This is the latest off-road-focused SUV being developed by BYD and it is set to hit the market through one of the carmaker’s new independent sub-brands.
The boxy shape of the new SUV immediately catches the eye and while camouflage adorns the entire exterior of the vehicle, we can still see some of its key design details. Visible at the front, for example, is a pronounced grille and LED headlights. There’s also a rugged front bumper, likely incorporating a metal skid plate.
If you look at the sides of the new BYD, you will notice square, flared wheel arches, side steps, and pronounced rocker panels. The Chinese automaker has also designed a pair of big-old wing mirrors, a fairly upright windshield, and squared side windows. The rear of the new vehicle sports a unique bumper and a spare wheel on the tailgate.
Read: This Is Our First Look At BYD’s Pickup, To Be Offered As An EV And PHEV
Car News China reports that the new SUV will be launched through a sub-brand currently codenamed F-Brand. While the final name of the brand is not yet known, it is expected to focus on SUVs and pickup trucks.
At least two different powertrains will be offered with the SUV; a plug-in hybrid and a battery-electric version. While limited details about these powertrains are known at this stage, it is claimed the PHEV could deliver as much as 670 hp while being capable of traveling 1,200 km (745 miles) on a tank of fuel.
This isn’t the only new off-roader that BYD has developed. In January, the company unveiled its U8, an all-electric off-roader to be sold through the new YangWang brand. It has four electric motors that combine to deliver over 1,100 hp and should be able to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3 seconds flat. The new model from the ‘F-Brand’ is slightly smaller than the U8 and is expected to sell for between ¥400,000 to ¥600,000 (~$58,000 – ~$87,000), significantly undercutting the U8 that’s priced between ¥800,000 and ¥1,500,000 (~$115,000 and ~$217,000).
