Denza, BYD’s premium brand, has confirmed the Bao 5 as its first SUV built specifically for European buyers. The model made its European debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with order books opening this summer through the Denza dealer network and first deliveries expected in the final quarter of the year. Pricing has not yet been announced.
A plug in hybrid built for power
At the heart of the Bao 5 sits Denza’s DMO (Dual Mode Off road) hybrid system, pairing a turbocharged 1.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine producing 150 horsepower with two electric motors, one delivering 272 horsepower up front and a stronger 388 horsepower unit at the rear. Combined output reaches 544 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque, enough to send the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds in Elegance trim, or 5.0 seconds for the heavier Ultimate version.
The petrol engine mostly acts as a generator, topping up the battery and supporting the electric motors rather than driving the wheels directly. That battery, Denza’s own Blade Battery, holds 31.8 kWh and is integrated directly into the chassis using Cell to Chassis construction. Weighted fuel consumption comes in at 4.2 litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 94 g/km under Euro 6e testing.
Range and charging
Electric only range is rated at 90 km WLTP, while combined range with a full battery and full tank stretches to an impressive 835 km. Charging is handled through an 11 kW three phase AC connection, taking a little over three hours to go from 15 to 100 percent, or via DC fast charging at a minimum of 100 kW, which pushes the battery from 30 to 80 percent in just 16 minutes.
Size, stance and off road ability
The Ultimate version measures 4,921 mm long, 1,970 mm wide and 1,920 mm tall, riding on a 2,800 mm wheelbase with a minimum turning radius of 5.9 metres. Underneath sits a ladder frame chassis fitted with three electronic locking differentials, while a torque vectoring system can shift power between axles up to 30 times faster than a conventional differential.
Ultimate trim adds Denza’s DiSus P hydraulic suspension, drawing data from more than 20 sensors to manage continuous damping, reduce impact force by up to 50 percent and self level while parked. Ride height can be raised by 140 mm, pushing ground clearance to 310 mm, with approach and departure angles of 39 and 34 degrees respectively.
Cabin space and technology
Boot capacity starts at 475 litres, growing to 1,069 litres with the rear seats folded, or 1,736 litres measured to the roofline. The front passenger seat folds flat entirely to free up extra legroom for rear passengers. A refrigerated and heated 4.5 litre compartment sits in the centre console, adjustable between minus 6 and 50 degrees Celsius and controllable through the Denza app.
Inside, occupants get a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6 inch central touchscreen running Google services including Maps, Assistant and Play Store, a dedicated front passenger display and a head up display. The voice assistant recognises commands from four zones inside the cabin and controls more than 300 functions. A Devialet sound system rounds out the experience, with 16 speakers in Elegance trim and 18 in Ultimate, some built directly into the headrests. Front seats offer electric adjustment, four way lumbar support and ten point massage.
Safety first
High strength steel makes up 96 percent of the body structure, cutting cabin intrusion by 30 percent in frontal impacts and 25 percent in side pole tests. The roof can withstand up to 12 tonnes of static compression, and 11 airbags come as standard, including driver’s knee airbags and full length curtain airbags front and rear.
