Denza B5 Leopard review

Not content with having already upended the ute and electric vehicle segments in Australia, Chinese car maker BYD is now gunning for luxury car makers with the launch of two new models under the auspices of its Denza sub-brand.

Denza’s first models, the B5 and B8, are both 4x4s and similar in size to Toyota’s Prado and 300 Series LandCruiser respectively, with both vehicles featuring a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain. 

We’re focused here on the smaller, five-seat B5 which is likely to be the biggest seller in a niche model range that targets established premium 4x4 brands like Land Rover, Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz, but also the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

Denza B5 pricing and model range 

Despite boasting a list of standard equipment that rivals some large luxury European SUVs, the Denza B5 is priced from $74,990 (MRLP) for the entry-level model, rising to $79,990 (MRLP) for the better-equipped Leopard variant tested here.

With its chunky, angular styling, short front and rear overhangs and tailgate-mounted spare wheel, the B5 immediately signals to onlookers that it is a proper 4x4 and not a soft-roader.

That’s also the case under the skin where a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis underpins its sturdy body-on-frame design.

Suspension is fully independent with coil springs and double wishbones at the front and rear, and all-wheel disc brakes as standard.

The Leopard adds standard active hydraulic suspension which allows the shock absorbers to control and counteract body roll, pitch and dive, as well as allowing ride height to be raised and lowered for extra ground clearance or a low-set entry mode.

Denza B5 hybrid powertrain and performance

Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which might sound a bit underdone for a vehicle of this size, but it’s complemented by front and rear electric motors and a 31.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.

The so-called ‘super-hybrid’ system is like that BYD uses in the Shark 6 ute, delivering healthy combined outputs of 400kW/760Nm, a pure electric range of 90km, and a combined touring range of 850km (WLTC).

Acceleration from 0-100km/h is quoted as 4.8 seconds, which is decently quick for a vehicle which weighs 3,007kg, and the Leopard’s combined cycle fuel consumption is just 3.9L/100km with a fully charged battery, or 10.9L/100km once the battery is depleted.

Unusually, for a vehicle positioned as a serious off-roader, the B5 does not have a transfer case with high- and low-range ratios, nor does it have any sort of drive shaft connecting the front axle to the rear.

Instead, it uses a reduction gear on the rear e-motor, and a sophisticated traction control system with Low and Creep modes to control drive from the front and rear electric motors.

Drive modes and ‘Leopard Turn’ capability

The range of drive modes is bewilderingly extensive, incorporating Intelligent, Snow, Sand-Mud, Mountain, Rock, Wade, Rage, Race, Custom, and U-turn.

The latter refers to the B5’s so-called ‘Leopard Turn’ capability, which locks the inside rear wheel while driving the outer wheels, to enable a sub-5.9m turning radius.

This, along with good fundamentals of approach, departure and ground clearance, plus the added traction of front and rear electrically actuated mechanical differential locks, endows the B5 Leopard with an impressive level of off-road capability.

The caveat here is that the vehicle is very heavy and uses its traction control systems to maintain progress, so makes harder work of rough conditions than might a conventional 4x4 with low range.

The Leopard’s road-oriented 275/55R20 tyres aren’t especially suited for off-roading either (the lower-grade B5 wears more sensible 18-inch tyres).

Nonetheless, we covered some challenging terrain in and around the spectacular Wilpena Pound in South Australia’s rugged Flinders Ranges with only a single puncture across a fleet of a dozen vehicles.

Denza B5 interior, features and technology

The B5’s list of standard features is very comprehensive and includes a huge 15.6-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, supple perforated Nappa leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and a suite of advanced safety features including a 360-degree camera and 11 airbags.

On top of this the Leopard adds a 16-speaker Devialet sound system, a second wireless phone charger, console-mounted fridge/hotbox, heated/ventilated/massaging front seats, automatic LED headlights with ‘matrix assistance’ and much more. 

While it’s generously equipped, one area where the B5 doesn’t match its 4x4 rivals is braked towing capacity, which at 3,000kg trails the likes of Prado and Everest (3,500kg), while its 490kg payload is also underwhelming. Denza does, however, supply a towbar and 12-pin trailer wiring harness as standard.

Ride quality, driving impressions and drawbacks

Dynamically, the B5 Leopard lacks some finesse, particularly with regards to ride quality.

The ride is firmer than necessary, possibly due to its high kerb weight, proving a constant low-level irritant on anything but smooth tarmac.

Also on the negative side of the ledger is the fact the B5 features an annoying (and distracting) driver-attention alert system which seemingly can’t handle prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses.

On the plus side, the drivetrain is smooth and quiet, there’s plenty of power underfoot for highway cruising and overtaking, and the interior is well insulated from road and wind noise.

Value proposition and competitive positioning

There is also the undeniable value equation that the B5 Leopard brings to the table with its pricing undercutting even the base-spec Prado GX while its equipment list rivals the $100,000 Prado Kakadu.

Given the success the Shark 6 has achieved in the past year or so, it’s unlikely competitors will take Denza lightly.

It’s not perfect, mind, and there is certainly room for improvement, but as a first-up effort from an all-new brand it makes a compelling case for itself.

Specifications

• PRICE: $79,990 (plus on-road costs) (MRLP)
• POWERTRAIN: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, dual electric motors, electronic CVT transmission, full-time AWD, (combined 400kW/760Nm)
• BATTERY: 31.8kWh (LFP)
• RANGE: 90km (WLTP)
• ENERGY CONSUMPTION: 23.3kWh/100km (WLTP)
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 3.9-10.9L/100km  (WLTP, pending battery SOC); 92g/km (WLTP)
• ANCAP CRASH RATING: Five stars (2025)
• WARRANTY: Six years, 150,000km vehicle; eight years, 160,000km battery and drive unit 
• FOR: Keenly priced; generously equipped; strong performance; excellent fuel-efficiency; impressive drivetrain tech; quality fit, finish and materials. 
• AGAINST: Suspension needs further refinement; low towing and payload rating;  complex digital drive system engagement.