash Charge Edition	Huawei Qiankun Intelligent Driving ADS 4.0 (standard configuration) Rear LiDAR (optional)	Front + Rear Dual LiDAR 12 Cameras \| 5 Millimeter Wave Radars	- Enhanced vehicle-wide perception redundancy - Supportsadvanced intelligent driving across all scenarios, including highway navigation, automatic parking, and intersection obstacle avoidance - Adds optional rear-facing LiDAR to improve side and rear perception capabilities

The Leopard 5 marks the industry's first implementation of "user-selectable intelligent driving packages," breaking the conventional industry practice of "bundling high-end features." This approach demonstrates BYD's deep insight into user needs.

4. Vehicle Intelligent Cockpit & Comfort Features

Components	Configuration Highlights
operating system	The DiLink 150 smart cockpit is based on a deeply customized version of Android and supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3.
Screen system	The 15.6-inch 1080P central control screen and 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel support multi-screen interaction, mobile phone screen projection, and voice control.
Audio system	10-speaker surround system \| 600W power \| Dolby audio support
Seating system	All models come standard with the Cloud Carriage-P intelligent hydraulic body control system, supporting active height adjustment (up to 310mm), front row ventilation/heating/massage, and independent second-row air conditioning.
Off-road configuration	Three mechanical differential locks; wheel-end torque reaches8000 N·m in low-speed four-wheel drive mode; wading depth:790 mm(Leopard 5) \|890 mm(Leopard 8) ; approach angle/departure angle: 30°/29° (Leopard 8)
Storage space	Front cargo space:110L\| Rear cargo space:500L+(5 seats) \| Expandable to7 seats(Leopard 8)
Interior materials	Eco-friendly leather \| Non-slip and wear-resistant carpet \| Scratch-resistant metal pedals \| Optional carbon fiber trim

5. Vehicle Design

Leopard 5 Flash Charging Edition:

The front fascia returns to the classic design elements of the 2023 model, featuring black wheel arch flares and side skirts that reinforce its off-road DNA.

New additions include a two-tone black-and-white roof and exclusive forged alloy wheels (20-inch).

Optional accessories include a roof rack and an externally mounted spare tire (not included as standard equipment).

Leopard 8 Flash Charging Edition:

Features an integrated design where the trapezoidal headlights blend seamlessly with the grille, creating a more visually commanding presence.

An externally mounted spare tire combined with a side-opening tailgate preserves the classic styling cues of a rugged, hardcore off-roader.

Optional features include 21-inch alloy wheels and a color-matching trim kit for the roof and D-pillars.

The rear of the vehicle is equipped with intelligent status indicator lights (which illuminate when the intelligent driving system is active).

A design language that refuses to compromise for the sake of trends, existing solely to serve function—this is the philosophy of Formula Leopard.

6. Global Market Positioning

Dimension	China market	Global potential
Launch date	May 13, 2026	There are no official overseas plans yet.
Official guide price	Leopard 5: RMB 239,800 – 329,800; Leopard 8: RMB 379,800 – 423,800	Not announced
Battery Solution	Battery purchased outright, supports home slow charging and fast charging networks.	Battery as a Service (BaaS) may be supported in the future.
Key Selling Points	Fast charging technology, Cloud Carrier-P, three locks, and purchase tax reduction.	The technology is transferable, but it needs to be adapted to standards such as CCS2, ECE, and FMVSS.
Service rights	Lifetime warranty on three main electrical components, free roadside assistance, and priority access to fast charging network.	Relying on localized service network construction
Environmental certification	China GB 18352, China VI b, and new energy vehicle purchase tax exemption (Leopard 8 fuel consumption <8.5L/100km)	No EU ECE or US EPA certification applied for

7. Who Is It Best Suited For?

Dimension	China market	Global potential
Launch date	May 13, 2026	There are no official overseas plans yet.
Official guide price	Leopard 5: RMB 239,800 – 329,800; Leopard 8: RMB 379,800 – 423,800	Not announced
Battery Solution	Battery purchased outright, supports home slow charging and fast charging networks.	Battery as a Service (BaaS) may be supported in the future.
Key Selling Points	Fast charging technology, Cloud Carrier-P, three locks, and purchase tax reduction.	The technology is transferable, but it needs to be adapted to standards such as CCS2, ECE, and FMVSS.
Service rights	Lifetime warranty on three main electrical components, free roadside assistance, and priority access to fast charging network.	Relying on localized service network construction
Environmental certification	China GB 18352, China VI b, and new energy vehicle purchase tax exemption (Leopard 8 fuel consumption <8.5L/100km)	No EU ECE or US EPA certification applied for

8. Fast Charging Technology: Real-World Test Data (Ambient Temperature)

Charging phase	Leopard 5/Leopard 8 Flash Charge Edition charging time	Compared to traditional fast charging (120kW)
10% → 30%	1 minute 30 seconds	8 minutes
30% → 50%	1 minute 45 seconds	7 minutes
50% → 70%	1 minute 45 seconds	6 minutes
70% → 90%	2 minutes and 30 seconds	10 minutes
90% → 97%	1 minute 30 seconds	8 minutes
10 % → 97 %	9 minutes	39 minutes