13 November 2026 · Denza Bao 5

Denza Bao 5: BYD's 544PS plug-in hybrid 4x4 is open for UK orders from £69,500

BYD's premium brand has opened UK orders for the Bao 5, a Defender-sized plug-in hybrid 4x4 with 56 miles of electric range. First deliveries are due in early 2027.

Denza is BYD's premium brand, and the Bao 5 is its first 4x4 for the UK. It made its British debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2026, and order books are now open, with the first customer cars expected in early 2027. It is a rugged, ladder-frame plug-in hybrid aimed at the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser, with a premium interior and a lot of power.

The key numbers

  • 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, which mainly works as a generator, plus two electric motors for four-wheel drive
  • 544PS and 760Nm combined, with 0–62mph in 4.8 seconds (Elegance) or 5.0 seconds (Ultimate)
  • 31.8kWh BYD Blade battery, for up to 56 miles of electric-only driving and up to 519 miles combined
  • Rapid charging at up to 100kW, taking it from 30 to 80% in about 18 minutes
  • Climbs gradients of up to 40 degrees, with an automatic levelling system for off-road work
  • Two versions: Elegance at £69,500 and Ultimate at £78,880

What you get

  • Two 12.3-inch displays for driver and passenger, plus a 15-inch central touchscreen
  • Five seats, with the Ultimate adding the higher-grade trim and equipment

Why it matters for business leasing

  • A 56-mile electric range would put the Bao 5 in the 40–69-mile band, which is 10% benefit in kind in 2026/27, provided its official CO2 comes in under 50g/km. Denza hasn't published the CO2 figure yet, so treat that as provisional.
  • On the Elegance's £69,500 list price, 10% is a taxable benefit of £6,950 a year: about £1,390 a year in tax for a basic-rate taxpayer or £2,780 at the higher rate. That is far less than a petrol or diesel 4x4 of similar size, which can sit in the 37% band.
  • From April 2028 every plug-in hybrid moves to 18%, so a lease that starts in 2027 will spend most of its term at the higher rate. Run the numbers for the whole term, not just year one.
  • For businesses that tow or go off-road, the main alternatives are all more expensive to tax, so the Bao 5 is worth watching once UK specifications and CO2 figures are confirmed.

Thinking about one?

The Bao 5 can't yet be taken over, because there are no UK cars on the road. If you'd like one when deliveries start, post a free Wanted request using the button below and we'll tell you as soon as a business lease deal comes up. Figures are from Denza's UK launch announcement and may change before deliveries begin.

This article is for general information only and is not financial or legal advice. Information was accurate when published. E&OE. Spotted a mistake? Tell us at hello@swap-a-lease.co.uk. See our corrections policy.

Want one?
Looking for a Denza Bao 5 on a business lease?
Post a Wanted request with your budget and term. Businesses already leasing one — and wanting out — can come straight to you. Free, anonymised, and you can withdraw it any time.
Last checked 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly: if something here has changed, please tell us and we will put it right.
Source: The Car Expert / AM Online (Denza UK pricing announcement). Prices and specification are the manufacturer's and may change; lease prices exclude VAT.