Denza B5 / Fangchengbao Bao 5: The BYD-Backed Hybrid SUV Gunning for the Prado and Defender

The Fangchengbao Bao 5, or unofficially for now, the Denza B5, is an affordable and electrified Chinese rival for the Land Rover Defender. Part of the ever-expanding BYD family, Denza is confirmed as the next of the group's brands to enter markets like Australia, Brazil, and South Africa, as well as Europe, and the B5 looks set to spearhead the product line-up.
Sitting on BYD's DMO platform, and boasting a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine supporting a pair of electric motors, a ladder frame chassis, height-adjustable air suspension, and the leopard turn, the B5 does all that a Prado can do but for a fraction of the cost.
Land Rover and Toyota have been put on notice. The Chinese are coming.
#automobile #electriccarchina #cartok #chinaevcar #china #electric #chineseev #tech #chinaelectricvehicle #chinesecar #denza #byd #toyotaprado #toyotaprado2025 #fangchengbao #landrover #defender #landroverdefender

[@Ianmundo]

good lord, if BYD sell this in Iceland 🇮🇸 we’d buy them out the door !!

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Suspect you'll get your wish at some point.

[@rlaxton666]

The leopard turn is what is known as a "front dig" in off road world. A genuinely useful feature for tight situations. This might be a really good replacement for my Toyota Prado.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

There you go. I learned something new today.

[@FrankBao]

Similar, but somehow different. The bao actually drives its back wheels to the other side of the front.

[@rbnutz1]

Also looking for a prado replacement. This looks like it could be it, although slightly underwhelmed by trunk space in the back. Also doesn't look long enough to sleep in (with rear seats folded down) So close! The U8 looks too big and expensive.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

@@rbnutz1 These cars usually allow you to fold the front seats down and the airbed goes on top there up the back seats (in China anyway).

[@weennaakk]

BYD's premium division Denza, will be showcased at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) from February 13 - 23, 2025. The revealed models to be displayed include: - Denza D9 - Denza D9L - Denza N9 - Denza Z9 - Denza Z9 GT - Denza B5 - Denza B8 Additionally, several other Chinese brands will also participate in the event, bringing various models. These brands include: - AION - BAIC - BYD - Chery - Denza - DFSK - Geely - GWM - Jaecoo - Jetour - Maxus - MG - Neta - Seres - Wuling

[@onetwothreefour-s1n]

Very nice, thank you

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Good to know. Indonesia is getting the goodies.

[@onetwothreefour-s1n]

@@InsideChinaAuto indonesia just joined the BRICS alliance as well.

[@techlock-trading]

Superb! Can't wait for this to land in Australia, it'll leave the new Prado 250 series in the weeds!

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Certainly has the potential.

[@rbnutz1]

Agreed. Just wish thd boot was bigger! More 150 and 250 please. Wonder what spec we'll get. Suspect something along the lines of the Shark. (Which I was strongly considering but will hold out for this)

[@freddoflintstono9321]

The user interface in that car alone is next level - finally a company that doesn't bury what you actually need three levels down in a submenu. Just a bit concerned about the body roll - I think they need to adjust that for EU markets. For the rest it's solid competition. Thorough review, thank you.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Yeah, it's comically rolly and not sure what they can do about that. Very stable though, you can floor it on full lock and it won't go over (I tried in BYD's car park on another occasion) so you're safe but it's more roll than you'd like.

[@A.ston_M.artinfiva]

Great car , better than Land Cruiser. This is Denza B5 , they have Leopard 8 maybe that one will come as a Denza B8 bigger version. Can’t wait until they start selling in UK .

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Yup, trying to get hold of a B8 next.

[@onetwothreefour-s1n]

Great video. I hope you saw the big upgrades for the tank 500 hi4-z. Looks like gwm is trying to compete with these bao monsters. Should be exciting for consumers. I am in the usa so just watching with envy.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Haven't had chance to drive any Tanks yet but hoping I can change that this year.

[@baltazarkosa29]

good job mate! I am looking forward to reviewing the next lineup model, Leopard 8.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Working on it. Hopefully we'll get one soon.

[@23DuDe]

In Australia this would need to compete with things like Toyota Prado, Ford Everest, Izuzu MUX, etc. Landrover isn't a really a benchmark for average Aussies being a low volume brand. They might be capable and be a competitor for this Denza, but so is the Prado. It's about capability, quality, functionality, etc in real world use.

[@Expedition_Tranquilo]

Expect the B5 will be more capable than the Prado with significantly more torque, front and rear differential locks, and ability to drive through puddles at speed, the later which seems to kill the new Prado…

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Think it'll compete pretty well with whatever comes at it, even a Prado.

[@use-oc4mj6n]

Thanks for another great informative review. It's not easy setting up a new brand and bringing new vehicles to the market to challenge the current incumbents. Credit to BYD and the rest of the Chinese OEM's for creating their own identity. They could've just sat back comfortably and maximised their profits via the joint ventures with foreign manufacturers.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

You can't lead by sitting back, and you can't survive without competing. Over 70 homegrown brands in China are ready to take your spot if you slack, as many have found out.

[@asajelfs8170]

If the Shark is reliable, this will sell extremely well.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

I suspect it will do pretty well indeed if BYD do a good job with the launch.

[@eltonlee6745]

3:11 not air-sus, actually it’s active hydraulic suspension

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Indeed it is, you're right.

[@naumangaze]

What a top notch review Mark/ICA team. Looking forward to it landing in Australia 🦘 ⚡🔋🚙 One has veen spotted testing already - registered as a Denza! Keep up the awesome work 😊

[@InsideChinaAuto]

I got suspicious on a BYD event when they had one with a Denza B5 numberplate on. They denied it would be that but I'm not sure they even knew.

[@VERTICALWisdom]

They will OWN the market if the truck is reliable - Defenders are a nightmare.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Sure it can't be as unreliable as a Defender, surely.

[@hughmarcus1]

Nonsense

[@iceburn2020]

waitng for the bao 8...

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Working on getting hold of one.

[@hillsideonly]

Nah, that'd be the Denza B8.

[@nathanwolf5547]

Another superb review buddy. I was interested to see that the UK has been doing deals with China over its EV market. Maybe we will now see some of these cars on UK roads.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Let's hope so. We don't have much of a car industry to save these days so might as well give the people good value cars like the Aussies are getting.

[@strider88888]

Great review thanks.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

You're very welcome.

[@teknopsfr6867]

Excellent presentation 🎉congratulations

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Thank you very much.

[@michaelfink64]

Excellent review. I am excited that the B5 is coming to Australia. I think it will be awesome for outback touring.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

It'll be great for that.

[@dubster8086]

How do they do it & keep doing it? Unstoppable

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Over one million employees and 110,000 R&D guys. Can get a lot done with that many smart people.

[@MichelHenriTonneau]

Very interesting vehicle. Would be useful to demonstrate all its off road capacities if ever. Thank you for the show

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Will certainly try if I get the chance.

[@floxshuilee1760]

这颜色真的不上镜 但是实车还就是这个颜色最好看

[@InsideChinaAuto]

It really pops in the sun. I had it washed and just had to admire the colour.

[@m2ngwa89]

I really hope it comes to South Africa.. I am drooling as I am watching this vehicle. It will be worth the money. I am afraid in our country due to taxes it won't be so cheap

[@InsideChinaAuto]

I believe it is definitely coming. Not confirmed by BYD I think but I've seen stuff about it coming.

[@nictambov1]

In Russia, we are switching to tank 300,500 or Leopard 5,8. interior quality, acceleration, price are significantly better than LC250,300, defender.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

If Denza heads your way I suspect you'll be looking at these too. Japanese brands are old plastic crap nowadays.

[@nalakirkwood4425]

Great analysis as always, thank you🙏🏼 Question: What EV in your experience is the one that stands out, and you would buy for your family?

[@onetwothreefour-s1n]

He likes the zeekr mix the best.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

For me, Zeekr MIX, hands down.

[@nalakirkwood4425]

@@InsideChinaAutoThanks Mark. I wanted the Tesla model Y juniper refresh, but cannot justify the price. I live in Thailand and many of the Chinese EV brands are available. Makes sense to keep it local🙏🏼

[@InsideChinaAuto]

@nalakirkwood4425 You can do so much better than the Juniper Nala, so I'm glad you at least get some choice.

[@knoraziel]

And that’s why Chinese cars got 100% taxes

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Indeed. US aren't even trying to keep up anymore.

[@niklaswejedal463]

I did a Bao-turn with my Renault Modus without even knowing it! - One of the rear brakes had seized up temporarily when the car wasn't used for a while and I had left the hand break on... If only I had known people would pay extra money for that feature 😁 ( It came loose after a few meters, so no more Bao-turns...)

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Haha. I loved the Modus with that funky hatch on the bootlid.

[@niklaswejedal463]

@@InsideChinaAuto - It is a truly great little car in every way! Will keep mine for life; never fails to put a big, big smile on my face. I got the later Grand Modus, without the funky hatch on the bootlid, though... It was owned by some senior citizen before I got it, which gave me the opportunity to find out that the mythical "Italian tune-up" actualy works: the car was quite timid to drive when I got it, but after some months of my more spirited driving it now goes like stink!!! Glorious fun every time! 😁👌

[@InsideChinaAuto]

@@niklaswejedal463 Haha. You'll have to explain the Italian tune-up to me. That sounds great.

[@Bennyboy-dog]

I can't wait....

[@InsideChinaAuto]

You and many others it seems.

[@deltajohnny]

Great car and video!!! 👏👏👏😍😍😍 It's a pity that Spanish and Europeans will suffer the high tariffs... 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@InsideChinaAuto]

This is a hybrid so I'm not sure if the tariffs still get applied to these. I think it's only full battery electric cars, but I could be wrong.

[@frankling4085]

BYD is indeed present in the South African market, albeit a very small presence compared to brands like Chery, Haval & GWM. Denza however is not. I also have not heard of any plans for launch in our market.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

I believe I've seen rumours somewhere so stay tuned. I feel like this would do well in your market.

[@headinnorth03]

Where are the long term reviews?

[@InsideChinaAuto]

I suspect you'd find them on Autohome or Dongchedi, two Chinese platforms where consumers share that kind of stuff.

[@dinuka120]

Does this one offer crawl control?

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Not 100% sure what you mean by that. Do you mind explaining? Is that for moving slowly over certain surfaces or up hills?

[@UCMpDwp7VEfKXRH3NyAW7kuj]

Now is on sale with 10% price cut, make it more affordable

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Even better value.

[@unexplainedwearenotalone3537]

hey ICA truth speech the suv is truly amazing body stiff and full stability flat i never see suv so much flat and for off road DNA you cant find and is best beat luxury suv 100-200k $ for me BYD leopard 5 is just best money for that level for both road and no noise i saw many many video test nobody say negative abut noise or engine or road is truly lovely suv this and zeerk MIX is favourite and i have more but byd geely Nio go right road.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

I'll be honest, I'm not sure I understood any of that. Please drop a few bits of grammar in there so I can work out where one sentence starts and another begins. I think it was generally positive but I'm not certain.

[@josepmartorell8620]

Donde puedo encontrar el user manual en pdf

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Very good question. There's one in the car's system but I don't know of one online. You'd have to ask Fangchengbao.

[@mokisan]

Great video mate Sorry if i missed it but what's the price in china starting at and goes upto? Also i am a bit confused with the engine , so what's the engine for? Can i only use the engine and not charge the car ever?

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Starts at 239,800 and goes to 302,800 in China. The engine only steps in when it's full load, or perhaps in diff-lock situations too, not 100% certain when it drives the wheels or how much it contributes when it does, they don't make that clear. You can use fuel all the time no problem, because the engine will charge the battery and your drive is electric most of the time. In that way it's an extended range EV, but can also be a PHEV in those other limited times when the engine can drive the wheels, and I'm guessing only the front ones because there's no prop-shaft to the rear.

[@mokisan]

@InsideChinaAuto oh! Thanks

[@Paul7777Paul]

They need to make a duel cab ute version for Australia. I have a shark 6 ordered but this is has a much stronger off road bias.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Maybe they just need to stick the hydraulic suspension on the Shark for true off-road ute-ing as the platform is pretty much identical.

[@Paul7777Paul]

@ no not quite, the shark has no lockers and maxes out at 321KW / the shark is a less powerful soft road version.

[@michaelcope856]

A great alternative to the forthcoming Tesla Gruppenfuhrer.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Fun fast. Elon Musk invented the VW Beetle, or the Beetle was a copy of a Tesla, one of those depending on which Tesla stan you listen to.

[@keyboardoracle1044]

How does it compare in size to a prado, looks smaller, which would be fine with me.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

4870 x 1970 x 1920 and a 2800 wheelbase. Not sure how that compares to a Prado.

[@Murrayhewitt1967]

As long as it’s not a phev it’s worth considering.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Much closer to EREV though still technically a PHEV in that the engine can drive the wheels (just the fronts, sometimes, and in conjunction with the motors).

[@JamAlBorey]

Will you review Jetour's new Zongheng brand?

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Is that the massive white concept car I saw online today?

[@JamAlBorey]

@InsideChinaAuto Yes, that one! the G700 and 900, and F700 pickup..

[@InsideChinaAuto]

@JamAlBorey I'll review it if I get a chance. I saw it can cross the Yangtze River. Madness.

[@JamAlBorey]

@@InsideChinaAuto Good luck,

[@jimboh.2654]

China seems to be suddenly 10 years ahead in car industry 😦

[@InsideChinaAuto]

It definitely feels like a sudden thing, but those of us who have been here a while know it's been coming for a few years now.

[@ciybersal3499]

So is it better than Landcruiser which dominates Asian markets and the Arab world? Or Nissan Petrol which is best selling vehicle in UAE

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Good question. You'd have to compare directly which I haven't had chance to do but I don't think either offer dual motors.

[@ah5878]

It shares the same platform with Shark.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

It does indeed.

[@yorelescovar2716]

I hope it comes to panama! ...

[@InsideChinaAuto]

At least before Trump states a coup on you for daring to do business with people other than Americans. All jokes aside, I'm sure it'll come your way at some point.

[@thtupid]

I hope they will add electric adjustment for the steering wheel when it comes to Aus. For a premium vehicle, manual adjustment is a bit of a let down! One of the few gripes I have for the Seal as well! Otherwise, great review as always! And great vehicle! Love them or hate them, I feel BYD and other brands does it best when it comes to proper interior designs and not just a screen on leather lined bench! Although I do wish BYD gave their charging port covers a bit more pizazz, especially on higher end models.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

They seem to understand that the rest of the world isn't ready to commit to going full screen and talking to your car, yet they still smash it here in China, so maybe they're just giving the people what they want. Li Auto do the same with door mirror switches and an electric switch on the column for the steering adjustment.

[@chintetshing1668]

Very good car ❗👍👍👍😍😍😍

[@InsideChinaAuto]

It is. Bit bland to look at in my opinion but very capable.

[@michaelcope856]

'Mud on yer pants'!? As an English man, if I get mud on my pants, I'm in deep trouble.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Wifey won't be best pleased

[@shorodey]

It is NOT an air suspension! It is hydraulic! The similar to lexus one

[@InsideChinaAuto]

It is indeed, as others have commented. Faux pas on my side.

[@shorodey]

@@InsideChinaAuto we already drive them daily. The Leopard 5 and especially Leopard 8. The 8 model is much better!

[@InsideChinaAuto]

@shorodey Yeah it looks much better. Where are you driving them?

[@shorodey]

@InsideChinaAuto Kazakhstan! We got border with China haha 😄

[@InsideChinaAuto]

@shorodey Cool. Are they official or unofficial imports?

[@AJames-jr8kw]

This won't help sales.. "BYD recalls 6,843 Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 plug-in hybrid off-road SUVs due to fire risk in China. According to the brand’s filing, the recall plan affects cars manufactured between October 16, 2023, and February 1, 2024. " Someone forgot to tighten some bolts apparantly.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Cars get recalled all the time from all brands, including the Japanese ones (Takata airbags anybody?). The average Joe couldn't care less.

[@TechMyLifeVideo]

That level body roll is disturbing. How is that not dangerous.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

It is funny, but I gave it some serious aggression both here and outside BYD's HQ last year and it was totally stable. Even put the steering on full lock and gave it full beans in a circle. Apparently it looked like it would roll over outside but was totally stable inside.

[@netsiteing]

Coming to Australia? If it’s priced like the BYD Shark and has 7seats and is PHEV rather than pure EV then it will be a winner … shame it’s just too late for the Government zero Fringe Benefit Tax

[@onetwothreefour-s1n]

The larger bao 8 has 7 seats I think. This is the smaller bao 5. But both are big battery hybrids just like the shark. The yangwang U8 is more powerful than both but it's an EREV, hybrid but the engine is only a generator. There's a u8 in Australia, savage tech did a video on it today. You guys are so lucky

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Indeed, what the second guy said. Should be 6 or 7 seats in the Bao 8 which will likely follow later.

[@UtubeFan316]

I'm holding out until March, might be lucky and they announce before the exemption expires.

[@netsiteing]

FBT exemption expires end of March though, so you need to have purchased the car by then...

[@Rob_Gater]

Not bad up to the point where it's a bloody hybrid. EV only please

[@lomate1963]

More like gold I think 😂

[@InsideChinaAuto]

That would be a potential name for it.

[@warrenburgis5280]

After it falls apart, try to get parts; especially in the future.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

No issues with BYD. They sold 4 million cars last year.

[@hwyd]

It's not air suspension it's hydraulic suspension

[@InsideChinaAuto]

You are indeed correct. My bad.

[@darrenprior6339]

Might sell its nuts off but to me, it's a soulless rip-off of Land Rover in styling. Like a Temu Land Rover.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

You think Land Rovers look this bland? It's about as close to a Land Rover, any Land Rover, as the Defender was to a Jeep Willys. Current Land Rovers are far and away more attractive than this in all honesty. This is positively average in the looks department.

[@thomasdight1267]

Yuk

[@InsideChinaAuto]

It's a bit boring to look at.

[@Ritualsrevenge]

What in the propaganda is this LOL

[@InsideChinaAuto]

You're welcome to try then you can judge.

[@Ritualsrevenge]

@InsideChinaAuto but I don't want a cheaply made unreliable car

[@InsideChinaAuto]

@@Ritualsrevenge Don't buy a Land Rover Defender then.

[@Electricdecentralisedfuture]

Nearly 500kw from the electric motors and only does 0-100 in 4.8 wtf. It should be faster than that with that much power.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

BYD's are always a bit slower than you'd expect, so I suspect they're understating their numbers a bit.

[@Electricdecentralisedfuture]

@InsideChinaAuto doesn't help that their cars always weight so much because of the low energy density of their LFP batteries combined with an entirely separate powertrain to carry around.

[@simoncabral1004]

last about 5 minutes....

[@PanjiAlfian]

How do you know?

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Well I drove it for 4 days so you're already quite a long way off

[@Expedition_Tranquilo]

Hardly. Most actual owner reviews speak highly of the quality and reliability.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

@Expedition_Tranquilo Ah, well that'll be why Land Rover regularly sits at the bottom of JD Power ratings and are disproportionately involved in burning down car parks.

[@markozsky]

range rover having heavy attack since the birth of mitsubishi pajero,not to mention lots of other luxury off road capable vehicle,and now ,,,,this!!!!from CHINA??!! ITS not that hard for them to compete with brand as porsche,bmw,lambo,lexus,hummer...etc....i bet,CHINA joining these segment battle doing more damage to them combined.😮😮.just my personal point of view.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Nothing the Chinese aren't coming for at this point. Only Rolls Royce seems safe, for now.

[@rezar9908]

landcruiser chinese knock off

[@sed9406]

They don't look the least alike.

[@PanjiAlfian]

They don't looks similar lmao 😂😂

[@waynenathan2608]

i wish my lexus looks nice as this

[@Expedition_Tranquilo]

The landcruiser was originally a Defender knockoff.

[@InsideChinaAuto]

Wow, you got some burns in the comments.