The feat wasn’t just about the climb—it was a statement. BYD, already dominant in mass-market EVs, is now expanding into specialized niches with confidence. With the leopard 5, the company adds another chapter to its rapid diversification strategy, aiming to compete with long-standing names in off-road performance.
The decision to showcase the leopard 5 in such an extreme test wasn’t incidental. This was a direct move to prove the vehicle’s capability in a space where legacy automakers have long reigned. Though a single test doesn’t define an off-roader, this one sent a clear message: BYD isn’t here to play it safe.
From the Factory to the Slope
The 45-degree climb was part of a controlled showcase during the Shenzhen Auto Show, where the Leopard 5 made its public debut. This incline challenge is often used to test a vehicle’s power delivery and traction stability—two essential elements for off-road credibility. As described by Supercar Blondie, the Leopard 5 handled the ascent without hesitation, marking it as one of the rare Chinese EVs to successfully complete such a test.
The incline test also drew comparisons to earlier demonstrations by established models such as the ford raptor and the Tesla Cybertruck. In those cases, steep-climb videos served to reinforce reputations; here, it helped build one. For BYD, it was a calculated move to immediately place its new hybrid SUV in the same category as globally recognized off-roaders.
Specs Built for More Than Show
The Leopard 5 is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that includes a 1.5T combustion engine paired with dual electric motors, delivering 675 horsepower. The SUV reaches 0–62 mph in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 111 mph. While those numbers already suggest performance, the vehicle also features seven distinct drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Rock, Mud, Sand, and Mountain.
These settings are designed to adjust torque distribution, throttle response, and other dynamic systems depending on terrain. The combination of hybrid architecture and terrain-focused drive modes reflects BYD’s strategy to make the leopard 5 a practical off-road vehicle, not just a promotional stunt.
Starting at $32,000, the leopard 5 undercuts many of its Western rivals, adding to its appeal. But price alone won’t secure a foothold in the off-road segment—long-term durability and field performance will ultimately decide that.
A New Face Among Off-Road Legends
While the leopard 5 impressed in its test, it enters a category crowded with veteran vehicles. Models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Raptor have earned their reputations not just through performance, but through years of consistent reliability in unforgiving environments.
That said, BYD isn’t just following the path—it’s trying to redraw it. The Leopard 5 brings hybrid efficiency to a space that still leans heavily on traditional internal combustion engineering. Whether it can endure long-term use across extreme conditions is yet to be seen, but the initial demonstration sets the tone for what BYD hopes will be a lasting presence.
