BYD has filed a design patent in India for its rugged BYD Leopard 8, hinting at 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. Although the patent does not confirm the launch, it does secure the design of the SUV for the Indian market.At first glance, the Cheetah 8 gets a bold and straightforward design approach. The overall stance is tall and square with a flat bonnet, straight lines and a large windshield. In terms of initial appearance, it falls into the same visual space as the Land Rover Defender 110.It has 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 highlight is the presence of three LiDAR sensors mounted on the roof. Inside, the Leopard 8 is expected to get a triple-screen layout, with a large 17.3-inch central touchscreen and two 12.3-inch displays for the driver and front passenger. The cabin also has a four-spoke steering wheel and a feature-rich center 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 km/h in 4.8 seconds and offers an all-electric range of 100 km. However, these figures may change if the model is introduced in India.Once launched, the Leopard 8 could compete with established rivals in the segment. Unlike the Defender’s monocoque setup, the BYD SUV will 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 only sells electric vehicles.
