The Denza B8 offers an incredible glimpse of what China can do for Australian four-wheel drivers. This new luxury brand from China is doing something not seen before in Australia, providing a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines power, efficiency, and EV range. The Denza B8 is priced at $98,661 plus on-road costs, making it the most expensive PHEV from China for the Australian market.
The Chinese automotive industry is moving at an incredibly fast pace, with BYD recently coming close to toppling Toyota in terms of overall sales in Australia. Denza is a subsidiary brand of BYD and is a factory-backed operation in Australia. However, the Denza B8 is not exactly a Denza vehicle, as it is sourced from FangChengBao, another brand under the BYD umbrella, and rebranded for the Australian market.
The Denza B8 has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 36.8kWh BYD Blade battery, and an electric motor for front and rear wheels separately. Peak combined power is 425kW and 760Nm, with 145kW/350Nm coming from the petrol side of the equation. The vehicle also has a claimed 4.8-second dash to 100km/h and a 115km electric-only driving range.
The Denza B8’s interior is very impressive, with a 17.3-inch infotainment screen, nappa leather seats, and electric heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The vehicle also features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a Devialet sound system with 18 speakers and 800W of power. The centre console can cool to -6 or heat up to 50 degrees Celsius, and there are dual 50W wireless phone chargers.
The Denza B8 is quite impressive, with excellent build quality and a high level of amenity and features. However, it may not be the best fit for Australian families, as the six-seat layout can feel more like a luxury chauffeur than a kid hauler. The vehicle’s weight is also a big issue, making it feel stiff and uncompromising over bumps. Despite this, the Denza B8 is mostly nice to drive, with good body control and handling, although the ride quality can be rough on country roads.
Off-Road Capability
The Denza B8’s off-road capability is quite good, despite its huge weight and 20-inch wheels. The vehicle features height-adjustable suspension, locking differentials front and rear, and a low-range transfer case for the rear wheels. The Denza B8 can provide good control of wheelspin and available traction, making it capable of handling steep hills and ruts. However, the weight and stiffness of the suspension mean it doesn’t feel at home off-road in the same way a LandCruiser does.
The Denza B8’s off-road driving modes can be confusing, with too many options to sort through. However, the vehicle’s capability is excellent, considering its highway-oriented tyres and immense weight. The Denza B8 is able to tick all the boxes in terms of off-road capability, making it a viable option for those who value technology, value for money, and features in their vehicle.
As the first true Denza for the Australian market will be the D9 fully electric people mover, the Denza B8 is an interesting entry into the luxury SUV market. With its impressive powertrain, features, and off-road capability, the Denza B8 is definitely worth considering for those in the market for a luxury vehicle. The vehicle’s weight and ride quality are notable drawbacks, but its value for money and technology make it an attractive option.
In comparison to other luxury SUVs, the Denza B8 offers a unique combination of electric-only driving range, big combined outputs, and space for the family. While it may not be as polished as other established luxury players, such as the Land Rover Defender and Audi Q7, the Denza B8 is certainly a contender in the luxury SUV market. With its impressive features and capabilities, the Denza B8 is an interesting glimpse into what China can offer Australian four-wheel drivers.
The Denza B8’s specifications are impressive, with a peak combined power and a claimed 4.8-second dash to 100km/h. The vehicle’s electric-only driving range is 115km, and its overall driving range is 1040km. With its impressive specifications and capabilities, the Denza B8 is certainly a vehicle worth considering for those in the market for a luxury SUV.
Despite its impressive features and capabilities, the Denza B8’s weight remains a significant concern, affecting its overall driving experience. The vehicle’s active hydraulic suspension helps to mitigate this issue to some extent, but it cannot completely overcome the challenges posed by the B8’s massive 3290kg kerb mass. As a result, the B8 can feel stiff and uncompromising over bumps, particularly on rough country roads.
While the vehicle may not feel entirely at home in off-road environments, its capability is excellent considering its highway-oriented tyres and immense weight.
Value for Money
In terms of value for money, the Denza B8 is an attractive option for those who prioritize technology, features, and space. The vehicle’s price tag of $98,661 plus on-road costs may seem steep, but it is justified by the impressive array of features and capabilities on offer. The B8’s electric-only driving range, big combined outputs, and space for the family make it a unique proposition in the luxury SUV market. While it may not be as polished as other established luxury players, the Denza B8 is certainly a contender in this segment.
The Denza B8’s interior is also a major selling point, with its decadent features and high level of amenity. The vehicle’s 17.3-inch infotainment screen, nappa leather seats, and electric heating, ventilation, and massaging functions make it a comfortable and luxurious place to be. The B8’s build quality is also excellent, with a high level of attention to detail and a premium feel throughout. With its impressive specifications and capabilities, the Denza B8 is certainly a vehicle worth considering for those in the market for a luxury SUV, with a 5/5 star Ancap Safety rating and a strong warranty offering.
The Denza B8 has a strong warranty offering, which provides customers with peace of mind. They offer a full warranty package that covers the vehicle for a certain period of time. This warranty package is a major selling point for the Denza B8, as it provides customers with protection against defects and other issues.