New Direction for Fang Cheng Bao: From SUVs to Supercars
In the fast-paced Chinese electric vehicle market, brands can radically transform their image in an instant. Fang Cheng Bao was previously associated with boxy, off-road-ready SUVs. However, at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, the company presented something entirely different. BYD’s subsidiary brand abruptly changed course, unveiling a supercar and three low-profile electric vehicles under the new Formula lineup.
Formula X: 1000 Horsepower and Carbon Fiber
The undeniable star of the show was the Formula X. This open-top supercar, evolved from the 2024 Super 9 concept, features balanced proportions, aggressive LED headlights, upward-opening doors, and 19 functional air intakes. The overall styling closely echoes the Denza brand, another BYD marque which already includes several rebadged Fang Cheng Bao models.
The supercar’s construction heavily utilizes carbon fiber — from body panels to a special monocoque. The open two-seater cabin resembles a futuristic ‘battle bridge’ enveloping the driver and lacks the structural crossbar present in the earlier concept.
The supercar is equipped with a tri-motor setup delivering a total of 1000 hp (746 kW) and 1000 Nm of torque. A decade ago, such figures would have been considered extreme, but today they remain in the shadow of BYD’s record-breaking YangWang U9 Xtreme, which boasts 2977 hp.
Nevertheless, the Fang Cheng Bao Formula X’s specifications still match its claimed class. More importantly, this is not just a concept under bright lights. BYD has confirmed the model’s market launch in 2027, signaling a transition from the exhibition stand to real roads. Whether the car will be offered outside of China remains unknown.
Hatchback and Two Sedans: Formula S, SL, and GT
Beyond the supercar, the Formula lineup includes more conventional models. The Formula S is positioned as a competitor to the Porsche Taycan, the Formula S GT features a shooting brake body style, and the Formula SL is the flagship sedan version.
The S and S GT models are essentially two body variants of the same model, which could easily pass for vehicles under the Denza brand. The Formula SL is distinguished by updated bumpers, a more sculpted profile, and 21-inch gold-colored alloy wheels.
All three models are based on the same electric platform with an 800-volt architecture and a tri-motor all-wheel drive system producing up to 1000 horsepower. They are also equipped with BYD’s DiSus-M magnetic suspension control system. In terms of dimensions, each vehicle has a wheelbase of 3100 mm and a length exceeding 5000 mm.
These high-performance electric vehicles will arrive at Chinese dealerships by the end of 2026. These low-profile models will expand the Fang Cheng Bao lineup, which already includes the Leopard SUVs. Given that some of these SUVs are already sold abroad under the Denza brand, a similar export strategy for the new models seems highly likely.
This sharp turn from rugged SUVs to sleek sports models underscores BYD’s ambition to establish itself in various premium market segments. Fang Cheng Bao, initially associated with an adventurous style, is now attempting to compete with traditional players like Porsche, leveraging powerful electric powertrains and advanced technologies. This also demonstrates the flexibility of Chinese automakers, who are capable of quickly adapting to changing consumer preferences and creating entirely new sub-brands or product lines. Entering the supercar and high-performance sedan market could pose a serious challenge to European and American competitors, especially given BYD’s aggressive pricing strategy and its ability to scale production.