2026 Denza B5 evaluation: Fast drive

Initially based in partnership with Daimler AG, Denza is likely one of the many sub-divisions of Chinese language electrified automobile specialist, BYD.

The luxurious-leaning auto model is launching in Australia subsequent month with two plug-in hybrid off-road SUVs, together with the medium-large 2026 Denza B5 you see right here. It is going to be joined by the bigger Denza B8, deliveries of which can probably begin within the new 12 months.

Again to the B5. It’s a boxy five-seat four-wheel drive SUV with a stonking plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that delivers a minimum of 425kW of energy and 760Nm of torque, permitting it to dash to 100km/h as shortly as a Volkswagen Golf R whereas additionally being able to 90km of electric-only driving (WLTC).

It’s additionally pitched as a correct off-roader with obtainable hydraulic suspension, low-range gearing, and good method, departure and breakover angles. BYD-Denza additionally says its rated to tow 3000kg.

We nonetheless don’t have full pricing and specs but, however we obtained a fast stint of an early Australian-spec automobile across the off-road course on the outdated Holden Lang Lang proving floor in Victoria’s south-east.

Does the B5 have what it takes to play with the massive boys within the giant off-road SUV area dominated by the diesel-powered Ford Everest, Toyota Prado, and Isuzu MU-X?

How a lot does the Denza B5 price?

We don’t know but. However we do know that the B5 shall be obtainable in normal ‘B5’ and high-spec B5 Leopard trim ranges in Australia, the latter providing a Nappa leather-lined cabin, and the model’s ‘DiSus-P’ adjustable hydraulic suspension system.

We’re anticipating the usual B5 to start out within the $60,000-$75,000 area, with the Leopard probably demanding mid to high-$70,000 and even $80,000-plus pricing – however we additionally could possibly be improper.

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What’s the Denza B5 like on the within?

I spent barely 45 minutes with the B5 at its Australian media pre-drive, which was targeted extra on tackling off-road obstacles and capturing content material than really driving it on a highway or poking across the cabin.

Each fashions get a big 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, each providing shiny graphics and good decision.

There’s a really upright and sq. theme to the way it’s all designed, very similar to how premium off-road automobiles just like the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are thought out.

Whereas there’s an underlying utilitarian spirit, as within the BYD Shark 6 ute the cabin has been cloaked in swathes of padded leather-based and leather-look parts with top-stitching, and delicate prospers of chrome and metal-like accents.

It’s all fairly neatly executed, and I just like the chunky toggle-style switches on the centre console, together with the intense pink begin/cease button which, as James Might would put it, “appears like a boiled candy”.

The couch-like entrance chairs provide full electrical adjustment and perch you good and excessive – in the event you like that type of factor – and the final atmosphere feels fairly posh.

As with different BYD merchandise, a lot of the in-car performance is constructed into the touchscreen, together with the local weather controls.

Whereas there’s a everlasting taskbar on the base of the show, the interface continues to be very BYD, which implies it usually flashes animations and adjustments menus with the press of key buttons, and the menu construction generally is a little convoluted.

Storage can also be respectable do you have to want snacks and different provides throughout an opulent expedition, together with a stowage cubby below the bridge-like centre console.

The again seats are greater than giant sufficient for tall adults to take a seat behind tall adults. I’m 6’1″ and had loads of area behind my very own driving place, in addition to below the panoramic glass sunroof.

Three throughout must be effective, particularly for youths, and there are many facilities like rear air vents, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, and the like.

Denza claims the B5 provides a boot capability of 470 litres with all 5 seats in play, increasing to 1064L with the rear bench folded.

What’s below the bonnet?

The B5 and B5 Leopard are powered by what BYD-Denza calls the ‘1.5T DM-O Tremendous Hybrid’ system, incorporating a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with two electrical motors and an enormous 31.8kWh LFP battery.

Full specs shall be obtainable nearer to the Denza B5’s on-sale date in November.

How does the Denza B5 drive?

We solely obtained a brief stint behind the wheel of the B5 and B5 Leopard on a few of the off-road tracks at Lang Lang.

Given CarExpert founder, Paul Maric, makes use of most of those identical impediment programs for the off-road parts of our YouTube movies, I figured I’d topic the Denza B5 and B5 Leopard to the identical assessments as we usually do.

First, the rutted hill. Now, it seems the BYD-Denza group had evened out a few of the ruts on this hillclimb, famously recognized for beaching a pre-production Shark 6 ute when Paul first examined it.

Nonetheless, the B5 is nowhere close to quick on energy, and the electrical drive motors didn’t have a lot hassle getting the 4WD’s close to 3.0-tonne mass up the slippery hill over a number of makes an attempt – together with ones the place I ended mid-ascent.

For reference, the B5 is up by greater than 100kW and 100Nm over the Shark 6, however can also be 200-300kg heftier than the BYD dual-cab.

There are not any fewer than 16 drive modes you’ll be able to flick by to deal with troublesome terrain, together with an adaptive mode that tailors the drivetrain to no matter situations it senses. Every include a cool animation and alter of theme on each the central touchscreen and driver instrument cluster.

It’s also possible to flick by HEV and EV powertrain settings, select 4L low-range gearing – through a two-speed switch case on the rear axle – and within the Leopard there’s a swap to toggle the totally different experience heights for the DiSus-P hydraulic suspension.

Left to its personal gadgets, the Denza B5 will usually silently plug by obstacles in EV mode, however in the event you want a bit extra grunt or lock it in particular modes it’s going to hearth up the petrol engine. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine below the bonnet can hearth up with a little bit of vibration and coarseness when chilly, however it doesn’t ship sudden shunts by the cabin.

I trialled the hill descent management on the best way again down the hill, and located it may be slightly jerky on the brakes and exhausting to modulate with the precise brake pedal – a little bit of rocking forwards and backwards outcomes.

Denza says the B5 Leopard’s adjustable suspension permits 220mm of floor clearance in its normal setting, and may be raised to supply a lofty 310mm.

Additional, the method, departure and breakover angles are as much as 39/35/27 levels respectively, when the B5 Leopard is in its tallest setting.

The usual B5 didn’t really feel prefer it was missing in clearance, although there was the odd event when traversing the rocky wading pool once I thought I may need heard the towbar knock on one thing.

Talking of, each the Denza B5 and B8 will include a tow bar and 12-pin coupling as normal in Australia.

Doing the identical actions within the B5 Leopard wasn’t all that totally different, save for the adjustable suspension that gave the 4WD extra clearance, but additionally made it wobblier over obstacles.

The added top additionally gave a bit extra confidence when navigating the boulder run and the water crossing, as we cleared the jagged rock edges and sharp incline out of the waterbed significantly better with the DiSus-P system set to its highest setting.

Whereas we didn’t expertise any points on this primary native drive, we obtained no wheel time on asphalt to get a really feel for the B5’s on-road efficiency on public roads.

We sit up for getting a correct drive in real-world situations within the coming months.

What do you get?

Denza has solely launched preliminary specs, largely pertaining to the flagship B5 Leopard.

2026 Denza B5 Leopard tools highlights:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• 275/55 R20 Pirelli tyres
• Tow bar, hitch and 12-pin coupling
• Electromechanical differential locks – entrance, rear
• DiSus-P hydraulic suspension
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wi-fi Android Auto
• Nappa leather-based upholstery
• Laminated soundproof glass
• 16 selectable drive modes

Is the Denza B5 protected?

The Denza B5 doesn’t have an ANCAP or Euro NCAP score, giving its newness to markets exterior of China.

Denza B5 Leopard security highlights:

• 11 airbags
• ‘Superior Driving Help System’
  • Degree 2 autonomous options
• 360-degree cameras

How a lot does the Denza B5 price to run?

Denza hasn’t confirmed its guarantee program as but, although we anticipate the posh arm to comply with the same format to its BYD sister model, which provides a six-year, 150,000km guarantee for the automobile, and eight-year, 160,000km battery cowl.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Denza B5

If priced proper, the Denza B5 could possibly be a very attention-grabbing addition to Australia’s off-road SUV market and probably disrupt the house favourites.

Boasting eye-catching design, a thumping however (theoretically) environment friendly PHEV drivetrain, and stable specs, the five-seat Denza B5 feels extra polished than the GWM Tank 300, and provides the type of luxurious atmosphere that an Everest or Prado may solely dream of.

Nevertheless, the 3000kg braked towing capability lags behind each these seven-seat off-roaders, and the shortage of a third-row seating choice means household consumers must spend extra for the bigger B8, or store elsewhere.

Then once more, we nonetheless don’t have all that a lot to go on – Denza hasn’t introduced full pricing or specs, nor have we actually put the Denza B5 to the check exterior the managed confines of a proving floor.

Till then, our verdict on this Chinese language luxurious off-roader stays TBC, however the early indicators are promising. BYD has large ambitions in Australia and is on a roll in the meanwhile with a variety of well-priced new fashions on the best way, so it received’t need that momentum slowing down anytime quickly.

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MORE: Discover the BYD showroom