Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is targeting the UK’s premium off-road SUV market with its latest offering, the Bao 5 plug-in hybrid SUV, launched under its luxury sub-brand Denza. The Bao 5 is positioned as a competitor to established models such as the Land Rover Defender, which remains Land Rover’s top-selling vehicle globally, with 115,000 units delivered last year.
The Bao 5 debuts in the UK, a market accounting for over half of European sales in the boxy SUV segment, according to BYD. Measuring just under five metres in length, the Bao 5 is slightly smaller than the five-door Land Rover Defender 110 but adopts a similarly angular design characterized by a squared-off silhouette, ring-shaped headlights, boxy wheel arches, roof rails, and pronounced rear lights.
Inside, the Bao 5 features a blend of luxury and rugged design cues. The cabin includes four digital displays totaling 90 inches, a cockpit-style control panel with metal switches and rotary controllers, aluminium door handles, and air vents styled as grab handles. Premium touches include Nappa leather seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions for both driver and front passenger, as well as a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. A notable practical feature is a heated and cooled storage compartment capable of maintaining temperatures as low as -6°C, intended for keeping food and beverages cold.
Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 31.8 kWh battery, the Bao 5 delivers a combined power output of 537 horsepower and an official 0-62 mph acceleration time of 4.8 seconds. However, during on-road testing, the vehicle exhibited some lag in throttle response, particularly at lower speeds. Weighing nearly three tonnes, it showed expected body roll during cornering but handled satisfactorily with selectable ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ driving modes enhancing steering precision and responsiveness.
The Bao 5’s air suspension system did not fully smooth out rough surfaces but offered a comfortable driving position and excellent visibility, contributing to a confident driving experience especially on country roads. Its electric-only range stands at 56 miles on a single charge, nearly double that of the Land Rover Defender plug-in hybrid, while its total range combining electric and petrol power reaches 519 miles.
Priced from approximately £69,500, the Bao 5 is roughly £7,000 less expensive than an equivalent plug-in hybrid Defender model. The vehicle is scheduled to open for pre-orders soon, with deliveries anticipated in late 2026.
While the Bao 5 has been compared by some to a knock-off version of the Defender, its pricing, equipment, and styling suggest it is aiming to carve out its own niche in the premium off-road segment. Its ladder-frame chassis hints at genuine off-road capabilities, although performance under such conditions remains to be seen. The model faces a challenging task competing against well-established and highly regarded rivals in this segment.