September 3, 2024, Shenzhen, China — BYD has recently announced a significant price reduction for the Fang Cheng Bao 5, also known as the Yangan Wang U8 Mini in China. The new pricing, which ranges from 239,900 to 328,000 Yuan ($33,000 to $41,600), marks a substantial decrease of approximately $7,000 from its previous starting price of 289,800 Yuan ($39,900). This strategic adjustment is aimed at broadening the vehicle’s appeal to a wider audience and positioning it more competitively in the luxury off-road SUV market.
Initially launched with high expectations, the Fang Cheng Bao 5 achieved impressive sales of 5,000 units in January. However, sales have since declined, with April figures dropping to around 2,000 units. Despite this, the model has sold over 25,000 units since its debut in August of the previous year. The recent price cut is intended to rejuvenate interest and attract more mainstream buyers.
The Fang Cheng Bao 5 stands out with its bold and distinctive design. It features a striking horizontal grille with the BYD logo, flanked by sleek light strips that seamlessly integrate with the LED headlights. Its side profile includes traditional door handles and pedals, while the floating roof design adds a contemporary touch. The SUV’s robust appearance is emphasized by a wide, flat windshield, a high bonnet line, and rugged plastic wheel arches.
Inside, the Fang Cheng Bao 5 combines cutting-edge technology with a rugged aesthetic. The cockpit includes a triple screen setup with two 12.3-inch instrument panels and a prominent 15.6-inch central control screen. The interior, designed with a 2+3 seating configuration, accommodates five passengers comfortably and features an industrial charm with a unique lock-inspired theme.
The vehicle offers a generous trunk volume of 1,690 liters, making it suitable for both daily use and adventurous outings. Powered by a plug-in hybrid system, the Fang Cheng Bao 5 provides an all-electric range of 125 km under optimal conditions. It boasts two electric motors delivering a combined output of 485 kW (approximately 660 horsepower) and a 1.5L turbo engine, resulting in a total output of 505 kW and 760 Nm of torque. Despite its substantial weight of 2.8 tons, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
The Fang Cheng Bao 5’s dimensions—4,890 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase—contribute to its impressive off-road capabilities, including approach and departure angles of 35 and 32 degrees, respectively, and a ground clearance of up to 310 mm in the DISP version. The vehicle delivers brisk acceleration in sports mode and a smooth driving experience in its default mode. Its intelligent energy management system ensures consistent power delivery, even with a low battery.
In hybrid mode without charging, fuel consumption averages 7 to 8 liters per 100 km in city driving, dropping to 6 liters per 100 km on highways. The Fang Cheng Bao 5’s suspension, while comfortable off-road, may compromise handling at high speeds, leading to noticeable body roll and instability on uneven roads.
The SUV’s 31.8 kWh LFP blade battery supports 100 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 30% to 80% charge in just 16 minutes. It offers a combined range of 1,200 km under the CLTC standard and features 6 kW external discharge and V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) charging capabilities.
Safety is a key focus, with the Fang Cheng Bao 5 equipped with a non-load bearing frame, a robust five-layer battery protection system, and a chassis reinforced with 96% high-strength steel. Additionally, the vehicle includes an L2+ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for enhanced safety.
Overall, the Fang Cheng Bao 5 represents BYD’s strategic effort to challenge traditional off-road brands with its competitive pricing, rugged design, advanced technology, and robust off-road capabilities. The model is poised to attract a diverse range of buyers seeking a high-quality, versatile SUV.