BYD unveils a host of new models at Goodwood: the Bao 5 SUV and the Denza Z sports car make their debut
The Chinese giant is showcasing the best of its latest models to offer visitors to the British “motor show” a solution to the needs of European motorists
BYD has set up the largest stand in the history of the Goodwood Festival of Speed to host a series of launches scheduled for this year’s event: starting with the Bao 5, which is produced by the Fang Cheng Bao brand but is being launched in Europe under the Denza brand, the latter having brought the Z sports car to the British event, with which the BYD Group aims to challenge the established global leadership of European high-performance car manufacturers, namely BMW, Mercedes and Porsche.
Bao 5: the plug-in hybrid SUV for Europe
The Chinese group has unveiled its first SUV for Europe, called the Bao 5. As mentioned above, in China it is marketed under the Fang Cheng Bao brand – a name that is certainly not easy to understand or remember in the West. It is a large SUV that will arrive in Europe by the end of the year. Under the bonnet is a plug-in hybrid system based on a 148 cv turbocharged four-cylinder engine, combined with two electric motors – one on each axle – bringing the total output to 536 cv and 760 Nm of torque. Despite the Bao 5 weighing 2,940 kg and measuring five metres in length, it is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The Bao 5’s off-road capabilities are further enhanced by an intelligent electric system. Furthermore, the SUV’s interior features a 15.6-inch touchscreen, an audio system with 18 speakers, a fridge in the centre console and four USB sockets. Finally, the boot has a capacity ranging from 475 to 1,069 litres.
Denza Z: the four-seater electric car with 1,583 cv
With the new Denza Z, BYD is setting its sights on high-performance European brands. It is doing so with a true GT unveiled at Goodwood, which is the flagship model featuring three electric motors – one at the front and the other two at the rear – delivering a total of 1,583 cv, the same as the Bugatti Chiron. Not to mention that an even more special version is due to arrive shortly, offering a further 2,000 cv, as well as a claimed 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of under 1.7 seconds, which will make it one of the fastest cars in the world. The Z has been fine-tuned on European roads and features a special highlight: an electromagnetic system, similar to that of the Chevrolet Corvette, to optimise the management of the available power. The braking system, featuring 6-piston carbon-ceramic brakes, is also record-breaking.
