BYD to launch all-new B5 in the UK, aiming to rival the Land Rover Defender

[PCauto] BYD is set to introduce the all-new B5, a premium SUV, to the UK in 2026. Positioned to take on the iconic Land Rover Defender, the B5 signals BYD’s bold entry into a segment long dominated by British brands. This marks a key milestone for Chinese automakers in the luxrious off-road market.

BYD B5 to Launch as "Bao5" in China

In China, the B5 will be sold as the "Bao5," one of three key SUVs under BYD’s premium sub-brand Fangchengbao. In the UK, it will be offered through the Denza brand, joining the Z9 GT shooting brake as part of BYD’s high-end lineup. At last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, BYD Europe President Michael Shu noted, "UK roads may be narrow, but there’s strong demand for large off-road vehicles.” His remark supported BYD’s decision to bring the B5 to British consumers.

BYD B5 with 1.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder Packs 660 hp to Take on Land Rover Defender

The B5 is built on BYD’s in-house own DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) platform, featuring a hybrid powertrain and a durable body-on-frame design. It pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear. Together, they produce 660 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque. This output even surpasses the top Defender V8 Octa, which delivers 518 horsepower.

The B5 comes with a 31.8kWh battery pack, delivering a pure electric range of 125 kilometers under the CLTC standard. In the UK, its range is estimated to exceed 72 kilometers based on the WLTP cycle.

As for size, the B5 measures 4890mm long, 1970mm wide, and 1920mm high, which is similar to the Defender 110.

Price Will Be B5’s Biggest Advantage

Industry experts predict the B5 will be priced around £70,000 in the UK. This is about £15,000 less than the Defender P400e plug-in hybrid.

Meanwhile, BYD highlights the B5’s luxurious five-seat interior. It comes standard with a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Devialet sound system.

For safety, the B5 features 11 airbags and an advanced L2+ driver assistance system. Its off-road capability is supported by a triple-lock setup—front and rear electronic differentials, plus an energy center lock—along with 310mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of 790mm.

B5 May Fall Behind Defender in Chassis Performance

The B5’s current chassis tuning leans toward comfort, which leads to noticeable body roll when cornering at high speeds. BYD engineers said that to better suit European road conditions, the production model will be fitted with high-performance tires from Michelin or Continental, and the suspension will receive targeted upgrades.

At the same time, WLTP range accuracy needs to be improved. The 125 km electric range claimed under China’s CLTC standard translates to only around 80 km in real-world driving.

BYD Strengthens Its Market Footing in the UK

As of May 2025, models like the Seal U PHEV helped BYD push monthly sales past 3,000 units in the UK for the first time, surpassing Tesla. According to the brand’s roadmap, BYD plans to expand its UK lineup to six models by 2026.

Right now, the B5’s plug-in hybrid setup fits well with the European market’s cautious stance on fully electric vehicles. It offers both fuel and electric drive, giving drivers more flexibility. If BYD can improve the B5’s chassis performance, the model could appeal to value-conscious buyers who might otherwise consider the Defender.

The B5 is up against the Defender’s 76-year legacy in what is also Land Rover’s home market. Whether it can carve out a share of this space remains to be seen, but it is definitely worth watching. This move puts pressure not just on the Defender. It could also shake up the entire segment of traditional fuel-powered off-roaders. There is no doubt that BYD has big ambitions.