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2026 Denza B5 & B8: BYD’s new luxury SUVs confirmed for Australia: pricing, specs & release date
BYD has announced the launch of its new Denza premium sub-brand. From specs to pricing, here's what you need to know about Denza's arrival in Australia and it's new plug-in hybrid large SUV range.
Promising luxury finishes combined with offroad capability, Denza's range of upmarket large SUVs will take on established rivals like the Ford Everest, Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Nissan Patrol.
Read on to see how the new arrivals are expected to stack up and how Denza could extend BYD’s growing success in Australia.
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The 2026 Denza B5 is expected to be a capable offroad SUV. Overseas vehicle shown.
What is Denza? BYD’s new Lexus rival
Denza is to BYD Automotive what Lexus is to Toyota, and Audi is to Volkswagen - a brand born to deliver a more premium motoring experience for car buyers looking to elevate themselves from the mainstream.
Originally founded in 2010 as a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, Denza came fully integrated into BYD in 2024 and is guided in Australia by experienced auto leader, Mark Harland, previously with General Motors.
Australia and New Zealand will be the first markets outside China to get Denza’s new lineup – in fact, BYD is expected to use the Denza name here as an umbrella to bring in vehicles from three of its sub-brands.
In a world-first strategy, models sold in China under BYD’s Fangchengbao, YangWang, and Denza marques are expected to wear the Denza badge in Australia.
“This is a landmark moment in the Australian automotive industry,” Denza Australia COO Mark Harland said. “Denza will offer a whole new range for consumers wanting a slice of luxury and the latest in innovation.
“It’s built for explorers, pioneers, and leaders. For those who see roads as invitations, not boundaries, we know Denza will be one of the most exciting premium brand launches to date.”
Which Denza vehicles will launch in Australia?
The B5 and B8 are the first Denza brand vehicles to arrive in Australia. In China they’re known as the Fangchengbao Leopard 5 and Leopard 8, but they’ve been incorporated under Denza for Australia.
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When will Denza launch in Australia?
BYD has announced the Denza B5 and Denza B8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) large SUVs will launch in Australia in November 2025.
What will the Denza B5 and B8 cost in Australia?
Denza’s first models, the B5 and B8, are premium off-road SUVs that have the potential to rewrite the playbook for large 4WD SUVs in Australia.
Sized and positioned against the Toyota Prado (for the B5) and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series (for the larger B8), expect these vehicles to be priced to succeed and undercut their competition.
What powers the Denza B5 and Denza B8?
Under the skin, both B5 and B8 share BYD’s Dual-Mode Offroad (DM-O) technology – a plug-in hybrid system that delivers genuine electric driving capability and 4x4 performance.
While the Australian spec for the vehicles is yet to be confirmed, they are expected to follow the Chinese specifications.
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2026 Denza B5 engine specs
A 1.5-litre turbochargd petrol engine is paired with two electric motors (front and rear) and a large 31.8 kWh BYD Blade battery.
Combined output is a convincing 505kW and 760Nm, besting the diesel Prado. It boasts a 0–100 km/h of just 4.8 seconds.
The B5 can drive up to 125 km on electric power (NEDC) and over 1200 km total range with petrol for long trips. In China, B5 owners get features like hydraulic body control for improved ride and handling off-road.
2026 Denza B8 engine specs
The big brother SUV from Denza ups the ante with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, dual e-motors and a 36.8 kWh battery. Combined output jumps to 550 kW and 760 Nm. Despite seating six or seven, and measuring 5.2 m long (almost the size of a Toyota LandCruiser), the B8 matches the B5’s 4.8-second 0–100 km/h sprint and 125 km EV range (NEDC).
In China it's available with Yunian-P hydropneumatic suspension on all models for a cushy ride on-road and off. Both B5 and B8 use BYD’s latest Blade LFP batteries, renowned for their safety and longevity.
In practice, these specs make the Denza duo compelling when compared to the most powerful petrol and diesel SUVs on sale in Australia. For context, a Toyota LandCruiser 300 (twin-turbo V6 diesel) produces just 227 kW, and even a V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee is around 350 kW.
Those numbers should give Denza owners bragging rights, and the large battery size means daily commutes or school runs could be done solely on electric power, saving fuel and reducing emissions.
Will the Denza vehicles be good off-road?
Despite the complex drivetrain, these vehicles are designed for real off-roading and are likely to be of interest to buyers of perennial favourites like the Ford Everest and Nissan Patrol.
Both the Denza B5 and Denza B8 have permanent 4WD via their dual motors, with the petrol engine able to drive the wheels through a multi-mode system when extra power or battery charging is needed.
In China they come equipped with locking differentials (rear locker standard, front locker available) for serious traction on loose terrain.
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Will the new Denza B5 and B6 be good for towing?
One potential vulnerability for Denza's new SUVs are their braked towing capacity. In China the towing capacity is 2500kg for both B5 and B8, which is below the 3000-3500kg expectation set by vehicles like the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest and most leading dual-cab utes. Expect the Australian import team to be lobbying hard for an improvement in this area.
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The 2026 Denza B5 is expected to square up against the Toyota Landcruiser Prado
Denza B5 and B8 exterior design
The Denza B5 is about 4.9m long which makes it slightly larger than a Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the B8 stretches to 5.2 m (just shy of a Toyota LandCruiser 300).
Both Denza models are tall, broad SUVs with chunky, squared-off styling inherited from their ‘Leopard’ design heritage.
Just like the BYD Shark 6 already stands out on the road, expect a bold, modern exterior look, with LED lighting signatures, all-terrain tyres and upright grilles that signal off-road intent.
Denza B5 and B8 interior design
Inside, Denza has pulled out all the stops to make these cabins feel premium and high-tech. Highlights carrying over from the Chinese spec are expected to include:
- Up to three digital screens: a driver’s instrument cluster, a large central infotainment touchscreen (expect BYD’s rotating display here), and even an additional passenger-side screen on some trims.
- High-end audio (16- or 18-speaker systems) and ambient lighting with fragrance diffusers for added ambience.
- Luxury materials like Nappa leather seats, crystal-style electronic controls, and powered everything. The B8 even integrates a flying drone stored in the roof in China but it is unclear whether that gadget may make it to Australia.
Denza B5 and B8 safety features
According to Denza’s China-market specifications, the B5 comes equipped with the “God’s Eye” ADAS suite including a configuration of cameras, radar and LiDAR, alongside Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 3.0 driver-assist software to support adaptive cruise, lane-centring, obstacle detection and limited Level 2 autonomy.
The Chinese market vehicle also offers up to 11 airbags as part of its passive safety package, although the Australian variant’s final safety equipment has not yet been confirmed by Denza.
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How can you charge the new Denza range?
Being plug-in hybrids, the B5 and B8 can charge up their batteries from regular household socket but a home EV charger will speed up the process.
BYD hasn’t published charge times yet, but with decent battery sizes likely, a full charge at home (7 kW AC wallbox) might take around 5-6 hours for the B5 and 6-8 hours for the B8.
As seen on the BYD Shark 6 PHEV, Denza's SUVs will also likely support DC fast-charging, at least at a modest rate, which could fill the battery in well under an hour when you’re away from home.
Fuel economy figures for hybrid operation are unconfirmed.
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The 2026 Denza B8 is expected to offer front and rear locking dfferentials but towing capacity is yet to be confirmed
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