Bird’s-Eye View: BYD Leopard 8 Driver Deploys Roof-Mounted Drone To Check Traffic Ahead

Bird’s-Eye View: BYD driver deploys roof-mounted drone (DJI Air 3S) to check traffic ahead. 

Launched in March 2025 in partnership with DJI, the system allows the drone to take off directly from the SUV’s roof. 

The system supports takeoff and landing from the roof-mounted vehicle dock at speeds of up to 25 km/h (15 mph).

It also allows the drone to follow a compatible BYD vehicle at a maximum speed of 54 km/h (34 mph).

A trending video shared online has captured a drone returning to the built-in, roof-mounted station of BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 (Leopard 8) off-roader after being deployed to check what was causing a traffic jam ahead.

Launched in March 2025 in partnership with DJI, the Lingyuan system allows the drone (DJI Air 3S) to take off directly from the SUV’s roof and survey the surrounding area, with live footage streamed to the vehicle’s screen before the drone automatically returns to the vehicle when it is within approximately 2 km (1.24 miles).

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The system not only supports dynamic takeoff and landing from the roof-mounted vehicle dock at speeds of up to 25 km/h (15 mph), but also allows the drone to follow the vehicle at a maximum speed of 54 km/h (34 mph).

For positioning, the vehicle-mounted drone station features two doors and three sensors. The dock stores and charges the drone while handling its automated takeoff, allowing it to track and film the vehicle while driving, as well as its landing.

Additionally, DJI’s Lingyuan drone system features AI-powered recognition and video and music editing tools through its dedicated software, enabling users to create polished travel footage.

Currently available in China for models such as the Bao 8 (also known as the Denza B8 in markets outside China) and the Yangwang U8 off-road SUV, DJI’s world-first vehicle-integrated drone system will eventually be available across all BYD brands for 16,000 yuan (approximately $2,200).

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