Denza to enter Aussie market in November

BYD is about to launch its Denza sub-brand Down Under that will eventually combine certain models from other BYD brands Yangwang and Fangchengbao...with Denza models all marketed here under the Denza nameplate.

First to appear in November are two, boxy PHEV “fourbies”, the five seat B5 and the larger seven-seat B8.

The former is comparable in size to the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and the latter to the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

According to Denza (BYD) they “are perfectly primed for both those braving the rugged Australian terrain, or as an urban family vehicle”.

The first two Denza offerings are built on ladder-frame chassis and are known throughout the Asia-Pacific region as the Leopard 5 and Leopard 8.

The B5 shares many underpinnings with BYD’s Shark 6 utility and is speculated to sell for between $50,000 and $65,000. The larger B8 is tipped to retail from between $80,000 and $86,000 based on domestic Chinese pricing.

BYD says the new brand will “electrify the luxury automotive sector” and will be a “new force set to reshape the Australia and New Zealand automotive landscape with premium new energy vehicles”.

Both models feature BYD’s DM-O (Dual-Mode Offroad) technology, a drivetrain that is said to merge off-road capability with EV efficiency.

The B5’s drivetrain mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors (one front and one rear) for a combined output of 505kW and 760Nm, which Denza says outperforms many V8 diesel rivals, while achieving electrified efficiencies.

It has a claimed range of 1020km (WLTP) with 100km of electric-only driving from a 31.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.

Offroad dynamics are aided by what is called the DiSus-P suspension that actively adjusts ride height (up to 140mm), damping, and stiffness said to allow the vehicle to virtually level itself.

Off-road geometry figures are listed at 31 degrees and 35 degrees departure, while the battery is said to be protected and sealed against deep wading (up to 1000mm) and dust ingress.

Silent off-road driving is within the vehicle’s remit.

The larger B8 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors for a combined 550kW/760Nm. The model also offers an EV-only range of 100km and claimed total range of 984km (WLTP).

It too features BYD’s adjustable DiSus-P air suspension system with ground clearance of between 220mm and 310mm and has a maximum fording depth of 890mm.

Both the B5 and the B8 are said to be able to stop the clocks from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The e-motor electric drive in both models enable instant, precise torque distribution to each wheel which is considered crucial for rock crawling, mud, or sand. 

Inside, the decor mirrors other BYD models, in particular the Shark 6 with the B5 and B8 running three high-res screens: a 15.6-inch rotating central display, a 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch passenger entertainment panel.

Occupants will be able to luxuriate in Nappa leather upholstery and premium materials inside a hushed cabin with double-glazed windows and acoustic insulation.

“This is a landmark moment in the Australian automotive industry,” said Denza Australia chief operation officer Mark Harland.

“Denza will offer a whole new range for consumers wanting a slice of luxury and the latest in innovation … it will be one of the most exciting premium brand launches to date.”