Newly competed Toyota Land Cruiser competitor by BYD commences journey in Australia, slated for domestic debut in 2026.
The Chinese automotive company BYD has announced plans to introduce its Denza premium off-shoot brand in Australia before the end of 2025, with New Zealand following in 2026. One of the models set to make its local debut is the Denza B8, a large three-row SUV that promises to deliver an impressive blend of performance and off-road capabilities.
The Denza B8, known as the Fangchengbao Bao 8 in China, has already undergone testing in Australia ahead of its launch, which is scheduled for the end of 2025. The SUV boasts a sizeable footprint, measuring 5195mm in length, 1994mm in width, and 1905mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2920mm.
Under the hood, the Denza B8 is powered by a PHEV powertrain consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors, producing a total system output of 550kW and 760Nm. This potent powertrain allows the B8 to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a mere 4.8 seconds, an impressive feat for a vehicle with a kerb weight of 3.3 tonnes.
The Denza B8's off-road capabilities are equally impressive. It features a low-speed four-wheel drive mode, three automatic diff locks, and a long list of off-road modes. The SUV also boasts a ground clearance of 220mm in normal mode, which can increase to 310mm when lifted up. Additionally, the B8 has a wading depth of up to 890mm, approach and departure angles of 34 and 35 degrees, respectively.
The B8's battery is a 36.8kWh 'Blade' lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering an electric range of 100km according to WLTP testing. However, it's worth noting that the claimed total range of the Denza B8 is 1200km, according to lenient CLTC testing.
Photos and short videos of the camouflaged prototype of the Denza B8 have been uploaded to the BYD Denza B5 & B8 Australia Facebook group, providing a sneak peek of what's to come. The Denza B8, along with the B5 plug-in hybrid SUV, are set to launch in Africa and the Middle East from the third quarter of 2025.
Interestingly, the Denza B8, when sold locally, will have a slightly different front grille design, along with Denza badging all around. The Denza B5, which is the first model to be offered locally, is around the size of a Toyota Prado, making it more compact than the B8, which is more on par with the Land Rover Defender 130 or even larger than a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series.
While the larger Denza B8 hasn't been confirmed for local markets yet, vehicle registration search confirms that a black Denza B8 "evaluation vehicle" has been spotted testing in Australia. With its impressive performance, off-road capabilities, and premium features, the Denza B8 is certainly a vehicle to watch out for when it officially launches in Australia later this year.
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