(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Those who so far only had Denza on their radar as another BYD subsidiary might take notice of the Bao 5. Because the premium brand is not sending another electric SUV into the race, but an almost five-meter-long off-road vehicle with a ladder frame, plug-in hybrid drive, and surprisingly much power.
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The Bao 5 made its European debut in Goodwood and brings exactly the kind of technology that has so far been known more from established off-road giants. 544 hp, 760 Newton meters of torque, an electric range of up to 90 kilometers, and a sprint to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds quickly show that the Bao 5 is not intended as a comfortable plug-in hybrid for the suburb. Defender, Land Cruiser, and Ineos Grenadier thus get competition from a direction many probably did not expect.
Technically, the Bao 5 is based on the DMO architecture, i.e., BYD’s off-road-oriented dual-mode drive. A 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine works together with two electric motors: one with 272 hp at the front and one with 388 hp at the rear. This results in a total of 544 hp and 760 Nm, which is enough for the standard sprint to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
For a 4.9-meter-long SUV with a ladder frame, that is more than just a statement. Denza combines the classic body-on-frame construction with cell-to-chassis technology, two electronic differential locks, and intelligent power distribution. In practice, this is supposed to provide as much traction as possible both on the road and off-road.
Denza also makes no compromises when it comes to suspension details. Double wishbones are standard on the front and rear axles. The Ultimate model adds the intelligent DiSus-P-Body-Control with adaptive damping and active level control. The system can increase ground clearance by up to 90 millimeters, so the Bao 5 achieves a ground clearance of up to 310 millimeters.
With an approach angle of up to 39 degrees at the front and 34 degrees at the rear, a considerable wading depth, and reduction gearing, the Bao 5 shows that it wants to be much more than an SUV with adventure looks and chunky tires. The electric assistance reacts significantly faster than classic mechanical systems, which can be an advantage in mud or on loose ground.
Photo gallery: Denza Bao 5 (2026)
With the 31.8 kWh blade battery, the Bao 5 achieves up to 90 kilometers purely electrically according to WLTP. Together with a full battery and full tank, Denza specifies a range of 835 kilometers, a weighted consumption of 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers, and CO₂ emissions of 94 grams per kilometer.
When charging, the Bao 5 remains practical. It charges with 11 kW alternating current and up to 100 kW direct current. This means charging from 30 to 80 percent at a fast charging station takes only 16 minutes, and at the wallbox just over three hours for the range from 15 to 100 percent.
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Inside, Denza consistently relies on premium equipment. There is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central display, a separate screen for the passenger, a head-up display, and Google Built-in. In addition, there is a Devialet audio system with up to 18 speakers depending on the version, as well as voice control with four zones.
The seats are also clearly designed for comfort. In the front, there is electric adjustment, massage function, seat heating and ventilation; in the rear, comfort functions as well, and in the top model, a particularly lavish equipment with Nappa leather. In the center console, there is even a cooled and heated compartment that can be controlled via an app.
Nevertheless, the Bao 5 remains practical. The trunk holds 475 liters with the seats up and up to 1,736 liters to the roof. Added to this are a panoramic roof, electric running boards in the better equipment, a 360-degree camera, eleven airbags, and a roof that can statically withstand twelve tons.
Denza has not yet named a price for Europe, but this is where it gets exciting. Because the Bao 5 must not only assert itself against the big names from Japan and Europe but also against its own image as a new player from China. If the price is below that of classic premium off-roaders, the SUV is likely to quickly land on the wish list of many buyers.
Whether Defender, Land Cruiser, or Grenadier will have to start sweating because of this will only be seen after the European launch. But one thing is already clear: with a ladder frame, 544 hp, large battery, and real off-road technology, the Bao 5 brings a complete package that hardly any other manufacturer offers in this combination so far.
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