The Denza Bao 5: A Chinese SUV with a Twist
The Denza Bao 5 is a new electric SUV from the BYD Group, a Chinese automaker. It's not a Land Rover or a Land Cruiser, but it's still a boxy, ladder-frame SUV with a bluff front end, square arches, and a spare wheel on the back. It's a plug-in hybrid with a 1.5-litre turbo four-pot engine and two electric motors, giving it a combined total range of 537 miles and a top speed of 112mph. But what makes the Bao 5 truly unique is its Chinese roots and its focus on technology.
Personally, I think the Bao 5 is an intriguing addition to the electric SUV market. It's a plug-in hybrid, which means it can go further on a single charge than a fully electric vehicle, but it still has the environmental benefits of an electric car. The 537bhp and 561lb ft of torque are impressive, but what really stands out is the technology on offer. The Bao 5 comes with a 12.3-inch digital dial display, a massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and an additional 12.3-inch passenger screen. It also has a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror, which are all standard features.
However, I do have some concerns about the Bao 5's performance. The car never really feels as though it has over 500bhp on tap, and the sluggish response in anything other than Sport mode is a bit disappointing. The ride quality is also a bit unsettled, and the little four-cylinder engine can cause a right racket when it revs away to shove power into the battery. But, overall, the Bao 5 is a promising electric SUV with a lot of technology on offer.
One thing that immediately stands out is the price. The entry-level Elegance trim starts at £69,500, which is quite high for an electric SUV. But, according to BYD's big boss Stella Li, premium customers in Europe love SUVs, so the company is confident that the Bao 5 will be a huge hit here. Personally, I think the price is a bit steep, but the technology and performance on offer may justify the cost for some buyers.
In my opinion, the Bao 5 is a fascinating addition to the electric SUV market. It's a plug-in hybrid with impressive performance and a lot of technology on offer. While I do have some concerns about its performance and price, I think it's a car that could be a huge hit in Europe. The Bao 5 is a great example of how Chinese automakers are pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology and design.
