BYD’s luxury brand Denza will launch in Australia with the Prado-baiting body-on-frame B5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) four-wheel drive — with Aussies able to order the 400kW/760Nm B5 for $3500 less than a 150kW/500Nm Prado GXL.
Mechanically related to the BYD Shark 6 PHEV ute, the Denza B5 is a leather-lined off-roader powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine that acts as a generator for a 31.8kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and two powerful electric motors — one front, and one rear.
Coming to Australia in two grades — the ‘entry-level’ B5 ($74,990 plus on-road costs) and the slightly larger, and up-spec B5 Leopard ($79,990 + ORCs) — this is a heavy-hitting, three-tonne off-roader that can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
Top-shelf Leopard trim beefs up B5’s off-roading capabilities
The B5 is slightly smaller than the best-selling Prado 250 Series with length of 4888mm, width of 1970mm and height of 1920mm on a 2800mm wheelbase. The Leopard grade is 33mm longer and 10mm higher than the base B5.
While the pair of B5s share their PHEV powertrain — which integrates a pair of permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors (200kW/360Nm at the front and 285kW/400Nm at the rear) with front and rear locking differentials, off-roading capabilities differ, with the Leopard on top.
That is because the Leopard uniquely fits BYD and Denza’s DiSus-P ‘dynamic intelligent suspension’ which uses hydraulic actuators at each corner to independently raise, lower or stiffen the suspension virtually instantaneously.
As a result, the Leopard sports an approach angle of 39 degrees (B5: 35º), a departure angle of 35 degrees (B5: 32º), and a 27 degree breakover angle (B5: 20º). Ground clearance maxes out at 220mm in the regular B5 but a high 310mm in the Leopard.
4.8 second 0-100km/h sprint despite three-tonne kerb weight
These are complex cars, and their kerb weight reflects this, measuring 2897kg for the standard B5 and a hefty 3007kg for the Leopard.
The B5’s 31.8kWh LFP battery can be recharged at 11kW (AC) or a peak of 100kW (DC). The hybrid power unit maintains a 25 percent charge buffer to assist the petrol engine, with a 100 percent to 25 percent electric range of 90km (WLTP) at consumption of 26.5kWh/100km.
Denza says the B5’s ‘dead battery’ fuel consumption — once the battery has dipped below 25 percent state of charge, forcing the petrol engine into play — is 10.9L/100km (WLTP) for a further combustion fuel range of 761km.
Under the skin the B5 uses double wishbone suspension front and rear. Towing, gross vehicle mass (GVM) and payload have been beefed-up for Australia, with braked towing capacity of 3000kg for both models.
GVM measures 3497kg for both trims, meaning payload of 600kg for the B5 and 490kg for the Leopard. Gross combined mass (GCM) has not yet been quoted. Brakes are ventilated disc, front and rear.
Generous standard kit for B5, with luxury Leopard upping the ante
The price-leading B5 ($74,990 + ORC) has a lengthy specification list that takes in front and rear mechanical differential locks, 18-inch gunmetal-grey alloys in 265/65 R18 Continental tyres, a 360-degree camera, front/rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlights, fixed side steps, acoustic/privacy glass, and an opening sunroof with power sunshade.
Other standard kit includes genuine leather seating, powered 12-way driver/10-way front passenger seating, cooled front seats, heated front/rear seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, FM/DAB radio, 15.6-inch touchscreen/12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 16-speaker stereo.
BYD Connected Services is standard, providing for remote start/climate control, with a 2GB per month plan comped for 24 months with a 4G connection and wi-fi hotspot capability. An NFC key and solo 50-watt wireless charger round out the inclusions.
Spending a further $5000 for the B5 Leopard buys 20-inch wheels (in 275/55 R20 Pirelli tyres), trick DiSus-P intelligent suspension, upgraded nappa leather upholstery, cooling for the rear seats, digital rear view mirror, an ultra-wideband key and a second 50-watt wireless charger.
Standard safety kit for both variants includes autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, front/rear cross traffic alert with braking, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic sign recognition and a head-up display.
Outside, the standard colour is Eclipse Black with Alpine White, Juniper Green, Glacier Blue, Granite Grey and Leopard Gold cost optional. Inside, Slate Grey leather is standard with optional hues being Jade Green and Sandstone (beige).
Denza has confirmed that BYD’s Australian warranty arrangements will apply to the luxury brand’s models: a six year/150,000 “bumper to bumper” warranty for the vehicle plus an eight year/160,000km warranty for the battery. Three-year roadside assistance will be standard.
Denza B5 2026: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- B5: $74,990
- B5 Leopard: $79,990
