New spy shots have emerged of the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 3 being tested, including shots of the interior. The car will be the third model from BYDβs more upmarket Fang Cheng Bao brand, following on from the Bao 5, which is currently on sale, and the Bao 8, which should launch soon. There are, though, some key differences between the Bao 3 and the other two cars, although all three models are SUVs. Firstly, the Bao 3 uses a load-bearing structure, whereas the previous two models in the Fang Cheng Bao range have a body-on-frame structure and use BYDβs DMO platform. Secondly, the new car will be the first fully electric model in the range; the previous two cars were both PHEVs.
Externally, the car is also quite a departure from the looks of the Bao 5 and Bao 8, with far more futuristic looks and less emphasis on hardcore SUV styling. The styling continues the look seen on the Super 3 concept car, which previewed the looks of the Bao 3. Itβs believed that there will be two different front-face styling designs. The Bao 3 is a relatively compact SUV with dimensions of 4605, 1900, and 1720 mm and a wheelbase of 2745 mm. In the latest spy shots, we can see that at the rear, there is an exposed spare wheel, whereas previous pictures have shown a school bag-type storage compartment. This suggests that there may be differing options for what is mounted at the rear.
Despite the exterior being a departure from the looks of the Bao 5, the same cannot be said for the interior, which closely follows that first seen in Fang Cheng Baoβs first model. Although there is still considerable camouflaging of the interior, we can see the basic setup. Notably, we get a good view of the center console, where we see an aircraft-style push-type leaver for drive selection, which is then surrounded by various control buttons. This sits between a dual wireless mobile phone charging pad and to the rear dual drink holders. There are two screens; the smaller of the two is an instrument panel, which is buried further into the dashboard, while there is a floating infotainment screen in the center. We can also see a four-spoke steering wheel with a number of controls mounted on it.
Powering the Bao 3 is a 110 kW electric motor on the front axle and a 220 kW motor on the rear. This gives the car a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds. Adding considerably to the overall weight of the car is the 560 kg 78.72 kWh battery pack. Sourced from BYD subsidiary FinDreams, the lithium iron phosphate blade battery pack gives the car a CLTC range of 510 km. It should be noted that the battery pack accounts for around a quarter of the Bao 3βs curb weight of 2150 kg.
Previous estimates put the starting price of the new model at around 220,000 yuan (30,750 USD), but in light of decreases in the price of the Bao 5, prices may now be lower. Previously, it was reported that the Bao 5 would be rebadged as a Denza in Europe. Given its smaller dimensions and being a soft-roader type SUV, the Bao 3 makes a good candidate for such treatment as well. The car should launch in China around the end of the year.
Source: Autohome
