After a year of anticipation, BYD has officially unveiled its latest innovation: the Fangchengbao Tai 3. This all-electric midsize SUV is designed specifically for off-road enthusiasts, marking a significant shift from hybrids to a fully battery-electric vehicle. In this post, we’ll explore its features, specifications, and what sets it apart in the growing electric vehicle market.
On April 16, 2024, BYD showcased the Fangchengbao Tai 3, a full electric SUV that promises to tackle rugged terrains and challenging environments. Originally teased as the Fangchengbao Super 3, the production version has officially arrived with a slightly altered name. This vehicle is now ready for order in China, with deliveries slated to commence soon.
Design and Features
The Tai 3 has undergone a slight design transformation from its original concept, yet it retains several unique features that captured attention during its initial reveal. Notably, it includes a drone cabin developed in collaboration with DJI, allowing users to launch and land a drone effortlessly from the vehicle’s roof.
The Fangchengbao Tai 3 will be available in five different variants, including two rear-wheel drive and three four-wheel drive options. One of the four-wheel drive variants features the innovative drone cabin, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. While the specifics regarding differential locks and other off-road enhancements remain undisclosed, the brand’s focus on ruggedness suggests such features will likely be included.
Specifications
The Fangchengbao Tai 3 measures 4.66 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, and stands 1.72 meters high, boasting a wheelbase of 2.742 meters. This makes it comparable in size to the Toyota RAV4, although it’s slightly taller and offers a similar wheelbase to the Tank 300.
- Length: 4.66 m
- Width: 1.9 m
- Height: 1.72 m
- Wheelbase: 2.742 m
- Approach angle: 25°
- Departure angle: 28°
While ground clearance and boot capacity have yet to be confirmed, expectations suggest a boot space of approximately 500 liters. Notably, the vehicle features a barn door-style trunk equipped with a 28-liter external cargo carrier.
Powertrain Options
The Tai 3 offers two distinct drivetrain options: rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive variant, weighing in at 1,995 kg, features a 160 kW motor delivering 310 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds. It is powered by a 65.28 kWh BYD LFP blade battery, providing a range of up to 501 km on the CLTC scale and a charging capacity of 195 kW.
The four-wheel drive variant, slightly heavier at 2,170 kg, is equipped with a dual motor setup (110 kW front motor and 200 kW rear motor) producing a combined output of 310 kW and 510 Nm of torque. This version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and features a larger 72.96 kWh battery that supports faster charging rates.
Innovative Features
Across the various trim levels, standard features include:
- Full panoramic sunroof with electronic sunshades
- McPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension
- 15.6-inch infotainment screen and 8.8-inch digital driver’s display
- 5G connectivity with mobile Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities
- V2L and V2V discharging options for charging other EVs
- God’s Eye self-driving system for enhanced driving assistance
For higher trim variants, additional benefits entail:
- Intelligent dampening system for improved suspension
- Advanced audio system with 16 speakers
- Integrated cooling and heating functionalities in the center console
- Specialized flashlight that charges while stored
- Drone cabin for seamless drone operation
Drone Cabin Technology
One of the standout features of the Fangchengbao Tai 3 is its dedicated drone cabin. This compartment allows for the launch and landing of a DJI Air 3S drone, with the added capability of operation while the vehicle is in motion at speeds under 25 km/h. This integration not only enhances the vehicle’s off-road capabilities but also introduces an advanced technological edge that is unique in the SUV market.
The drone cabin charges the DJI Air 3S while stored, ensuring that users can deploy the drone whenever needed without manual handling. Images captured by the drone can be viewed on the vehicle’s infotainment screen or transmitted to a dedicated DJI RC controller.
Conclusion
The BYD Fangchengbao Tai 3 presents a compelling option for consumers seeking an off-road capable electric vehicle. With impressive specifications, innovative features like the drone cabin, and a competitive price point of around $40,000 AUD, this SUV could redefine value in the electric vehicle segment. As BYD continues to expand its reach, the Tai 3 might soon become a popular choice in markets worldwide. What are your thoughts on this new offering? Would you consider purchasing a Tai 3 if it becomes available in your region? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Credit: Beyond EV on YouTube
