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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