The Denza Bao 5 is a bold new entrant in the electric SUV market, but is it a worthy rival to the Land Rover Defender? In my opinion, this car is a fascinating blend of Chinese engineering and premium design, but it's not without its flaws. The Bao 5 is a plug-in hybrid with a 31.8kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 56 miles of all-electric range and a combined total range of 537 miles. What makes this particularly fascinating is the car's ability to combine the power of two sources, resulting in a total of 537bhp and 561lb ft of torque. However, the car's performance on the road is a mixed bag. While the steering is reasonably well judged for a car of this size, the ride quality is unsettled, and the engine can cause a racket when it revs away to shove power into the battery. The Bao 5 never really feels as though it has over 500bhp on tap, and the sluggish response in anything other than Sport mode is a letdown. The car's interior is a tech lover's dream, with a 12.3-inch digital dial display, a massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and an additional 12.3-inch passenger screen. However, the screens can be a little too busy and tricky to navigate. The car's off-road capabilities are impressive on paper, with a ladder frame chassis, two electronic locking diffs, and a fancy suspension setup. However, we're yet to test the Bao 5 on anything other than broken British tarmac. The price of the Denza Bao 5 is also a concern, with the entry-level Elegance starting at £69,500 and the top-spec Ultimate trim costing £78,880. While the car's features and performance are impressive, the price is a significant barrier to entry. In my opinion, the Denza Bao 5 is a bold and innovative car, but it's not without its flaws. The car's performance on the road is a mixed bag, and the price is a significant barrier to entry. However, the car's off-road capabilities and tech-laden interior are impressive, and it's a fascinating blend of Chinese engineering and premium design. Personally, I think the Denza Bao 5 has the potential to be a huge hit in Europe, but it will need to address some of its flaws to truly stand out in the market.
