From an entirely unknown name in August 2022 when it launched its first model, the Atto 3, BYD has experienced monumental sales growth.
The latest bump in success comes from the Shark 6 ute, which has been a game-changer in the truest sense. That said, it’s not perfect. Mainly in terms of off-road ability, where the Shark 6’s lack of locking differentials, low range and solid traction control have let it down.
Not to be turned off, BYD has confirmed to Chasing Cars that it will bring a Toyota Prado and Ford Everest rivalling 4×4 wagon to Australia, likely in the fourth quarter of this year. Although a name is not officially confirmed, we understand this model will be called the Denza B5.
Speaking to BYD Australia senior product manager Sajid Hasan, we were told “the B5 will be the first model…I’m confirming it now.”
Hasan also went on to say more models are on the wishlist, including the Bao 8 4×4, Denza N9 large SUV, Z9 GT sports wagon, and D9 luxury people mover, all of which we had a steer in.
What is the Denza B5?
Known in its China home market as the Fang Cheng Bao Leopard Bao 5 — quite the mouthful — the B5 is a plug-in hybrid 4×4 wagon measuring 4890mm long, 1970mm wide, 1920mm tall and riding on a 2800mm wheelbase.
Though a little bit smaller and with only five seats, the B5 is effectively a rival for the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, and GWM’s Tank range, including the smaller 300 and bigger Tank 500.
Like its Shark 6 relation, the B5 sits on a ladder frame chassis and employs a ‘DMO’ plug-in hybrid powertrain that features an electric motor on both the front and rear axle. They draw power from a 31.8kWh Blade battery for 100km of electric-only driving range.
A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder works as a generator most of the time, though it can kick in and drive the front axle in certain scenarios. The B5 has even more punch than the Shark 6, with a stunning 505kW and 760Nm for 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
On top of that, the B5’s rear motor is more powerful (285kW vs front 200kW) for a more desirable split between the axles. It also features a virtual locking centre differential and a simulated four-low mode along with electronically controlled locking differentials front and rear.
Off-road credentials are strong, then, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of, 35, 32, and 20 degrees, respectively, plus 700mm wading depth and adaptive dampers.
Inside, the cabin of the car we sat in was high quality with leather upholstery and plenty of technology including a huge 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen.
Denza B5 pricing is yet to be locked in for Australia, but don’t expect Shark 6-level entry cost. Being the luxury brand, expect the B5 to punch up beyond $80,000, given its extensive equipment and huge outputs.
Will the B5 be worth it? We’ll have to wait and see.
Are there any other models in the works for BYD and Denza?
The next most likely is the Bao 5’s bigger brother, the Bao 8 which would probably be known as the Denza B8. It’s based on the same underpinnings but with a longer wheelbase (2920mm) and greater overall length (5195mm).
Instead of adaptive dampers, the B8 gets trick active height-adjustable suspension, more grunt (550kW), more leather inside and the option of seven seats. Kerb weight spikes by 500kg, though, to 3305kg.
On the 4WD side of things, BYD’s Denza is also considering a version of the tank-turning, quad electric motor powered Yangwang U8, though it’s further down the track.
Instead, Aussies are more likely are the Denza N9 — a tri-motor plug-in hybrid with the Range Rover in its sights — added to the range sooner. That said, we’re talking 2026 and beyond, here.
Denza could also play a Porsche Taycan rivalling shooting brake Z9 GT, with up to 710kW combined. Another option would be a Zeekr 009-challengine D9 luxury people mover.
BYD itself is also looking to expand, first with a new Atto 2 affordable crossover, then with other models in the pipeline. We have a separate story for those vehicles coming.