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 looks can be deceiving. It's a BYD, a Chinese automotive brand, and it's here to make a statement. The car's design is boxy and rugged, with a ladder-frame chassis and a bluff front end. It's a bold look, but one that may not appeal to all.
Under the Hood
Under the hood, the Bao 5 is a plug-in hybrid, combining a 1.5-liter turbo four-pot with a 31.8kWh battery. This setup allows for a combined range of 537 miles, which is impressive. The two power sources can also combine for a total of 537bhp and 561lb ft of torque, making it a powerful performer. However, the car's weight of around three tonnes means you'll need to keep an eye on your speed.
On the Road
In terms of driving experience, the Bao 5 is a mixed bag. It never feels as powerful as its numbers suggest, and it's sluggish to react in anything other than Sport mode. The car's weight and size make it a bit of a handful, and you'll always have one eye on the speedometer. The brake pedal is decent, and the steering is reasonably well-judged, but the ride quality is a concern.
The 'DiSus-P' hydraulic suspension setup is supposed to be a game-changer, but on our test drive, it failed to impress. The car bobbled about on the back roads surrounding the Goodwood Motor Circuit, and the little four-cylinder engine caused a racket when it revved away. The car's combined 26.4mpg is also a disappointment, despite its official 68.9mpg WLTP figure.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Bao 5 is marketed as a capable off-roader, with a ladder-frame chassis and two electronic locking diffs. It also has a fancy suspension setup that can drop the car by 50mm or raise it by 90mm, giving it 310mm of ground clearance and impressive approach and departure angles. However, we've yet to test its off-road capabilities on anything other than tarmac.
Inside the Bao 5
The interior of the Bao 5 is a tech lover's dream. It comes with a 12.3-inch digital dial display, a massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and an additional 12.3-inch passenger screen. The screens are a bit too busy and tricky to navigate, but they offer a range of features, including a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror. The car also has a standard 18-speaker Devialet sound system and a massive panoramic roof.
The cabin has plenty of room for five occupants, and the center console has a giant storage compartment that can cool or heat eight drinks bottles. However, the boot space is only 475 litres, which is smaller than the Defender 110 and Land Cruiser.
Price and Value
The Bao 5 is not cheap, with just two trims available. The entry-level Elegance starts at £69,500, and the top-spec Ultimate trim is £78,880. A Defender 110 starts at £64,315 for a mild-hybrid diesel, but the Bao 5's price tag may be a deterrent for some.
The Bottom Line
The Denza Bao 5 is a bold move by BYD, but it's not without its flaws. The car's performance, ride quality, and price tag are all areas of concern. However, its tech-laden interior and impressive range make it a compelling option for those seeking a premium electric SUV. Whether it can rival the Defender remains to be seen, but it's certainly a car worth watching.
Personally, I think the Bao 5 has potential, but it needs some refinement. The tech is impressive, but the driving experience needs work. It's a car that's best suited to the city, not the off-road trails. What makes this particularly fascinating is the Chinese automotive industry's rapid growth and its impact on the global market. In my opinion, the Bao 5 is a step in the right direction, but it's not quite there yet.
