MAS 2024: BYD Fang Cheng Bao 5 Super-PHEV 4x4 SUV Showcased

BYD SD Motors pulled a surprise at Malaysia Autoshow 2024 by showcasing the BYD Fang Cheng Bao 5 super-PHEV 4x4 luxury SUV.

In a surprise move, BYD SD Motors elected to wow attendees of the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (MAS 2024) by showcasing the BYD Fang Cheng Bao 5 super-PHEV 4x4 luxury SUV. Surely, if you think the Land Rover Defender or the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a tad overrated, this is worth a look at the show.

As a refresher, the Fang Cheng Bao 5 – or Bao 5 for short – was launched by parent company BYD in China in Nov last year. the model is positioned as a mid-sized 4x4 SUV, but it boasts a rather unique twist as a highly-charged plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

Effectively, what BYD have done with the Bao 5 is merge the best of both its electrified and traditional combustion technologies, and the results are pretty stellar, and we’re not just talking about its  rugged and sizeable stance matched with touches of luxury and class all around.

In terms of size and dimensions, the Bao 5 is slightly smaller than the Land Rover Defender 110 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Underneath, the Bao 5 underpins BYD’s DMO platform chassis construction that was developed with proper off-roading in mind. This explains its 220 MM minimum ground clearance, and both its 35-degree and 32-degree approach and departure angles.

In terms of exact dimensions, the Bao 5 sits  4,890 MM long with a 2,800 MM wheelbase, 1,970 MM wide and 1,920 MM tall. In contrast, the Bao 5 sits slightly smaller than the rivalling Defender 110 and G-Class mentioned.

Powering the Bao 5 is a combination of a 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill plus a pair of e-motors juiced by a 31.8 kWh Blade battery. Altogether, it outputs 734 HP and 760 NM, allowing for 0-100 KM/H in 4.8 secs too.

As for powertrain, the Bao 5 packs a 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol mill that’s augmented by a pair of e-motors – one over each axle – juiced by a 31.8 kWh version of BYD’s signature ‘Blade’ battery pack. Altogether, this package outputs 505 kW (734 HP) and 760 NM.

Drive is managed by an electronic CVT automatic box plus a full-blown 4x4 system with multiple terrain modes. Crucially, the supercar-like outputs enables 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 4.8 seconds, whilst the combined petrol-electric power also enables a maximum range of 1,200 KM (CLTC).

On board, the Bao 5 differs from the typical BYD trend of minimalism, sporting instead massive triple-screens and more opulent touches all around.

On board, the Bao 5 is an exception from BYD’s typical ethos of avoiding multi-screen. Instead, it boasts three in total in the dash featuring dual 12.3-inch driver and co-driver displays flanking a massive 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen.

Present below the latter infotainment in the centre stack are aviation-inspired switchgear that appear to use high-end materials, plus a rather novel-looking gear selector lever design. Apart from which, it’s also plain to see the rich use of leather upholstery in the seats, steering wheel, and door inserts.

Other notable high-end touches are evident through the presence of a powered soft-close rear hatch, as well as striking full-LED lighting front and aft.

Notably, the PHEV element also enables 6 kW vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging, and a ‘Rescue’ vehicle-to-load (V2L) mode discharging up to 20 kW. Closer inspection also revealed a number of other key luxury touches like a powered soft-close rear hatch.

The model showcased at MAS 2024 is presumably a Chinese market-spec version, thus explaining its left-hand-drive (LHD) state. Nonetheless, you can still size it up in the flesh at the show and, depending on how you and others react, we might see BYD SD Motors introduce it sometime soon...