Look out Toyota! BYD premium brand Denza confirms double-trouble 4×4 launch line-up in Australia!

October 2, 2025October 1, 2025 Bruce Newton 12198 Views B5, BYD, Denza

BYD premium brand Denza has confirmed two Toyota-rivalling plug-in hybrid 4x4s will lead its imminent Australian launch.

The Prado-rivalling five-seat Denza B5 and LandCruiser 300 Series-sized six/seven-seat Denza B8 will both go on-sale in November.

Pricing has not been announced, but it has previously been forecast as being “very accessible” by Denza Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer Mark Harland.

Read our extensive Denza pre-launch coverage here:

In China B5 pricing starts at the equivalent of $51,000 (approx), while the B8 starts at the equivalent of $80,600 (approx).

Developed and manufactured by another BYD brand, Fangchengbao, in China, they are sold as the Leopard 5 and Leopard 8 in some markets and have been incorporated under the Denza umbrella in Australia.

Another BYD brand, YangWang, will also have its models sold under the Denza badge in Australia.

The first model to come to Australian from YangWang is likely to be the U8 luxury off-roader rival for Range Rover and the Lexus LX.

Another could be the record-smashing YangWang U9 supercar.

Of course, Denza also develops and manufactures its own vehicles and they will also come to Australia, likely starting with the Z9 GT.

All-up Harland has previously stated Denza will have around four models on sale in Australia within 12 months, with significant model expansion plans beyond that.

Launching with two 4x4s is unusual for a premium brand – unless you’re Land Rover/Range Rover of course – which normally deal in saloons, sports cars and SUVs.

But Harland has previously made it clear that Denza wants sales volume and the B5 and B8 are the type of vehicles Aussies buy in significant numbers.

“I want to fish where the fish are,” he said.

“If I look at those large and upper large [SUV] segments, we’re talking tens of thousands of vehicles.

“We see the opportunity 100 per cent and if I want to establish the brand relatively quickly to meet the expectations from headquarters then I need to have a product in that segment.”

Both the B5 and B8 are relatives of the popular BYD Shark 6 ute, using the same Dual-Mode Offroad (DM-O) technology.

However, the Denzas are tuned to a higher state of performance.

Launched in China in late 2023, the B5 measures up at 4890mm long, 1970mm wide, 1920mm tall and has a 2800mm wheelbase.

The all-wheel drive powertrain comprises a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, two e-motors and a 31.8kWh BYD Blade battery pack.

They combine to produce 505kW/760KW, zip the B5 from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and it claim an EV range up to 125km and total range beyond 1200km.

In China the flagship model includes hydraulic body control, while all models ride on double wishbone independent suspension.

A rear diff lock is standard and a front diff lock is optional on most models and standard on the flagship. Multiple off-road modes include the ominously named ‘Violent Mode’.

Interior tech includes up to three digital screens for driver, infotainment and the front-seat passenger and 16- or 18-speaker audio.

Leather seat trim, crystal transparent buttons and “active fragrances” are also part of the interior package.

Safety systems include BYD’s Eye of God C and Huawei’s ADS intelligent driving assistants (yep, two in one car), Lidar, radar, cameras and 11 airbags.

Launched in China in late 2024, the B8 measures up at 5195mm long, 1994mm wide, 1905mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2920mm.

It has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, two e-motors and a 36.8kWh battery pack that produces 550kW/760Nm. It has the same claimed 0-100km/h acceleration, EV range and combined range as the B5.

The braked towing claim for both the B5 and B8 in in China is 2.5 tonnes, which is a tonne under the expectation in Australia.

All B8 models come with Yunian-P hydraulic body control and similar off-road aids to the B5.

Inside there are similar levels of tech, three-screen infotainment, luxury and safety, although only the Huawei drive assist system appears to be present in the B8.

One B8 exclusive is a drone with a storage pod built into the roof. Will that come to Australia? Probably unlikely.

“This is a landmark moment in the Australian automotive industry,” Harland said in a media release confirming the B5 and B8.

“Denza will offer a whole new range for consumers wanting a slice of luxury and the latest in innovation.”

“It’s built for explorers, pioneers, and leaders. For those who see roads as invitations, not boundaries, we know Denza will be one of the most exciting premium brand launches to date.”