BYD’s push into Australia’s luxurious auto section brings a brand new badge: Denza is the following model to reach amid the continuing inflow of Chinese language manufacturers.
Denza is certainly one of many manufacturers beneath the BYD umbrella, however to maintain issues easy it’ll be the one model answerable for the gross sales of its premium fashions exterior China. Different China-only BYD manufacturers like Yangwang and Fangchengbao are anticipated to stay precisely that, however their automobiles are being rebadged as Denzas for export.
The result’s Denza’s Australian market launch with two massive off-road SUVs launched off the bat: the B5 and B8. Each function ladder-frame development and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) energy, however their key drawcard is a declare of considerably improved off-road functionality in comparison with different Australian-delivered BYDs lately.
What’s extra, the powertrain within the B8 (on take a look at on this assessment) is predicted to preview that of the up to date BYD Shark 6, which might be accessible in Australia quickly. The B5, B8, and Shark are carefully associated, so this might be attention-grabbing to these aware of the primary iteration of BYD’s debut ute.
The B8 is now the native flagship BYD-built mannequin and serves as a bigger, heavier sibling to the B5. Heavier is the important thing time period there, because the B8 weighs in at just below 3.3 tonnes – little question making it significantly chunkier than something most Australians could have ever pushed.
On that word, Denza is concentrating on Australia’s established legacy manufacturers, and goals to finally turn into a top-five luxurious marque right here. Meaning it’ll compete with the likes of Lexus and Land Rover, even when its sticker costs don’t replicate that.
The B8 is priced from beneath $100,000 earlier than on-road prices, whereas the B5 begins from lower than $80,000. The connection between BYD and Denza is successfully the identical as that between Toyota and Lexus, however Denza guarantees to supply Lexus-like luxurious for Toyota-style cash – and the B8 even undercuts the LandCruiser 300 Collection.
It definitely has the cash aspect of issues ticked off, and we’ll see if it’s nailed the posh aspect on this assessment. CarExpert was among the many media retailers invited to South Australia to pattern the B5 and B8, as a part of Denza’s Australian launch, each on- and off-road.
How does it stack up, and is it the higher decide of Denza’s dynamic duo?
How a lot does the Denza B8 price?
The Denza B8 is priced at both $91,000 or $97,990 earlier than on-road prices, relying on the variant.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Denza B8 (seven seats) | $91,000 |
| 2026 Denza B8 (six seats) | $97,990 |
There aren’t any variant names tacked on (not like the B5 and B5 Leopard), however you’ll be able to inform the 2 B8s aside by their second-row seating. It’ll both have a three-abreast bench or two captain’s chairs.
Moreover, the six-seater provides nicer upholstery, a wider vary of seat adjustment and, most significantly, a mechanical entrance differential lock along with the rear locker.
As for rivals, the B8’s measurement and seating capability positions it under the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Collection, which begins at $99,340 earlier than on-roads, and the Land Rover Defender 130 D350 priced at $136,000 earlier than on-roads. Each function ladder-frame development, however neither are hybrid.
The B8 is considerably dearer is the LandCruiser-based Lexus LX (from $164,200 earlier than on-roads), whereas unibody options embrace the Audi Q7 priced from $108,815 earlier than on-roads.
To see how the Denza B8 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
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What’s the Denza B8 like on the within?
As a result of they appear so comparable, it’s not possible to not examine the B8’s inside towards that of the B5. With that in thoughts, there are just a few fittings that make it marginally much less interesting.
You’ll discover one earlier than you even get in, because the B8 has electrically retracting door handles. These are by no means really vital past offering a cleaner aesthetic, and the B8’s may even be sluggish to reply for those who attempt to open a door instantly after closing it, which is annoying.
Naturally, meaning there are additionally buttons inside as a substitute of bodily dool-pulls, although there are mechanical latches hidden within the bottle holders of every door. To me, this doesn’t in any respect exude a ‘premium’ vibe, particularly when contemplating the massive, strong inside door handles you get within the B5.
The B8 does have the benefit of soft-close doorways, nevertheless, that are definitely good to have. That stated, this perform may additionally contribute to the aforementioned lag when re-opening the doorways.
Our different grievance is that there’s no air flow for the twin wi-fi cellphone charging pads, so your cellphone can get scorching whereas charging. There are air vents above the chargers, positive, however we will’t work out why there’s no cooling right here, given that there’s within the B5.
Okay, these aren’t deal-breakers within the scheme of all of it. They’re simply minor grievances that come throughout as bizarre choices for a flagship mannequin, and that’s the place the comparability with the cheaper B5 could be very helpful.
Aside from that, all the things’s pretty plush. The steering wheel is properly sized and completed in clean leather-based, extra of which you’ll discover on the centre console, whereas a lot of the cabin buttons have a satin end.
Like within the Shark, there are precise buttons in right here, they usually even kind one of many B8’s most premium fittings. On the centre console is an array of crystal-look switches, which embrace the beginning/cease button and due to this fact draw your consideration each time you get within the automotive.
No different non-BYD automotive has something like these, particularly not at this worth level. We’re not fussed that they’re simply clear plastic, both. They appear good, really feel good, and are very straightforward to make use of, so we’ve no complaints.
Above them is the gear selector, which routinely extends and retracts if you begin and cease the automotive respectively. This gimmick is contrasted by the useful, height-adjustable cupholders close by, together with the cooled and heated field beneath the padded central armrest.
This can be a cool function (pun meant), and it’s one other step up from the refrigerated field you’ll discover in Toyota’s large SUVs – to not point out it is significantly bigger. Temperature is managed with a small dial between the cupholders, and it’ll preserve meat pies good and toasty.
Forward of the motive force is a 12.3-inch digital instrument show, which provides little in the best way of customisation however spresents loads of helpful data together with journey computer systems and tyre strain monitoring. It’s all navigable utilizing buttons on the steering wheel.
However centre stage within the B8 is probably the most important remoted infotainment show I’ve ever seen. At 17.3 inches, it’s a monument to BYD’s ardour for tech, and the distinction in measurement between this and what’s fitted to the B5 is straight away apparent.
Just like the B5, there are numerous menus, apps, and settings to play with in right here, far too many to element on this assessment. Thankfully, the automotive’s most typical capabilities are both operated by or accessed through bodily buttons, together with the drive modes, EV/HEV mode, and security settings.
Our solely main grievance is that the local weather system is solely bodily and displayed as an always-on ribbon on the backside of the display screen. At the least BYD’s three-finger swiping gestures for fan pace and temperature have been retained.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are additionally customary, with full-screen integration, making them look monumental. If you wish to plug your cellphone in as a substitute, there are USB ports within the storage tray beneath the floating centre console.
Different storage choices embrace the temperature-controlled field, a passenger-side glovebox, and a sun shades holder within the ceiling. You’ll additionally discover sturdy seize handles at both finish of the dashboard.
The entrance seats, in the meantime, are comfy and supply heating, air flow, and a therapeutic massage perform, which is the cherry on high of a really well-appointed cabin. There’s additionally a variety of changes, together with for the seat base angle, which is an enormous plus.
The great thing about the B8 is that, in six-seat trim, the second row is de facto simply an extension of the entrance. The captain’s chairs are fitted with heating, air flow, and a therapeutic massage perform, and are available full with energy adjustment and ratcheting armrests.
Heating, air flow, and energy adjustment can also be accessible for the seven-seat possibility, and all seats are fairly comfy. On the again of the centre console is a touchscreen for the third local weather zone, which might additionally open the cool/scorching field backwards for simple second-row entry.
It’s all very properly thought-about again right here, with the addition of a tender fold-down armrest and cupholders, and an enormous glass sunroof above. And, after all, there’s greater than sufficient area throughout.
The third row in seven-seat variants provides extra space than you may anticipate, and whereas the seats themselves are understandably flat, they provide surprisingly usable area. It’s made extra handy by the powered seat changes, together with skill to lift and decrease the third-row seatbacks with out breaking a sweat.
Funnily sufficient, front-row occupants can modify all seats within the second and third rows through the infotainment system, which isn’t nice for those who’re driving behind individuals who like a prank.
Facilities embrace USB-C ports and cupholders on both aspect, and also you don’t really feel cramped due to the well-placed aspect home windows. Naturally, boot area is severely decreased with the third row in use, with its quoted minimal capability of 147 litres being smaller than the LandCruiser’s 175L.
Nonetheless, the tailgate opens sideways as a substitute of up, and you may program the B8’s hydraulic suspension to routinely decrease for simpler boot entry. The tailgate has the identical soft-close perform as each different door, and also you get a full-size spare wheel mounted exterior.
| Dimensions | Denza B8 |
|---|---|
| Size | 5195mm |
| Width | 1994mm |
| Peak | 1905mm |
| Wheelbase | 2920mm |
| Cargo capability | 147L (rear seats up, all) 920L (rear seats folded, seven-seater) 902L (rear seats folded, six-seater) |
To see how the Denza B8 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Powering the B8 PHEV is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and electrical motors on each the entrance and rear axles, producing peak outputs of 425kW of energy and 760Nm of torque. Drive is shipped to all 4 wheels.
| Specs | Denza B8 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Engine outputs | 145kW / 350Nm |
| Peak electrical motor outputs | 200kW / 360Nm (entrance) 300kW / 400Nm (rear) |
| Peak system outputs | 425kW / 760Nm |
| Battery | 36.8kWh LFP ‘Blade’ |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Drive sort | 4-wheel drive with selectable low-range |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 4.8 seconds |
| Gas financial system (claimed, WLTC) | 3.9L/100km (SoC 25-100%) 11.4L/100km (SoC <25%) |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | 24.4kWh/100km |
| Electrical driving vary (claimed, WLTC) | 100kg (SoC 25-100%) |
| Gas tank capability | 91L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 51g/km |
| Kerb weight | 3290kg |
| Payload | 702kg |
| Gross car mass (GVM) | 3992kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 7174kg |
| Braked tow capability | 3500kg |
As talked about, this powertrain is just like what might be fitted to the up to date Shark 6 ute, though that may have round 80kW much less energy. Towing capability might be matched at 3500kg, and it’s doable the Shark can even rating the locking differentials and low-range gearing of the B8.
Denza defined that its Twin-Mode Offroad (DMO) system is designed to function extra like an extended-range electrical car (EREV) than a PHEV, with each axles primarily pushed by their respective electrical motors and the engine primarily used to cost the battery after which, when wanted, to drive the entrance wheels.
Meaning there’s no propeller shaft operating the size of the car, which implies no mechanical hyperlink between the entrance and rear axles. There’s additionally no conventional switch case, so its low-range gearing is ‘simulated’ to offer the identical advantages as an old-school mechanical low-range system.
Moreover, a mechanical locking rear differential is customary, whereas a entrance diff locker is obtainable on the six-seat variant. You may also carry out manoeuvres like ‘Leopard flip’ to show in a tighter radius off-road, which works by spinning the left and proper wheels at completely different speeds.
Just like the B5, the B8 is due to this fact claimed to have all of the gear you’d discover in a typical four-wheel drive off-road SUV (after which some), giving it the promise of sturdy off-road functionality.
As for gas consumption, we didn’t have sufficient time in anybody B8 at Denza’s launch to file a consultant real-world financial system determine. Nonetheless, a while spent in HEV mode (through which the electrical motors drive the wheels whereas the engine expenses the battery) produced figures across the 10L/100km mark.
To see how the Denza B8 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How does the Denza B8 drive?
It’s tough to know what to anticipate earlier than you hit the highway within the B8.
Its measurement and stature recommend it ought to be pretty composed, however as a result of it’s a body-on-frame car it may very well be considerably harsh. It’s additionally large, and most automobiles on this section are diesel-powered, which implies it may very well be sluggish and cumbersome, however then you definitely bear in mind it’s a plug-in hybrid.
To place it bluntly, it’s a mixture of all of these traits. The very first thing we seen is that its suspension is surprisingly agency, even with the DiSus-P hydraulic setup which we discovered pretty compliant within the B5.
It’ll crash over bumps and throw its occupants round over tough surfaces, which took us unexpectedly. After all, the elephant within the room is the B8’s sheer weight, which little question has an antagonistic impact on experience high quality.
In any case, its GVM of 3992kg is scarily near the minimal 4500kg requirement for a lightweight truck licence, but you don’t want any additional {qualifications} to drive it.
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Strive taking a flip at pace and the B8’s mass makes the car really feel prefer it needs to do something however comply. It doesn’t really feel like its centre of mass is especially low both, making for unusual on-road dynamics.
Thoughts you, the B8 doesn’t essentially really feel uncontrollable; it simply lacks the physique management and polish that we praised the B5 for.
That’s a disgrace, as a result of the DiSus-P system fitted right here is essentially the most superior BYD suspension tech we’ve seen in Australia thus far. There are three ranges of stiffness that may both be adjusted individually or as a part of preset drive modes, and there’s a noticeable distinction between every.
Moreover, you’ll be able to increase the suspension whereas stationary (or, once more, through the drive modes) to offer as a lot as 310mm of floor clearance. That’s an astounding determine and, when deployed, it was demonstrated by the best way we towered over one other B8 with out the suspension in its highest setting.
And that’s all earlier than you get to the powertrain. Outputs of 425kW and 760Nm are each rather a lot, but it surely simply feels mistaken that Denza claims a 0-100km/h time of solely 4.8 seconds for such a heavy car. The issue is, Denza hasn’t lied.
Plant your proper foot and the B8 shoots off, albeit after a short second of BYD-esque enter delay. The physique will pitch when doing so, and whereas it isn’t fairly as extreme as with the B5, it nonetheless makes it really feel like an extreme quantity of energy – there’s no competitors between this and a LandCruiser on that entrance, as its power-to-weight ratio is corresponding to a Mazda MX-5.
Given its EREV-like calibration, the B8 will begin and drive on EV energy more often than not. It’s not such as you’d know, although, as a result of other than being whisper-quiet on the transfer, it doesn’t lack any punch with out the petrol engine.
Switching to HEV mode (or any of the sportier drive modes) will hearth up the two.0-litre turbo engine, which is properly muffled from contained in the cabin. It’ll then routinely begin charging the battery, permitting you to proceed driving with no additional thought.
You possibly can set the cost goal in HEV mode too, which when met will routinely flip the engine off. It’s a intelligent system, and the truth that most of those techniques are managed within the background eliminates plenty of the guesswork for folks coming from typical automobiles.
Denza says there’s no should be nervous about operating out of cost, both. In response to its engineers, the Twin-Mode Offroad (DMO) system is programmed to expire of gas earlier than the battery is depleted, so vary nervousness ought to be out of the query.
When it comes to know-how, there’s a seemingly infinite variety of drive modes to select from. Most relate to off-road driving, however there are nonetheless a number of for numerous on-road functions – together with Race Mode, for those who actually wanted the B8 to go any sooner.
Every mode adjusts settings resembling experience peak, torque distribution, traction management, and throttle response. Every additionally adapts the car to varied environments and terrain varieties, protecting all the things from steep rocky trails to deep river crossings.
On that word, Denza shared a enjoyable truth concerning the B8 when in its water wading mode (which provides a large most of 890mm). Other than elevating to its most experience peak, the car will routinely disconnect the audio system mounted within the decrease portion of the doorways to forestall any electrical water harm.
Given it’s a high-end audio system with in depth customisation, it is a very considerate addition. All of it makes the B8 very versatile, and it helps that its weight is far much less apparent if you’re off the overwhelmed observe.
Typically, we discovered the B8 to be fairly succesful on free and rocky terrain, and it seems to handle torque management properly, avoiding sending energy to any wheels with much less grip. The result’s a succesful off-roader on first impressions, however we’ll should get one by the CarExpert storage for extra thorough testing – together with towing.
Regardless of all of the modes, it’s additionally pretty user-friendly the place it counts, because the differential locks can simply be engaged on the press of a button. You additionally don’t want to pick impartial to interact low-range, as Denza says there’s no actual impartial gear.
In any other case, the B8 provides a full suite of security gear, however a few of it may do with higher calibration. The motive force monitoring system is the worst of the bunch, because it’s far too delicate.
That’s notably unhelpful when there’s a lot to wrap your head round within the B8, and it actually struggles for those who’re carrying sun shades. Different capabilities are usually dependable.
So the B8 is a greater than first rate bundle however lacks some refinement and polish. The steering and braking are each strong, however the experience is not nearly as good as we anticipated after the B5. Total, it isn’t a cohesive driving expertise when mixed with the monstrous energy on faucet.
| Off-road dimensions | Denza B8 |
|---|---|
| Observe entrance and rear | 1670mm |
| Most floor clearance | 310mm |
| Method angle | 34° |
| Departure angle | 35° |
| Ramp breakover angle | 26° |
| Most wading depth | 890mm |
To see how the Denza B8 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What do you get?
Gear within the B8 differs barely relying on whether or not you go for the six- or seven-seat configuration.
2026 Denza B8 tools highlights:
- 2+3+2 seating configuration
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Michelin 275 55/R20 tyres
- Rear locking differential
- Computerized LED headlights
- Entrance cornering lights
- Entrance and rear fog lights
- 12-pin trailer plug
- Drawbar and hitch receiver
- Full-size spare
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Tender-close doorways
- Energy sunroof with energy sunshade
- Rear privateness glass
- Keyless entry and begin
- NFC key
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors with reminiscence
- BYD Related Companies incl. distant begin, pre-conditioning
- Head-up show
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 17.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 800W Devialet 18-speaker sound system
- 4-zone voice assistant
- Over-the-air updates
- 4G community reference to 2GB/month information plan for two years
- In-car cell hotspot
- Leather-based upholstery
- Energy-adjustable entrance seats
- 8-way energy adjustment for driver
- 6-way energy adjustment for passenger
- 4-way energy lumbar
- Reminiscence
- Heating
- Air flow
- Massaging
- Heated and ventilated second-row seats
- Energy-folding second and third rows
- 4-way manually adjustable steering wheel
- Heated steering wheel
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Automobile fridge and hotbox
- 2 x 50W wi-fi cellphone chargers (entrance)
- Multi-colour ambient lighting
B8 (six-seater) provides:
- 2+2+2 seating configuration
- Entrance locking differential
- UWB key
- Nappa leather-based upholstery
- Second-row ambient lighting
- Energy-adjustable leg rests, bolsters for entrance seats
- Massaging second-row seats
- Second-row energy leg rests
- Digital rear-view mirror
Onyx Black is the usual inside colourway, with Jasper Brown non-obligatory.
To see how the Denza B8 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
Is the Denza B8 protected?
The Denza B8 boasts a five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly on testing carried out in 2025.
|
Class |
Denza B8 |
|---|---|
|
Grownup occupant safety |
86 per cent |
|
Youngster occupant safety |
95 per cent |
|
Weak highway consumer safety |
75 per cent |
|
Security help |
78 per cent |
Normal security tools highlights:
- 9 airbags, incl:
- Twin entrance
- Driver’s far aspect
- Aspect (all three rows)
- Curtain (all three rows)
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Youngster presence detection
- Driver distraction and fatigue monitoring
- Emergency lane-keep help
- Ahead cross-traffic help
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Secure exit warning
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Visitors signal recognition
- Tyre strain monitoring
Six-seat variant provides an evening imaginative and prescient system and a ‘Good Driving’ surround-view digital camera.
To see how the Denza B8 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Denza B8 price to run?
The Denza Australia vary is backed by the identical guarantee providing as BYD: a six-year, 150,000km car guarantee and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery guarantee. Servicing for the B8 is required each 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Denza B8 |
|---|---|
| Automobile guarantee | 6 years, 150,000km |
| Excessive-voltage battery guarantee | 8 years, 160,000km |
| Roadside help | 3 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5-year service plan |
| Whole capped-price service price | $3420 |
These intervals are twice so long as what Toyota calls for for the LandCruiser 300. Over 5 years, the Toyota can also be dearer to service at $4500.
It’s worse for the associated Lexus LX, which is able to set you again $6950 over 5 years.
As for the Defender, it’s equally priced to the B8. A five-year service plan for the Defender PHEV prices $3300, whereas the diesel bumps it as much as $3500.
To see how the Denza B8 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Denza B8
Regardless of its spectacular price ticket and prolonged spec record, the Denza B8 isn’t fairly the well-rounded bundle it may very well be.
We have been disenchanted by its agency experience specifically, which does the SUV no favours in masking its 3.3-tonne heft. It’s the heaviest-feeling car I’ve ever pushed, which isn’t a deal-breaker, but it surely offers context for the way bloated it feels.
It’s additionally ridiculously quick for such a heavy factor, and that raises our eyebrows given the various ranges of driver ability we frequently see on Australia’s roads. These energy and weight figures might make the B8 intimidating to some, which isn’t one thing that may be stated for the tried-and-tested LandCruiser.
Its inside is polished (apart from the silly retractable door handles), and its tech is of a excessive customary. The worth proposition right here can also be sturdy in comparison with rivals, however nonetheless not almost as sturdy as what the B5 provides.
With that in thoughts, and except you’re determined for seven seats, the B5 is a way more logical purchase throughout the Denza Australia lineup, however the mammoth powertrain offers us excessive hopes for the upcoming BYD Shark replace.
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