At the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, BYD’s premium sub-brand, Fang Cheng Bao, signaled a major strategic shift. Moving beyond its established identity as an off-road SUV specialist, the brand unveiled its first foray into the sedan market and debuted its most ambitious project yet: the Formula X supercar.
The Formula X: A Leap into High-Performance Engineering
The centerpiece of the showcase was the Formula X, a two-door convertible supercar that brings the brand’s conceptual visions into reality. Following the design language of the “Super 9” concept, the Formula X utilizes what the company calls “Life Metal Aesthetics,” characterized by a low-slung, aggressive “hunting leopard” silhouette.
The vehicle is engineered with a heavy emphasis on aerodynamics and lightweight construction:
– Aerodynamics: The car features 19 distinct air vents and an active electric rear spoiler to manage airflow.
– Lightweight Design: In a significant technical move, the Formula X utilizes a full carbon fiber body to minimize weight and maximize agility.
– Visual Identity: Key design elements include “Sharp Leopard Eye” headlights, “Infinite Ring” taillights, and hollowed-out rear diffusers.
– Innovative Access: The model features dramatic door configurations that function as both gull-wing and scissor doors.
Inside, the cabin is designed as a “battle cockpit,” prioritizing the driver through a wrap-around layout. Eschewing the trend of purely touch-screen interfaces, the interior retains mechanical physical buttons and includes high-performance features such as a retractable steering wheel, integrated sports seats, and four-point racing harnesses.
Expanding the Portfolio: The S-Series Sedans
While the supercar captured the spotlight, Fang Cheng Bao also officially released its S-series sedan lineup. This move marks a critical diversification of the brand’s portfolio. By introducing sedans, Fang Cheng Bao is attempting to capture a broader segment of the premium market, moving from niche off-road enthusiasts to a wider audience of performance-oriented drivers.
Market Momentum and Strategic Context
This expansion comes at a time of significant growth for the brand. Although Fang Cheng Bao has traditionally focused on rugged, off-road-oriented vehicles, its commercial trajectory is accelerating:
– Sales Growth: In the first three months of this year, monthly sales surged by over 200% compared to the same period last year.
– Peak Performance: The brand previously reached a sales peak of 50,868 units in December.
Why this matters:
BYD is increasingly using its sub-brands to segment the market. By pushing Fang Cheng Bao into the supercar and sedan territories, BYD is signaling its intent to compete not just in the mass-market EV space, but in the high-margin, high-performance luxury sectors. The success of this pivot will depend on whether the brand can translate its off-road credibility into the world of high-speed aerodynamics.
The Formula X is scheduled for mass production and a formal market launch next year.
Conclusion
Fang Cheng Bao is evolving from a specialized off-road brand into a multi-faceted performance manufacturer. Through the Formula X and the new S-series, the brand is testing its ability to compete in the high-stakes arenas of supercars and premium sedans.
