BYD has complemented its FangChengBao Titanium 3 (a.k.a. Leopard Titanium 3) electric SUV lineup with a new version called the Ultra. It basically follows the same mold as the Max spec, but adds nice modern features like adaptive suspension and a fridge. Prices start at 149,800 CNY – 10,000 Yuan above the Max trim.
Perhaps most importantly, the Ultra benefits from the automaker’s acclaimed DiSus-C suspension system. It also packs a 14-speaker Devialet audio system designed in France, a thermal box usable as a fridge or a heater, a power-assisted frunk lid and – somewhat anticlimactically – a flashlight. It can also be ordered in two exclusive shades called Micro Light Pink and Ice Crystal Blue, both shown in the gallery here.
The RWD variant of the SUV still relies on a 217-PS (214-hp / 160-kW) motor to take it from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just under eight seconds. Its AWD counterpart benefits from having a 150-PS (148-hp / 110-kW) motor at the front axle and a 272-PS (268-hp / 200-kW) in the back, so it hits the same acceleration in 4.9 seconds. Both come equipped with a 72.96-kWh battery that takes 18 minutes to top up from 30 to 80%. It runs dry after 501 km (311 miles) of driving at best, per the manufacturer.
The Leopard Titanium 3 is the smallest big cat in the family, coming in at 4,605 mm (179.9 in) long, 1,900 mm (74.2 in) wide and 1,720 mm (67.2 in) with 2,745 mm (107.2 in) between the axles. An optional surveillance drone that the car comes with adds a landing pad to the roof, raising the height to 1,930 mm (75.4 in).
Co-designed between BYD Group and DJI, the drone is a quadcopter capable of taking off the roof of the SUV and landing automatically. It requires the car to be moving at 25 km/h (15.5 mph) or lower to do so. The drone itself can briefly attain speeds up to 54 km/h (33.6 mph) and can find its way back to the car within a 2-km (1.24-mile) radius.
