DENZA makes European SUV debut with new BAO 5
DENZA makes European SUV debut with new BAO 5 First SUV from premium technology-focused brand makes European debut at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed DMO plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 544PS, enough for a0-100km/h time of less than five seconds 90km of pure-electric range, 835km on a full tank and a full charge Three locking electronic differentials and DiSus-P intelligent body-control system mean BAO 5 is ready to conquer the unexpected Class-leading cabin tech includes a Devialet 18-speaker audio system DENZA, the premium technology-oriented automotive brand of the BYD Group, presents its first SUV for European customers: the BAO 5. Featuring DMO off-road-focused plug-in hybrid technology and equipped with a high-quality cabin brimming with customer-focused innovations, the new arrival marks a significant moment in DENZA’s international expansion. The BAO 5 ably demonstrates the benefits of DMO plug-in hybrid power. Its mix of a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and front and rear electric motors produces a maximum system output of 544PS, enough to take the 4.9-metre-long, five-seat SUV from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. And a ladder-frame chassis and DMO’s clever control systems, plus DiSus-P intelligent hydraulic suspension, two electronic differentials and an energy centre lock, make the BAO 5 supremely versatile when the going gets tough. Stella Li, BYD Executive Vice President, commented: “Premium customers in Europe love SUVs, so we’re confident that the DENZA BAO 5 will be a huge hit here. Its sophisticated design, high-quality cabin and advanced DMO plug-in hybrid powertrain make it the perfect choice for buyers who want off-road ability without compromise on interior comforts and technologies. The flexibility of DMO means the BAO 5 is ready to conquer the unexpected – as appealing to urban users who like the idea of daily journeys on electricity alone as it is to those who want the ability to travel off road and go to 835km on a full tank and a full charge. It really is the perfect example of how DENZA’s uniquely new-energy approach delivers breakthrough models in key segments.” DENZA’s first SUV design successfully blends function and form The BAO 5’s exterior design blends functional elements and a profile that delivers the kind of flexible practicality that premium SUV customers demand. It has an unmistakeable upright stance that exudes strength and reflects the spacious cabin, and crisp surface lines build further on the off-road image. The new arrival measures 4921mm long (Ultimate trim level), 1970mm wide and 1920mm tall – dimensions that help to deliver excellent cabin space while remaining easy to manoeuvre in everyday traffic situations. The front design is proud and assertive, with stellar ring-shaped headlights framing a dark grille that presents the DENZA badge in a clear, simple form. The scalloped lower bumper and the contrast-colour skid plate clearly identify the BAO 5 as a vehicle that is happy in rougher conditions. Along the sides, deep surfacing in the doors and squared-off wheelarch surroundings breaks up the car’s flanks, but the strong A-pillar profile, a roofline accentuated by standard aluminium roof rails and a near-vertical D-pillar frame the side glass in a functional shape that typifies protection. There’s a flash of additional body colour in the design-led panel over the C-pillar, too. The side sills incorporate fixed steps to make it easy to get in and out of the BAO 5, and on Ultimate versions the steps deploy electrically for even better access. Chunky tail-lights sit at either side of the powered soft-closing tailgate, which features the spare wheel. A subtle roof spoiler houses the third brake light and lower skid plates hint further at the BAO 5’s off-road capability. The interior design celebrates function as much as it does form, with prominent grab handles enclosing a fascia with strong horizontal themes. These are replicated in the centre console, where they bracket a column gear selector and a line of chunky buttons for key controls – easy to access and operate, even when wearing gloves. The door armrest design features interlocking padded elements that evoke a feeling of strength and security with a chain-like visual cue. The BAO 5’s upright stance means generous headroom, even with the standard panoramic sunroof, and the long 2800mm wheelbase delivers excellent legroom for all cabin occupants. The boot capacity (measured to the top of the seats) is a useful 475 litres, and the split rear seat can be folded down to extend this to 1069 litres – or 1736 litres when measured to the roof. DMO platform mixes best-in-class performance with benchmark efficiency At the heart of the BAO 5 is DMO – Dual Mode Off-road, a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid powertrain specifically designed for use in rougher conditions. It incorporates two electric motors and a Blade Battery that’s incorporated into the car’s chassis – which uses a ladder-frame configuration for extra rigidity and manoeuvrability – using Cell-to-Chassis technology. DMO is the world’s first off-road-dedicated hybrid architecture. It mixes a longitudinally mounted 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with the world’s first longitudinal electric hybrid system (EHS) and incorporates front and rear intelligent electronic differential locks with millisecond-level response for better performance in slippery conditions. The rear motor assembly, optimised specifically for off-road driving, delivers up to 8000Nm of wheel-end torque. The BAO 5’s petrol engine produces 150PS and 240Nm of torque on its own, but its primary role is to provide electricity to both the 31.8kWh Blade Battery and the electric motors. As such, the BAO 5 provides a more EV-like driving experience, focusing on the instant response and adjustability that come with all-electric power – backed up by an efficient hybrid system that ensures long range. The front and rear electric motors produce 272PS and 388PS respectively, and the BAO 5’s maximum system output is 544PS and 760Nm of torque. Those figures – well clear of PHEV rivals’ and comfortably more than conventional diesel SUVs’ – are enough for a 0-100km/h time of just 4.8 seconds in the BAO 5 Elegance, and just 5.0 seconds in the Ultimate – plus a …