Kamal Ghorui
BYD has filed a design patent in India for its rugged BYD Leopard 8, signalling a possible future entry into the country. The design application was originally filed in September 2024 and has now been approved on April 24, 2026. While a patent does not confirm a launch, it does secure the SUV’s design for the Indian market.At first glance, the Leopard 8 gets a bold and upright design approach. The overall stance is tall and squared-off, with a flat bonnet, straight lines and a large windshield. In terms of initial appearance, it falls in the same visual space as the Land Rover Defender 110.It features a simple grille with horizontal elements, flanked by wide, rectangular headlamp units. The bumper is chunky and layered. From the side, the design continues with boxy wheel arches, thick cladding and a high ground clearance stance. The straight shoulder line and flat panels give it a very functional and solid look. The rear also gets a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
Another key highlight is the presence of three LiDAR sensors mounted on the roof. Inside, the Leopard 8 is expected to get a triple-screen layout, including a large 17.3-inch central touchscreen and two 12.3-inch displays for the driver and front passenger. The cabin also features a four-spoke steering wheel and a feature-rich centre console.Globally, the SUV is offered as a plug-in hybrid with a body-on-frame chassis. In one version, it combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with electric motors to produce up to 578 hp and 760 Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 4.8 seconds and offers an all-electric range of 100 km. These figures, however, may change if the model is introduced in India.Once launched, the Leopard 8 could take on established rivals in the segment. Unlike the Defender’s monocoque setup, the BYD SUV would stand out with its ladder-frame construction and plug-in hybrid technology. It could also mark BYD’s first PHEV offering in India, where the brand currently sells only electric vehicles.
