BYD Denza launches with luxury hybrid SUVs B5 and B8
BYD’s luxury brand Denza has launched with two new upmarket SUVs, the B5 and B8.
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 B5 and B8: Size and pricing
Denza’s first models, the B5 and B8, are similar in size to Toyota’s Prado and 300 Series LandCruiser respectively, with both vehicles featuring a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain.
Despite boasting a list of standard equipment that rivals some large luxury European SUVs, the Denza B5 is priced from $74,990 (MRLP) while the larger B8 starts from $91,000 (MRLP).
The Denza B5 will be available in two trim levels.
Denza B5: Design and specifications
The five-seat B5 looks like a cross between a Tank 500 and Land Rover Defender and comes in two trim levels, with the entry-level B5 riding on 18-inch alloy wheels and costing $74,990, while the top-spec Leopard variant features 20-inch alloys and costs $79,990 (MRLP).
Both models are described as ‘super-hybrids’ with combined range of almost 1,000km, courtesy of their four-cylinder petrol engines mated with front and rear electric motors for all-wheel drive capability and medium-sized traction batteries.
Powertrain and performance
The B5 is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, twin electric motors and a 31.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering combined outputs of 400kW/760Nm.
Pure electric range is a claimed 90km on the WLTC cycle which is a chassis-dynamometer test and does not include an on-road test element.
Combined petrol-electric range is 850km (WLTC) with combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.9L/100km (WLTC) with a fully charged battery, or 10.9L/100km (WLTC) once the battery is depleted.
Braked towing capacity is 3,000kg which is less than rivals like Prado (3,500kg), but despite the vehicle’s relatively high kerb weight of between 2,897kg and 3,007kg its payload, or how much it can legally carry, is a competitive 600kg for the lower grade and 490kg for the top spec.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h is quoted as an impressive 4.8 seconds, which is decently quick for a vehicle of this size and weight.
The Denza B8 luxury SUV.
Denza B8: Design and specifications
The larger Denza B8 gives off more of a Nissan Patrol meets Kia EV9 vibe and comes with three-row seven-seat accommodation on its $91,000 entry level variant, or a more luxurious six-seat layout with second row ‘captain’s chairs’ for $97,990 (MRLP).Powertrain and performance
The B8 is powered by a larger capacity 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, front and rear electric motors and a 36.8kWh LFP battery, for combined outputs of 425kW/760Nm and 100km of WLTC range.
Braked towing capacity is a category-competitive 3500kg with kerb weight of 3290kg and GVM of 3992kg allowing for a healthy 698kg payload.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h is identical to the B5 at 4.8 seconds.
The B8’s pure electric range is a claimed 100km (WLTC) with a combined petrol-electric range of 905km (WLTC) courtesy of the battery and 91L fuel tank.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is a claimed 3.9L/100km (WLTC) with a fully charged battery, or 11.36L/100km (WLTC) once the battery is depleted.
A view of the Denza B8 with the rear seats folded down.
Off-road capability and suspension
Neither the B5 nor the B8 have a transfer case, so probably can’t match the low-range capability of rival 4x4 wagons, but the B5 and the B8 six-seater both feature standard front and rear electrically-actuated diff locks, while the seven-seat B8 gets a front locker.
Both Denza models also offer decent approach, departure, ramp over and ground clearance angles, with the B5 Leopard and the B8 also boasting hydraulic adaptive suspension which should ensure a higher level of off-road ability.
Suspension on both models is fully independent with double wishbones at the front and rear, with all-wheel disc brakes as standard plus quality Continental or Pirelli rubber on the B5 and 275/55R20 Michelin rubber on the B8.
Interior of the Denza B8.
Interior features and technology
The list of standard features on both is comprehensive with the B5 boasting a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, Nappa leather upholstery, and a suite of advanced safety features including a 360-degree camera and 11 airbags.
The B8 for its part features the same a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument panel and 360-degree camera system as its stablemate, but gains an 18-speaker Devialet audio system, 14 airbags.
Other standard features of the B8 include premium Nappa leather, heated, ventilated and massaging seats, a -6ºC to 50ºC cooler/hotbox, and a second row with individual captain’s chairs for added space and comfort in the six-seat configuration.
Interior of the Denza B5.
Warranty and dealer network
Denza’s new vehicle warranty is as per BYD’s, meaning six-years, 150,000km for the vehicle, and eight years, 160,000km for the battery.The brand recently unveiled its first Australian location at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney, and has announced dealerships in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, as well as Melbourne and Perth.
The company told media at the brand launch that it hopes to have around 15 retail locations in place by March 2026, growing this to 20-25 sites by the end of next year.
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