BYD (Build Your Dreams) is quietly making a major impact on India’s automotive landscape with its Atto 3 and Seal electric sedan. But the Chinese automaker isn’t just focused on electric vehicles.
Word on the street suggests BYD might soon introduce a new model to the Indian market—possibly as early as October. This time, it’s not about pure electric; it’s the Bao 5, a hybrid SUV that could become the next big player during the festive season.
Debuting in China last year and recently in Monaco, the Bao 5 stands out as a rugged urban SUV. With design cues reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco, this vehicle boasts a muscular, upright profile that demands attention. It’s more than just a handsome face; it’s built for serious performance.
Rumors also hint that the Bao 5 might soon hit Malaysian roads after its Southeast Asian reveal at the Bangkok International Motor Show. If plans unfold as expected, India could be among the first right-hand-drive markets to get this formidable SUV.
The Bao 5 is built on BYD’s Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) Super Hybrid platform. It stretches 4,890 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height, placing it firmly in the large SUV category. Beneath its hood lies a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with dual electric motors and a 31.8 kWh LFP Blade battery pack.
Together, they produce a powerful 677 bhp and 77.49 kgm of torque, propelling the Bao 5 from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.8 seconds, even with its 2.8-tonne weight. The front electric motor delivers 268 bhp, while the rear packs 387 bhp, with a top speed of 180 kph in Sport mode.
The Bao 5 isn’t just about power; it offers a respectable electric-only range of 125 km, thanks to its Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Fast charging capabilities allow the battery to jump from 30% to 80% in just 16 minutes. The vehicle’s V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) system can also power external devices up to 6 kW, enhancing its practicality.
Should BYD bring the Bao 5 to India, it’s expected to arrive as a completely built-up (CBU) import. Despite the premium nature of such imports, BYD’s track record suggests that the pricing could be competitive, much like the Seal EV launched earlier this year.
GENERAL | Wayve and Uber Team Up to Advance AI-Driven Autonomous Vehicles
