A video captured a BYD Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 off-road SUV (internationally known as Denza B8) driving on three wheels on a street in Gan Yu District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province. The vehicle's front left wheel was elevated and fitted with a lock. The area featured parked cars, other moving vehicles, and pedestrians.
This scene reminded many of BYD's DiSus-P Ultra hydraulic suspension system demonstration in May. This technology allows the SUV to independently lift one wheel and continue moving on the other three. However, the previous test occurred on a private test track, while the latest images were recorded on a public road.
From test track to public roads
In earlier test track evaluations, BYD showcased its DiSus-P Ultra technology on the Bao 8 Flash Charge version. This system automatically raises a wheel while the vehicle maintains stable movement on the three remaining wheels.
BYD sells the Flash Charge version in the Chinese market, starting at 419,800 yuan (approximately 61,600 USD). The primary highlight of this version is the standard inclusion of the DiSus-P Ultra hydraulic suspension system.
Before BYD unveiled this new technology on the Bao 8, domestic competitor Li Auto introduced a similar technology on its L9 model in late April. The Li L9 SUV can independently raise and lower individual wheels for tire changes or to escape muddy conditions. The system supports adjusting each wheel's height, completing a lift or lowering action in just 5 seconds.
How DiSus-P Ultra works
DiSus-P Ultra is a hydraulic body control system developed by BYD. At its launch, the Chinese automaker stated the system can independently lift each wheel, facilitating tire changes without a traditional jack, and allowing low-speed movement with only three wheels on the ground.
According to manufacturer specifications, the system offers a suspension adjustment travel of up to 200 mm, a maximum lift height for one wheel of 300 mm, and a record lifting capacity of 9 tons.
BYD recommends a maximum speed of 15 km/h when the vehicle operates on three wheels during tests. The actual speed of the vehicle in the social media video is unknown.
Safety and legal concerns
The video of the Bao 8 in Jiangsu is not the only instance of this model demonstrating its three-wheel driving capability on public roads. A video posted on X on 14/10 showed another Bao 8 moving in a similar state, but with its front right wheel lifted. The video poster commented: "BYD vehicles can run on three wheels after a tire failure." The location of this incident is not clear.
A car operating in this condition on public streets raises significant traffic safety concerns, extending beyond controlled technical tests. The video shows the Bao 8 moving close to parked cars and other circulating vehicles.
Article 21 of China's Road Traffic Safety Law strictly regulates technical safety standards for vehicles and the operation of vehicles with potential safety risks. It remains unclear whether the operational configuration of the vehicle in the video violates the law or will result in penalties from authorities.
My Anh (according to CarNewsChina)
