Denza B5 and B8 take fight to Toyota with improved off-road and towing capability: Practical Aussie testing key to OTA updates
Towing and off-road ability have been a focus of BYD premium brand Denza’s first major over-the-air software update for Australian owners of its B5 and B8 luxury off-roaders.
The brand claims lessons learned from tackling Queensland’s famous Beer O’Clock Hill have helped improve the vehicles’ capability.
The upgrades reflect the importance buyers in this segment dominated by the Toyota LandCruiser and Prado place on off-road and towing capability.
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The complimentary OTA update also introduces a range of safety and convenience upgrades for the plug-in hybrid 4x4s, which launched in Australia earlier this year.
According to Denza, data collected during local testing and the B5 and B8’s successful ascent of Beer O’Clock Hill enabled Australian engineers to further refine the Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) platform that underpins both vehicles.
The changes include revised traction control management algorithms designed to better coordinate wheel speed and motor torque in challenging terrain.
Denza says the updates improve off-road capability, driving stability and performance in sandy conditions, while also giving drivers greater confidence when venturing off the beaten track.
Towing has also been a focus of the latest software revision.
For the B5, the update introduces cruise control while towing, a dedicated towing mode switch and trailer weight selection, allowing the vehicle to adjust performance parameters to suit different trailer loads.
The larger B8 gains cruise control in towing mode as well as dynamic range estimation, which is designed to provide more accurate driving range predictions when towing.
A number of convenience and safety upgrades have also been included.
Both models now feature additional head-up display functionality that incorporates turn signal information, while a new password lock function has been added to improve vehicle security.
The seven-seat B8 receives an additional safety enhancement through improved anti-jam protection for its second- and third-row folding seats, preventing them from closing if resistance is detected.
Denza Australia chief operating officer Mark Harland said the update reflected feedback gathered from both local owners and the company’s Australian engineering team.
“We are listening to customer feedback, not only through our local engineering team but also through real-world experiences shared by owners driving on Australian roads and tracks,” he said.
“Whether it’s improved towing capability, greater off-road confidence or enhanced convenience and safety features, these updates are designed to deliver meaningful improvements that customers will notice in everyday driving.”
The OTA Version 1.1.0 update is now being rolled out to Australian owners and can be installed without visiting a dealership.
The update comes as Denza continues to expand its local line-up. The brand currently offers the B5 and B8 off-road-focused plug-in hybrids alongside the D9 people mover, while the high-performance Z9 GT is due to arrive later this year as the first Australian model to feature BYD’s next-generation Blade Battery 2.0 technology and ultra-fast FLASH charging capability.
Meanwhile, Zeekr has also announced a significant OTA update for its popular 7X electric SUV, including:
• Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the vehicle to move forwards and backwards via an Apple smartphone when manoeuvring into tight spaces.
• Apple CCC 3.0 digital key functionality, enabling owners to unlock and access the vehicle using their smartphone.
• Improved Apple CarPlay integration with enhanced responsiveness and usability.
