BYD Bao 8 launched in China – 748 PS PHEV 4×4, up to 125 km EV range, Huawei ADAS, from RM233k

A year after it was launched in China, BYD’s Fangchengbao off-roader sub-brand has introduced its second new model, the Bao 8. Larger than the Bao 5, it’s a three-row body-on-frame SUV with either six or seven seats, plus a more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain.

That powertrain is still BYD’s Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) Super Hybrid system, but here you get a larger 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of the Bao 5’s 1.5 litre mill, producing 245 PS and 380 Nm of torque.

This is paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and two electric motors – the one at the front is identical to that of the Bao 5 and makes 272 PS and 360 Nm, while the rear motor is slightly more powerful and churns out 408 PS and 400 Nm. Total system output is rated at 748 PS and 760 Nm, enabling the Bao 8 to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

Juicing the electric motors is a slightly larger 36.8 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides the same 125 km of pure electric range (on the lenient CLTC cycle, that is) as the Bao 5. Couple that with a massive 91.5 litre fuel tank and you’re looking at a total range of 1,200 km. The Bao 8 supports up to 120 kW of DC fast charging, topping up the battery from 30 to 80% in 16 minutes.

All models get the DiSus-P hydraulic body control system that is only optional on the Bao 8, offering 140 mm of height adjustment and a camera-based adaptive function. The car is capable of a water wading depth of up to 890 mm and comes with a rear locking differential, with the Flagship variant also gaining a front differential lock.

The Bao 8 is massive – at 5,195 mm long, 1,994 mm wide and 1,905 mm tall, it’s 305 mm longer, 24 mm wider and 15 mm lower than the Bao 5, while its 2,920 mm wheelbase is 120 mm longer. In fact, it’s even larger than the Toyota Land Cruiser 300, which maxes out at 4,985 mm long.

Looking all the world like a stretched Bao 5, the Bao 8 carries over much of that car’s boxy, rugged aesthetic. These include rectangular LED headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights, an upright glasshouse with a wraparound windscreen design, fin-like body-coloured C-pillars, prominent front and rear haunches, small vertical taillights and an external spare tyre.

Additional sophistication comes in the form of flush pop-out door handles, massive 20-inch six-spoke alloy wheels and triple roof bumps similar to the Yangwang U8. The centre bump houses a lidar sensor, connected to the driver assistance package that we’ll get to later.

The dashboard, meanwhile, has been carried over pretty much wholesale from the Bao 5, with a tall and wide centre console, jewel-like transparent switchgear and grab handles on either side. Just like its smaller sibling, the Bao 8 is covered in screens, including two 12.3-inch displays for the driver and front passenger, a humongous 17.3-inch centre touchscreen and a head-up display.

This bank of screens run on BYD’s DiLink 150 infotainment system, equipped with an AI large language model-powered voice control and support for screen mirroring with Huawei smartphones. The tech giant has also provided the Bao 8 with its Qiankun ADS 3.0 technology, enabling highly-automated driving on highways and remote parking assist, along with city automated driving and even a “valet parking” function as options.

Other features include an 18-speaker Devialet sound system, Nappa leather-wrapped powered seats with memory, heating, ventilation and massage functions, triple-zone climate control, soft-close doors and dual 50-watt Qi front wireless chargers. A digital rear-view mirror and night vision are exclusive to the Flagship variant.

The second row features either bench seats or captain’s chairs and come with power-adjustment, heating, ventilation and, in the case of the six-seater versions, massage functions. The third-row seats also have power-reclining backrests.

The Bao 8 is priced between 379,800 yuan (RM234,200) and 407,800 yuan (RM251,400). The smaller Bao 5 has already been earmarked for a possible introduction into the Malaysian market, and we can expect the same for the Bao 8, although the lack of incentives for PHEVs means that it will likely command a high price if it comes here. Would you still buy one? Sound off in the comments after the jump.

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