BYD Fang Cheng Bao Feng Bao Tai 9 Plug-In Hybrid SUV Files for Regulatory Approval

• The 6-seat plug-in hybrid SUV measures 5,270 mm in length, exceeding the 5,195 mm Bao 8, currently Fang Cheng Bao's largest model.
• The Tai 9 will use BYD's new DMS platform, marking the first time the name of the new platform has surfaced.

BYD's (HKEX: 1211) personalized sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao has filed for the Tai 9, bringing the full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) a step closer to launch.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) included the plug-in hybrid model in its latest catalog of vehicles set to be approved for sale, released on Friday.

The Tai 9 has a single entry in the catalog and is equipped with a 1.5-liter engine with a maximum net power output of 110 kW.

The 6-seat SUV measures 5,270 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,880 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,130 mm. Its height drops to 1,850 mm when configured without roof rails.

That makes the Tai 9 Fang Cheng Bao's largest SUV, surpassing the Bao 8 off-road SUV, which measures 5,195 mm long, 1,994 mm wide and 1,905 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,920 mm.

The Tai 7, a large SUV in the Tai lineup, measures 4,999 mm long, 1,995 mm wide and 1,865 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,920 mm.

The Tai 9 has a curb weight of 2,865 kilograms or 2,965 kilograms and a top speed of 220 kilometers per hour.

The model is powered by dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors at the front and rear, each with a peak output of 200 kW, forming an all-wheel-drive system.

It uses a lithium iron phosphate battery with cells supplied by BYD's FinDreams Battery, which are expected to be its second-generation Blade Battery cells.

The Tai 9 has a battery pack capacity of 66.48 kWh, providing an all-electric range of 310 kilometers.

The battery pack weighs 487 kilograms, which translates to an energy density of 136.5 Wh/kg.

Badging on the rear shows that the Tai 9 will use BYD's new DMS platform. No further information about the platform is currently available.

The vehicle can be fitted with 255/50R21, 255/45R22 or 275/45R22 tires.

Fang Cheng Bao released the first official teaser video for the Tai 9 on August 2. Xiong Tianbo, general manager of the business unit, said on Weibo at the time that consumers won't have to wait long.

The Tai 9 will fill a gap in Fang Cheng Bao's full-size SUV lineup. The Bao 5 and Bao 8 currently target the rugged off-road market, while the Tai 3 and Tai 7 are aimed more at urban and family use.

Fang Cheng Bao is a personalized sub-brand launched by BYD in August 2023, positioned between its Dynasty and Ocean lineups and the ultra-luxury Yangwang brand.

The brand sold 41,213 vehicles in July, up 190.64% year-on-year. Sales in the first 7 months of the year totaled 200,687 units, according to data compiled by CnEVPost.

The Tai 7 is currently the brand's top-selling model, with 27,320 units delivered in July. Its cumulative deliveries have surpassed 210,000 units about 11 months after launch.