All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Hybrid

2026 BYD Denza B5 Plug-in Hybrid SUV

BYD is mounting an ambitious assault on the UK’s premium off-road market with the new B5 – a ladder-framed plug-in hybrid SUV that aims to challenge the Land Rover Defender not just in capability, but in power and luxury, too.

Known as the Bao 5 in its native China, the rugged 4×4 is being readied for a UK launch in 2026 under the Denza brand – a premium offshoot of BYD that originated as a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz. At its core, the B5 combines serious off-road hardware with electrified muscle, setting the stage for one of the boldest entries into the British SUV segment in recent memory.

The B5 will debut on UK soil next week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, appearing alongside the equally striking Denza Z9 GT shooting brake and the luxurious D9 MPV, as part of BYD’s expanding electrified offensive.

Supercar Power Meets Hardcore Engineering

Underpinning the B5 is BYD’s robust DMO Super-Hybrid Off-Road platform – a ladder-frame chassis designed specifically for tackling tough terrain. But the real fireworks come from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, delivering a jaw-dropping 677 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. That output eclipses even the mighty Defender V8 Octa, putting the B5 squarely into super-SUV territory.

Despite its performance credentials, the B5 still promises eco-conscious credentials thanks to a 31.8kWh structural battery, allowing for a claimed EV range of up to 78 miles on China’s CLTC cycle – likely translating to around 50 miles under WLTP testing. That figure alone places it among the top plug-in hybrid SUVs for zero-emissions driving.

Built for Britain’s Big SUV Love Affair

Speaking at last year’s Festival of Speed, BYD president Stella Li expressed confidence in the UK market’s appetite for high-end, off-road-capable SUVs.

“In the UK, the roads are narrow but we love these big SUV off-road cars, so Fangchengbao will be here,” she said.

With that insight, BYD’s decision to launch Fangchengbao models like the B5 under the Denza brand in the UK makes strategic sense. Denza is positioned to attract buyers drawn to brands like Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, but who may be tempted by BYD’s fusion of electrification, performance and technology – often at a more compelling price point.

Denza: The New Premium Player

The B5’s arrival will coincide with Denza’s broader UK debut. The Z9 GT, a sleek PHEV shooting brake with grand tourer ambitions, will join the lineup alongside the D9, a high-end MPV aimed squarely at the likes of the Lexus LM. BYD’s increasing focus on hybrids reflects a wider market shift, as EV adoption in Europe shows signs of softening.

Also in the pipeline is the Seal 06, a PHEV estate/saloon hybrid that targets the BMW 3 Series, broadening BYD’s appeal to buyers seeking performance with efficiency – and no charging anxiety.

Source: BYD

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2026 BYD Denza B5 Plug-in Hybrid SUV
EV

2026 Kia EV4: Stylish Electric Hatch and Saloon Set to Shake Up the Segment

Kia is gearing up to expand its electric ambitions with the arrival of the EV4, a striking new model that brings a fresh edge to the compact EV market. Closely resembling the concept that turned heads in 2023, the production EV4 remains faithful in design and shares its architecture with the recently unveiled EV3 hatchback.

Offered in both hatchback and saloon body styles, the EV4 covers a broad spectrum of buyers. The hatchback version is roughly the same size as the Hyundai Kona Electric, while the saloon stretches out to a length that surpasses the Tesla Model 3, thanks to its extended rear overhang.

In Europe, the EV4 will primarily be sold as a hatchback, where it is poised to take on rivals like the Citroën ë-C4, Volkswagen ID.3, and Volvo EX40. With sharp styling, solid range figures, and a tech-laden cabin, Kia is clearly aiming for a strong foothold in this competitive segment.

Both body styles come with a single front-mounted motor producing 201 hp, good for a 0–62mph sprint in the mid-7-second range, depending on battery and trim level. Performance enthusiasts won’t be left out, either—Kia has confirmed that all of its EVs are in line for hot GT variants, so expect a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GT version of the EV4 with enough punch to rival the MG 4 EV XPower.

As for range, the entry-level EV4 is fitted with a 58.3kWh battery, which offers up to 273 miles on a single charge in hatchback form. Step up to the 81.4kWh battery, and the hatchback’s range extends to an impressive 388 miles. Charging is swift, too: a 10–80% top-up takes at least 29 minutes for the smaller pack and 31 minutes for the larger.

Inside, the EV4 shares its high-tech interior with the EV3, boasting a sleek 30-inch dashboard screen. This includes two 12.3-inch displays—one for infotainment, one for the instrument cluster—split by a 5.3-inch climate control panel. Notably, the EV4 will be the first Kia to support in-car entertainment apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, hinting at a more leisure-oriented EV experience.

While full pricing details for the EV4 saloon are still under wraps, it’s expected to launch in the UK after the hatchback. That’s due to a difference in manufacturing: the hatch will be built in Slovakia, while the saloon will be produced in Korea, Kia’s home market.

With its combination of sleek design, generous range, and tech-rich interior, the Kia EV4 is shaping up to be a serious player in the electric C-segment. Watch this space.

Source: KIA

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2026 Kia EV4: Stylish Electric Hatch and Saloon Set to Shake Up the Segment
Motorsport

Ferrari 499P Ready for São Paulo Showdown

A legendary venue steeped in motorsport heritage, São Paulo’s Interlagos circuit is gearing up to host the fifth round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Returning to Brazil, Ferrari will once again unleash the 499P Hypercars, aiming to capitalize on the valuable data and insights gained during last year’s visit to this unique and technically demanding track.

Miguel Molina, part of the driving trio behind the No. 50 Ferrari 499P alongside Antonio Fuoco and Nicklas Nielsen, emphasized the importance of experience at this particular venue. “We return to Interlagos for the second time with our 499Ps, and the experience gained last year will be useful for this race,” noted the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.

At just 4.309 kilometers in length and comprising 15 corners—ten of which are left-handers—Interlagos stands out as the shortest circuit on the WEC calendar. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for with complexity. The track’s iconic and compact layout, especially in sectors two and three, demands not only mechanical grip and car balance but also precise traffic management—critical in multi-class endurance racing.

“The main straight is one of the few areas where overtaking is relatively straightforward,” explained Molina. The stretch launches cars into the legendary “Senna S,” a complex combination of corners that immediately challenges braking stability and throttle control. This section leads into Turn 3, a high-speed corner taken flat-out, which flows into a secondary straight—another prime opportunity to overtake, particularly under hard braking into Turn 4.

Sector two introduces a new rhythm altogether. “Turn 5 is one of the fastest on the circuit but also extremely slippery,” Molina said. “It requires absolute concentration to maintain the right line.” From there, the track becomes more technical and slower-paced. Cornering becomes more intricate, and the margin for error shrinks. Managing tire wear and braking efficiency is key, especially through Turn 8, the slowest corner of the circuit, which ironically offers a strategic overtaking spot—particularly when lapping GT traffic.

The final sector presents a different challenge altogether. Drivers must navigate a sequence of bends leading into the famous uphill run to the finish line. “It’s vital to approach the uphill run to the finish as cleanly as possible,” Molina added. “Choosing the perfect line is essential to avoid losing valuable tenths and to complete the lap with a strong reference time.”

As Ferrari prepares for another showdown in São Paulo, the focus is on precision, patience, and performance. With minimal overtaking zones and high demands on car control, Interlagos promises to deliver another strategic and thrilling chapter in the 2025 WEC season.

Source: Ferrari