We present 1D non-local thermodynamic equilibrium time-dependent radiative transfer simulations of a Chandrasekhar-mass delayed-detonation model which synthesizes 0.51 M_{sun}_ of ^56^Ni, and confront our results to the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2002bo over the first 100d of its evolution. Assuming only homologous expansion, this same model reproduces the bolometric and multiband light curves, the secondary near-infrared (NIR) maxima, and the optical and NIR spectra. The chemical stratification of our model qualitatively agrees with previous inferences by Stehle et al. (2005MNRAS.360.1231S), but reveals significant quantitative differences for both iron-group and intermediate-mass elements. We show that +/-0.1 M_{sun}_ (i.e. +/-20 per cent) variations in ^56^Ni mass have a modest impact on the bolometric and colour evolution of our model. One notable exception is the U band, where a larger abundance of iron-group elements results in less opaque ejecta through ionization effects, our model with more ^56^Ni displaying a higher near-ultraviolet flux level. In the NIR range, such variations in ^56^Ni mass affect the timing of the secondary maxima but not their magnitude, in agreement with observational results. Moreover, the variation in the I, J, and K_s_ magnitudes is less than 0.1 mag within ~ 10d from bolometric maximum, confirming the potential of NIR photometry of SNe Ia for cosmology. Overall, the delayed-detonation mechanism in single Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf progenitors seems well suited for SN 2002bo and similar SNe Ia displaying a broad SiII 6355{AA} line. Whatever multidimensional processes are at play during the explosion leading to these events, they must conspire to produce an ejecta comparable to our spherically symmetric model.