The Denza Bao 5: A Chinese Defender Rival with a Twist
The automotive world is abuzz with the arrival of the Denza Bao 5, a new electric SUV that's set to challenge the iconic Land Rover Defender. But is it a worthy rival, or just a copycat?
The Look and Feel
At first glance, the Bao 5 resembles a Defender or a Land Cruiser, but it's actually a BYD. It's a boxy, ladder-frame SUV with a bluff front end, square arches, and a spare wheel on the back. But it's not just about looks; the Bao 5 is a plug-in hybrid with a 1.5-litre turbo four-pot under the bonnet, delivering a combined total range of 537 miles. And it's got a lot of screens.
Performance and Handling
The Bao 5's performance is a mixed bag. It's got a lot of power, with a combined total of 537bhp and 561lb ft of torque, and can do 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds. But it's not all smooth sailing; the car feels sluggish to react in anything that’s not Sport mode, and you're always acutely aware of its three-tonne weight. The ride is also extremely unsettled, even with the fancy 'DiSus-P' hydraulic suspension setup.
Off-Road Capabilities
Despite its assurances about off-road prowess, the Bao 5 has yet to be tested on anything other than broken British tarmac. But it's got a ladder frame chassis, two electronic locking diffs, and a fancy suspension setup that can drop the car by 50mm or raise it by 90mm. It also has 16 different drive modes, including one that allows you to do a 'leopard-style U-turn'.
The Interior
The Bao 5's interior is all about screens. It comes with a 12.3-inch digital dial display, a massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen that runs Google built-in, and an additional 12.3-inch passenger screen that can stream movies and run an onboard karaoke system. But it's a little too busy and tricky to navigate.
Price and Value
The Bao 5 is not exactly cheap, with just two trims available. The entry-level Elegance starts at £69,500, while the top-spec Ultimate trim is £78,880. A Defender 110 starts at £64,315 for a mild-hybrid diesel, although you'd pay at least £71,840 for a plug-in hybrid petrol. But BYD's big boss Stella Li is confident that the Bao 5 will be a huge hit in Europe.
The Bottom Line
The Denza Bao 5 is a bold move by BYD, but it's not without its flaws. It's a bit sluggish to react, the ride is unsettled, and the price is punchy. But it's got a lot of power, a lot of screens, and a lot of potential. It's a car that's worth watching, but it's not a car that's ready to take on the Defender just yet.
