Diesel heartland conquered: Electrified Denza B5 and B8 challenge and beat Beer O’Clock Hill
The Toyota LandCruiser- and Prado-challenging Denza B5 and Denza B8 PHEV SUVs have taken on one of Australia’s toughest off-road tests, successfully climbing Queensland’s notoriously difficult Beer O’Clock Hill.
The steep and rocky obstacle at The Springs 4×4 Park is widely regarded as one of the country’s toughest technical climbs, making it a proving ground typically associated with heavy-duty diesel 4WDs such as the LandCruiser, Prado and Ford Everest.
According to BYD and Denza Australia, both electrified off-roaders completed the 100-metre climb without stopping despite the hill reaching a peak slope of 55 degrees.
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The test comes shortly after Denza launched the petrol-electric B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid SUVs in Australia as part of a push into the country’s traditional diesel-dominated large 4WD segment.
The B5 and B8 were fitted with their standard factory DiSus-P intelligent suspension system and ran with front and rear mechanical differential locks engaged along with low-range gearing.
The only modifications were the fitment of Mickey Thompson Baja Boss all-terrain tyres and minor software adjustments to traction, torque and throttle calibrations.
Both vehicles climbed the hill without pausing at the rocky mogul halfway up the track — a section known for catching out heavily modified off-road vehicles.
The vehicles also completed the descent of the obstacle as part of the evaluation program.
Denza says the testing was undertaken as part of a broader effort to fine-tune its vehicles for Australian driving conditions, particularly steep and slippery off-road terrain.
Data collected during the test will be sent to the brand’s research and development teams in China, with further off-road software enhancements expected to be delivered to Australian customers through over-the-air updates.
The B5 used during the test was also fitted with a prototype aluminium frontal protection kit and roof rack as Denza explores a range of factory-approved off-road accessories for the Australian market.
Denza Australia chief operating officer Mark Harland said the exercise demonstrated the capability of the electrified SUVs in challenging local conditions.
“Beer O’Clock Hill is one of the toughest tests in the country, and we are delighted that both the Denza B5 and Denza B8 conquered it with authority,” Harland said.
“Learnings are shared with our research and development teams as part of our commitment to continuous refinement and product improvement.”
The off-road demonstration comes as Denza attempts to establish itself in Australia’s traditional large 4WD segment, where diesel-powered models such as the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and LandCruiser 300 Series have long dominated sales.
Denza launched the B5 and larger B8 plug-in hybrid SUVs in Australia earlier this year, positioning them as electrified alternatives to those long-established off-roaders.
The B5 is roughly Prado-sized, while the larger B8 targets full-size SUVs such as the LandCruiser 300 Series and Lexus GX.
Both combine petrol engines with large battery packs and electric motors, allowing them to drive approximately 80km on electric power while still offering the long-range touring ability expected of traditional off-road vehicles.
The demonstration also comes shortly after Denza confirmed the launch of its first full-electric model in Australia, the D9 luxury people-mover, as the Chinese brand expands its local line-up.
