The world of new energy vehicles (NEVs) is starting to resemble the smartphone industry—tech innovation, price wars, and feature battles are the norm. Amid this fierce competition, Fangchengbao has unveiled its second SUV, the Titanium 3 (T3). Many expected a rugged off-road electric SUV, but as soon as the real car photos dropped, netizens were quick to roast it:
"This doesn’t look like a leopard… it looks like a hamster!"
Yes, you read that right. Fangchengbao’s latest "leopard" has been unofficially renamed the “Fangcheng Hamster” by netizens. So, is the T3 a groundbreaking innovation or a design disaster? Let’s dive into the details and the online reactions.
1. The Design: A Rugged SUV or an Oversized Rodent?
The Fangchengbao brand name suggests something fast, fierce, and wild—traits commonly associated with leopards. But the Titanium 3’s design? Well, netizens weren’t convinced.
“It doesn’t look aggressive or tough… but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Oh wait, it looks like a hamster!”
And just like that, "Fangcheng Hamster" was born.
The Titanium 3 is said to be inspired by the SUPER 3 concept car, but many think it looks more like a mix of “urban EV + cyberpunk” rather than a hardcore off-roader.
- "The rear looks ugly. The front is acceptable, but overall, it’s just weird."
- "This design… are we sure this wasn’t designed by a competitor’s undercover spy?"
- "It’s not a rugged off-roader, it’s a ‘smooth off-roader’ instead."
Some also complained that the body lines were too complex and cluttered:
"The car is too small, and the design is way too busy!"
It seems that today’s SUV buyers prefer rugged simplicity over futuristic complexity, and the Titanium 3’s design leans a bit too much toward the latter.
2. The Size: A Compact SUV or an “Upgraded Elderly Mobility Scooter”?
The Titanium 3 measures 4605×1900×1720mm, with a wheelbase of 2745mm—placing it firmly in the compact SUV category. However, netizens weren’t too impressed:
- "A short and chubby little guy, and you want to sell it for 200,000 RMB?"
- "This is just a larger version of a Wuling Hongguang MINI EV."
- "With these dimensions, is it really meant for off-roading?"
The problem isn’t necessarily the Titanium 3’s size—it’s that it doesn’t match the expectations of an off-road-ready SUV. At a time when consumers are gravitating toward larger, more luxurious SUVs, this one might feel a little underwhelming.
That being said, compact SUVs can still be successful—but only if the pricing and positioning are spot on.
3. The Performance: Impressive Acceleration, But Is It Off-Road Ready?
If we look at the specs, the Titanium 3 packs a serious punch:
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Dual-motor AWD system:
- Front motor: 110 kW asynchronous motor
- Rear motor: 200 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor
- 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds
- 501 km range (LFP battery: 72.96 kWh / 78.72 kWh options)
- Unibody construction (not body-on-frame like traditional off-roaders)
By pure numbers, the Titanium 3 is a high-performance electric SUV, but there’s a catch—it lacks a body-on-frame chassis, a feature hardcore off-road enthusiasts demand.
"BYD doesn’t understand off-roading."
"An electric off-roader? But can it actually handle rough terrain?"
Even with its impressive acceleration, EV off-road capability isn’t just about speed—it’s about durability, suspension, and real-world ruggedness. Competing with vehicles like Tank 300 and Mengshi 917 won’t be easy.
4. The Price: 200,000 RMB? Netizens Say, “5W, I’ll Consider It.”
The Titanium 3’s expected price is around 200,000 RMB (~$28,000 USD). For a BYD-backed electric SUV with solid performance, that might sound reasonable—but the internet had other thoughts:
- "It’s ugly, but if it’s 50,000 RMB, I’d buy it."
- "If it’s below 100,000 RMB, maybe… but 200,000? No way."
- "BYD’s pricing strategy is getting more confusing by the day."
China’s NEV market is extremely competitive, with brands like LI Auto, AITO, and Yangwang offering premium options, while brands like Wuling and Neta focus on affordability.
The Titanium 3 finds itself stuck in the middle—not luxurious enough for premium buyers, but potentially too expensive for budget-conscious consumers.
Still, some netizens remained hopeful:
"Everyone says it’s ugly, but I actually kind of like it. Just hope it’s priced lower."
Emphasis on “priced lower.”
5. The Verdict: Can This “Leopard” Survive in the Wild?
To summarize, here’s the current reaction to the Titanium 3:
✅ Strong performance: Dual-motor AWD, 4.9s 0-100 km/h
❌ Controversial design: Many think it looks like a rodent
❌ Unibody chassis: Hardcore off-roaders might not be interested
❌ Pricing uncertainty: Netizens think it should be way cheaper
The Titanium 3 is definitely an interesting addition to the NEV market, but its success depends on final pricing and consumer perception. If the pricing is competitive, it could carve out a niche. If not, it risks getting lost in China’s sea of electric SUVs.
In a market where buyers have countless options, will the Titanium 3 be a dark horse—or just another forgotten experiment?
What do you think? Would you buy the Titanium 3, or is it just a “high-tech hamster” in disguise? Let us know in the comments! 🚗🔥
