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 top speed of 180km/h.
The electronic differential configuration within DMO is designed to offer much more rapid responses than mechanical systems. The BAO 5 has this feature at its front and rear, along with an energy centre lock that intelligently distributes torque between both axles 30 times faster than a traditional mechanical diff.
In addition, the ladder-frame design lowers the BAO 5’s centre of gravity compared with a regular ICE SUV, and improves the lateral stability angle. The layout also reduces pitch, improving operational stability. And the overall setup delivers a minimum turning radius of just 5.9 metres – impressive for a vehicle of the BAO 5’s size, and useful in both urban streets and tighter off-road situations.
Both versions of the BAO 5 feature double-wishbone suspension front and rear, for the optimum blend of traction and comfort.
The Ultimate addition adds DiSus-P, an intelligent body-control system, for even more advanced dynamic performance.
DiSus-P constantly integrates data from more than 20 sensors – everything from steering angle and the pedal position of both accelerator and brake, to the wheel speed, orientation and even pressure and temperature.
It uses this information to make centrally controlled adjustments to key elements of the car’s dynamic set-up. These parameters include continuous damping adjustment to reduce lateral displacement and body roll in cornering; two-stage chassis stiffness adjustment, reducing the impact force by 50% and capable of withstanding a drop height of 1.5 metres; up to 140mm of height adjustment (90mm up and 50mm down); four-wheel independent hydraulic pressure, ensuring optimal traction at all times; one-touch self-levelling of the body in camping situations, making it easy to park up and relax, regardless of the terrain beneath you.
DiSus-P brings notable gains in off-road dynamics through its ability to increase the ground clearance by 90mm, to 310mm. As a result, the BAO 5 Ultimate’s approach and departure angles are 39° and 34° respectively, five degrees more than the Elegance version and extremely competitive alongside far more hardcore, trail-focused SUVs.
The 31.8kWh Blade Battery in the BAO 5 can take the car 90km on electricity alone. And on a full tank and a full charge, the WLTP Combined range is 835km – and the weighted fuel consumption is just 4.2L/100km, a figure far in advance of regular diesel rivals. These impressive results, and CO2 emissions of just 94g/km (Euro 6e), have the potential to slash running costs.
The BAO 5 comes with 11kW three-phase AC charging as standard, capable of refilling the battery from 15% to 100% in just over three hours. DC charging is also fitted as standard, and when connected to a minimum 100kW charger, it can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in just 16 minutes.
Useful technologies for everyday life in premium-finished cabin
The BAO 5’s interior is a technological tour de force, with a suite of intelligent and useful driver-focused technologies. Front-seat passengers have a total of four screens, each with a distinct function.
The driver has access to a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and a head-up display, and both occupants can use the 15.6-inch touchscreen (the largest of any premium SUV) in the centre of the dashboard to access the infotainment and key vehicle features.
The system incorporates Google built-in1 for Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play Store, allowing hundreds of additional applications to be installed.
In addition, the front passenger also gets their own widescreen, directly in front of their seat, to allow them to use the entertainment system independently. And the BAO 5 features its own voice assistant with four distinct zones of audio detection, allowing each occupant to interact personally with over 300 vehicle functions.
As with all DENZAs, the BAO 5 has a premium theatre-grade audio system from French sound specialist Devialet. Equipped with 18 speakers, the BAO 5’s setup includes headrest speakers for an unparalleled immersive experience.
It’s easy for occupants to keep their devices charged up on the move with the BAO 5. The car features three USB charging ports in the front (two Type C, one Type A) and two in the rear (one Type C, one Type A), along with a wireless smartphone-charging pad in Elegance versions, and two in Ultimate.
The BAO 5’s seats offer incredible comfort, support and flexibility. The driver’s and front passenger’s seats offer eight- and six-way electrical adjustment respectively, and both have four-way electrical lumbar support, as well as a 10-point spa-grade massage function.
The front and rear seats have heating and ventilation (Ultimate versions), and the rear seats have an adjustable backrest angle for an extra layer of comfort. The second row can fold down to maximise boot capacity, while the front passenger seat can also recline fully to turn into an extended footrest for the rear passenger sitting behind. All BAO 5s have leather upholstery, with Ultimate versions featuring Nappa-grade leather for an even more refined feel.
The centre console features an electrically adjustable cup holder with a powered lifting function along with another novel feature in the premium SUV class: a cooled and heated storage compartment. The 4.5L area can hold up to eight soda bottles, refrigerate items to between -6°C and 15°C and heat them to
35°-50°C. It has a power-off memory and object detection, and can be started remotely through the DENZA app.
The app can also be used to share the BAO 5’s digital key, which can unlock, lock and start the vehicle. And the car’s NFC digital key works without the need for a phone network, and in low-battery situations.
1 Google, Google Play, Google Maps, Waze and other brands are trademarks of Google LLC
Feature list shows attention to detail; comprehensive safety as standard
The BAO 5 is being offered in two trim levels, both lavishly equipped with cutting-edge technologies and premium finishes. Elegance’s exterior features include 18-inch alloy wheels, fixed side steps, an integrated roof rack, puddle lights, a panoramic sunroof and even a charging-port light.
Inside, this version gets heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, multi-coloured ambient lighting, a 16-speaker Devialet audio system, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel, a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a passenger multimedia display and a 50W wireless smartphone-charging pad.
Ultimate adds DiSus-P intelligent suspension to the technical specification, increases the alloy wheel size to 20 inches and includes additional features such as ventilated rear seats, a fully enclosed spare-tyre cover, a digital rear-view mirror, an upgraded 18-speaker Devialet audio system and an extra wireless smartphone-charging pad.
The BAO 5 comes with a comprehensive suite of safety systems and driver-assistance technologies. The car’s frame is made with 96% high-strength steel, reducing frontal-crash intrusion by 30% and side-pole intrusion by 25%. And the roof can resist static compression forces of up to 12 tonnes.
The car has 11 airbags as standard, including driver’s and passenger’s frontal, driver’s knee, front and rear side, and side curtain. The rear-view mirror operates as a screen to give a wider panoramic view, eliminating blind spots, off-roading and the assistance features include Intelligent Cruise Control, Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Brake, Lake Keep and Lane Departure Assist, and front and rear parking sensors with a 360° -view camera. Hill Descent Control is also fitted as standard, for extra security in slippery conditions.
Metallic paint as standard; sales rollout begins during the summer
The BAO 5 is being offered in a choice of six metallic paint colours – Shadow Black, Snowy White, Pinnacle Grey, Wagner Glacier Blue, Dolomite Green, Tarim Polar Gold and a matte-finish Mineral Purple. The cabin comes in Eclipse Blue, Shoal Green or Tarim Desert Beige.
DENZA stores across Europe will begin taking orders for the new arrival during the summer, with the first deliveries expected to reach customers in the final quarter of the year.