BYD has unveiled its first fully electric off-road SUV, the Tai 3, under its Fang Cheng Bao brand. Priced from $A30,500, the new model stands out with its drone launch pad and a range of advanced features.
The launch event, held overnight in China, introduced the rugged mid-sized SUV, equipped with BYD’s latest technology, including the e-platform 3.0 Evo+. This platform supports various off-road driving modes, such as snow, mud, and mountains, which can be easily selected via switches inside the vehicle.
The Tai 3 is powered by BYD’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade batteries, available in two capacities: 72.9 kWh and 78.7 kWh. The special edition variant, featuring a roof-mounted drone carrier, includes the larger battery pack. With these batteries, the SUV offers a range of 501 km according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), which is expected to translate to around 420 km under the more widely used WLTP cycle in Australia.
Charging speed is another impressive feature, with the Tai 3 supporting a 237 kW charging rate, enabling it to charge from 30% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
The SUV is powered by a dual-motor system, delivering 310 kW of total power—200 kW at the rear and 110 kW at the front. This setup allows the Tai 3 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, surpassing the performance of the recently launched BYD Shark 6 ute.
Design-wise, the Tai 3 has a sleek off-road look, with a unibody structure typical of family SUVs, unlike the body-on-frame design used in most traditional off-road vehicles. The new model is slightly smaller than BYD’s Sealion 7, measuring 4.6 meters in length.
Inside, the Tai 3 draws inspiration from the rugged Shark 6 ute, featuring physical buttons on the center console next to a chunky gear selector. The cabin also includes a large, rotatable infotainment screen, which is perfect for viewing external camera angles while off-roading or parking in tight spaces.
In terms of autonomous features, the Tai 3 is equipped with BYD’s new “God’s Eye” system, offering enhanced smart driving capabilities. Additionally, the SUV comes with a DJI drone platform that can be mounted on the roof for easy use during drone photography, with the vehicle serving as a base for the drone’s camera.
With a surprisingly affordable starting price for an electric off-road SUV, the Tai 3 is an attractive option for customers seeking a family-friendly vehicle that combines rugged design with off-road capability. Deliveries are set to begin this month, as BYD aims to capture a growing segment in the electric vehicle market.
