BYD has applied for patent on the design of the new Tang SUV, and the images promptly leaked from China’s famously leaky patent bureau.  The new BYD Tang will debut as a semi-concept late this year, with a launch of the production version in April 2018.

Earlier on we saw a design model in a BYD studio.

This is the current BYD Tang, fitted with impressive tech but never a beauty. The car on the photo is the latest model, the Tang 100, an ultra speedy hybrid with a total output of 505hp and 820nm, good for a 0-100 in just 4.9 seconds. Electric-only range is 100 kilometers, hence the name. Price starts at 251.300 yuan and ends at 299.900 yuan.

The new Tang will use the same basic setup but it will get even more power, and likely a longer range.

Design is a huge improvement over the current car. Last year BYD hired Wolfgang Egger as their new head of design, and his influence is fast becoming very visible. He also drew the Dynasty concept and the SongMPV.