Drive on Three Wheels, The Fangchengbao Bao 8 Yunnian-P Ultra Experience
To be honest, there are still many shortcomings when it comes to electrifying off-road vehicles. Batteries are vulnerable to impact, charging is inconvenient, and there are concerns about whether the suspension can withstand continuous shocks—these are all major pain points. However, after experiencing the “Yun Nian-P Ultra” version of the Fangchengbao Bao 8 Flash Charge Edition at the BYD factory, I found that not only can it extricate itself from a stuck situation without assistance, but it can even drive on three wheels. This truly gave me a new perspective on hard-core off-road vehicles powered by new energy. Let’s take a quick look at the vehicle. The Bao 8 Flash Charge Edition hasn’t changed much in appearance; it still retains its boxy, rugged style, with the addition of a two-tone body. The interior has been upgraded with North American white ash wood trim and a dual-door refrigerator, while the second row now features manual sunshades and thigh supports. But these aren’t the main focus—the real highlights are the following three: the YunNian-P Ultra hydraulic suspension, the second-generation Blade Battery with Flash Charge, and the DMO+ electric drive platform. The YunNian-P Ultra: Practical Functionality, Not Just a Gimmick The core of this test drive is the newly upgraded “YunNian-P Ultra” all-scenario intelligent hydraulic body control system. According to the manufacturer, it addresses the three major pain points of off-roading: getting stuck, failing to withstand rough terrain, and a bumpy ride. At the off-road test track set up at the BYD factory, we tested each feature one by one. First up was a simulated scenario of getting stuck in sand. Here, the YunNian-P Ultra’s “All-Condition Wheel Lift” feature proved most useful. After becoming stuck in the sand, a single button press lifted all four wheels simultaneously. We then placed a ramp or added some sand into the hole, and once the wheels were lowered, the vehicle easily broke free. No more need for a tow truck—self-rescue without relying on others. Moreover, any of the four wheels can be lifted individually, with a maximum lift height of 300 mm. With this feature, in addition to self-rescue, you can easily change a tire without using a jack. During a live demonstration, a staff member simply pulled out their phone, opened the Fangchengbao app, and tapped the “Lift Wheel” function. In no time, the suspension lifted the flat tire, and the lifting height could be adjusted. The next steps involved loosening the lug nuts, removing the tire, installing the new tire, and tightening the bolts. A professional mechanic timed the process at under 1 minute, while an average person using an electric wrench can typically complete it within 3 minutes. Furthermore, even if there is no spare tire available, the system features a “three-wheel driving” mode that allows the vehicle to drive at low speed on three wheels to the nearest repair shop. While this suite of features may seem novel, it offers significant practical value in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, the “YunNian-P Ultra” features full-scenario height adjustment capabilities, with suspension travel increased from 145 mm in the previous generation to 200 mm. It not only provides wheel lift but also offers full vehicle lift, capable of raising the body an additional 110 mm on steep slopes or rough terrain, with a maximum lifting capacity of 9 tons. Even when encountering obstacles while climbing a slope, lifting the vehicle with this feature significantly increases ground clearance and approach angle, allowing the vehicle to easily clear the obstacle. It’s worth noting that this system also features a camping leveling function. When camping in the wild on uneven ground, a single press of the “Camping Leveling” button automatically adjusts the height of all four wheels, leveling the cabin floor. This makes lying down more comfortable and ensures your picnic won’t be ruined by a tilted pot. On city roads, it also offers an anti-motion sickness mode, reducing brake dive by 20% and significantly improving the pitching sensation during acceleration and deceleration—a definite plus beyond off-road capabilities. DMO+ Platform: Point-and-Shoot Operation, Veteran Off-Roader Performance The Bao 8 Flash Charge Edition adopts the “DMO+” electric off-road platform, debuting with BYD’s full-speed-range road surface perception control technology. In practice, simply select the appropriate terrain mode. Whether on sand, mud, or rock, sensors continuously monitor the traction of each wheel against the ground in real time and automatically distribute torque. This eliminates the common issue with traditional off-road vehicles where “too little throttle leaves you stuck, while too much sends you careening out of control,” significantly lowering the barrier to entry for off-roading beginners. The event also featured dedicated test-drive scenarios, including cross-axle obstacles, gravel roads, and side slopes. While the simulated terrain was highly challenging, the Leopard 8 Flash Charge Edition navigated them with ease thanks to its DMO+ electric drive system and excellent body rigidity. Even after continuous testing, the vehicle showed no signs of abnormalities. Second-Generation Blade Battery + Flash Charge: 5-Minute Boost, Unfazed by Extreme Cold Finally, let’s talk about the battery and charging. The Bao 8 Flash Charge Edition is equipped with a second-generation Blade Battery. The manufacturer claims it can “charge to 70% in 5 minutes and reach full charge in 9 minutes,” meaning a 5-minute charge takes the battery from 10% to 70%, and it’s nearly full in 9 minutes. Even in extremely cold conditions, charging time increases by only 3 minutes. More importantly, there’s safety. The manufacturer conducted extreme tests: while fast-charging, they pierced the battery with a needle and simultaneously short-circuited all four cells—yet the cells didn’t catch fire or emit smoke. Even after a 1,500-joule impact, the battery didn’t catch fire or explode. When off-roading, the biggest fear is scraping the battery on the ground, but the Leopard 8 Flash Charge Edition gives drivers peace of mind in this regard. Summary: Throughout the entire test drive, the “YunNian-P Ultra” impressed with its array of robust features: self-rescue capabilities when stuck, no need for a jack in case of a flat tire,
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