Update: The story has been updated with our pictures from the UK and local-spec model info.
The Denza B5 made its UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 as part of Denza’s official British market launch.
We had already spent time with the global-spec model earlier this year, but Goodwood gave us the opportunity to examine the UK-bound mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV alongside the D9 as Denza confirmed its plans for the British market.
Design
The Denza B5 uses a five-door SUV body style with a squared-off profile and upright proportions. At the front, it features a vertical fascia with a wide grille and horizontal LED headlamps, accented by illuminated highlights at the top and bottom, connected by a styling trim integrated into the grille.
From the side, the B5 presents a boxy silhouette with a high beltline, squared wheel arches, and a U-shaped crease giving it a robust presence. Large, upright side windows, squared door mirrors and pronounced wheel arch flares contribute to its rugged character.
At the rear, the B5 gets vertically oriented LED tail-lamps, a centrally mounted tailgate spare wheel, steeply angled rear glass and a robust bumper with silver styling elements.
In the UK, the Bao 5 is available in Elegance and Ultimate trims. The Elegance rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and features fixed side steps and integrated roof rails, while the Ultimate upgrades to 20-inch wheels and electrically deploying side steps.
Customers can choose from seven exterior colours. Snowy White is standard, while Shadow Black, Pinnacle Grey, Wagner Glacier Blue, Dolomite Green and Tarim Polar Gold are metallic options. Mineral Purple is available with a matte finish.
Interior
The cabin of the Denza Bao 5 features a two-row layout with seating for five occupants. Leather upholstery is standard in the Elegance, while the Ultimate receives higher-grade Nappa leather.
A 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominates the dashboard and features Google built-in. The main screen is flanked by separate displays for the driver and front passenger, giving the dashboard a three-screen layout.
The standard equipment list is generous. The front seats feature heating, ventilation and massage functions, while the steering wheel and rear seats are heated. A panoramic sunroof, an 18-speaker Devialet audio system and a 50-watt wireless smartphone charger are also standard.
The centre console includes an in-car food storage compartment that can cool items to between -6°C and 6°C or heat them to between 35°C and 50°C. Eclipse Blue, Shoal Green and Tarim Desert Beige are the three available interior colours.
The Ultimate adds ventilated rear seats and a second wireless smartphone charging tray, in addition to its Nappa leather upholstery.
Experience in the Denza B5
As a six-footer, getting into the global-spec Denza B5 takes a bit more effort because the frame SUV sits high, but the side step and the grab handles help. The doors close with a heavy thud and feel solid.
Once I’m seated, I notice a head-up display with clear fonts and good colour contrast. The readouts are easy to grasp and feel practical rather than decorative.
In the front seat, the cabin does not feel especially wide, and the seat feels slightly narrow for my frame. Shoulder support feels adequate, while under-thigh support is very good. Headroom and back support feel very good.
The door armrest and centre armrest both offer good support, and the centre armrest includes a small storage compartment. The steering wheel feels grippy and has many buttons, including drive-related controls.
There are dedicated buttons for EV/HEV operation and low-range, along with a start/stop button. A volume knob is present. The front defroster and AC on/off functions are also in button form, which is a practical design.
Drive modes such as sand and mud appear within the screen menus in demo mode. HVAC operation sits within the touchscreen, and I find that less convenient than physical climate buttons even though the graphics and layout look clear.
In the rear with the front seat set for my height, knee room is generous and headroom remains strong. The rear seatbacks do not recline, but the seating position feels more relaxed than upright. Under-thigh support is only average, and the small thigh extenders do not add much to the experience for my height.
The floor is flat, but the cabin width means three-abreast seating is better suited to two adults and a child. Rear passengers get air vents, a panoramic sunroof that brings in light, and roof-mounted vents that help spread airflow. Seat heating is present, and seat ventilation and fan speed are touch-operated.
Specifications
The Denza Bao 5 is powered by BYD’s DMO (Dual Mode Off-road) plug-in hybrid system. It combines a longitudinally mounted, turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, with one motor driving each axle.
The front electric motor produces 272 PS, while the rear motor develops 388 PS. Total system output stands at 544 PS, with combined torque of 760 Nm. The petrol engine primarily acts as a generator for the battery, although it can directly drive the wheels under high-load conditions.
The Bao 5 can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds in Elegance trim, while the Ultimate completes the sprint in 5.0 seconds.
Electricity is stored in a 31.8 kWh Blade Battery integrated into the ladder-frame chassis. The Bao 5 delivers a WLTP electric range of up to 56 miles and a combined range of up to 519 miles.
DC fast-charging capability is rated at up to 100 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 30-80% in 16 minutes.
Off-road hardware includes front and rear electronic differential locks and an energy centre lock that Denza says can distribute torque between the axles 30 times faster than a traditional mechanical setup. There are also 16 driving modes designed for different environments and surfaces.
The Ultimate adds Denza’s DiSus-P suspension system with air springs and continuous damping. It offers up to 140 mm of ride-height adjustment, comprising 90 mm upwards and 50 mm downwards. A self-levelling parking function can also create a level platform when the vehicle is parked on uneven terrain.
Price & Release Date
Also See: First Look Review: UK-bound Denza D9 has all the luxury MPV qualities
The Denza Bao 5 is now available to order in the UK. Prices start at £69,500 for the Elegance, while the Ultimate costs £78,880. First customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
