Denza B8 Reviews

An upgraded version of the Denza B8 from BYD’s luxury arm has been uncovered in China thanks to a filing with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.The new version of the B8 large off-roader, which only just launched at the beginning of 2026 in Australia, also has various styling tweaks, like new wheel designs and bumpers, as well as what appears to be an upgraded safety suite for the Chinese market.The new battery pack moves from 36.8kWh, which granted it 115km of range (NEDC), to 46.7kWh, which grants it a range of 150km (according to the WLTC cycle).The new version of the car maintains the same 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to electric motors as before, with the engine producing 200kW and the motors producing 200kW in the front and 300kW in the rear.In Australia the current 2.0-litre dual-motor set-up provides a combined output of 425kW/760Nm.As with all Chinese regulatory filings, the interior of the updated car is yet to be revealed, although a range of wheel types and exterior trims were also revealed.Locally the current car is offered in just one trim level, which starts from $91,000 for the seven-seat version, moving to $97,000 for the more luxurious six-seater.Sales in full are yet to kick off for the B8, with only nine units registered in the first two months of 2026. Meanwhile, a boatload of the smaller Prado-rivalling B5 has arrived, with the brand adding 300 units to its tally.Denza has ambitious plans to be a dominant player in the emerging Chinese luxury car segment, where it will serve as a rival to Geely’s Zeekr, and the upcoming Wey brand from GWM.While the brand offers two more off-road oriented models currently in the B5 and B8, it will also add the D9 people mover and potentially a version of the Z9 GT sports car later in 2026.BYD and Denza’s plans locally aren’t limited to cars either, the brand has also earmarked an expansion into the charging infrastructure game, with the possibility of introducing its new megawatt-level charging stations to Australia.These stations can charge at up to (or even over) 1000kW, even without the requisite grid support thanks to a buffer battery, removing the usual limitations which see most DC chargers in Australia limited to around 350kW.This will serve as an advantage not just for BYD products, but also other vehicles which have charging capabilities beyond that of Australia’s current network.BYD itself has plans to crack the top-three in Australia by the end of 2026, and is on the warpath to doing so, having already overtaken GWM and MG in Australia’s charts so far this year.

BYD is supersizing its luxury Denza plug-in hybrids.The Chinese brand isn’t resting on its laurels, and is already advancing some of its newest Denza branded models with some mega upgrades.In China the Denza N9 and N8L large plug-in hybrid SUVs are getting new batteries that would make most EVs jealous.The Range Rover rivalling models get a 40 per cent electric driving range boost thanks to a new circa-75kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery.BYD claims it pushes driving range up to 315km in the N9 and 320km in the N8L.That new battery is bigger than what is found in most EVs, and is about three to four times bigger than what is found in most plug-in hybrids.The extra battery capacity pushes the two SUV's weight above three tonnes. That extra weight will mean the bigger battery will be more inefficient as it has to move around the extra bulk.Other technical details have not been revealed, but it is likely to maintain the same set-up as the current version.The N9 uses a​​ 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to three electric motors, which pump out a combined 680kW and allow it to hit 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. It takes aim at the European luxury establishment with top-notch items such as dual-chamber air suspension, rear-wheel steering, a refrigerated centre console box and a 17.3-inch screen which folds down from the roof to provide entertainment for the second and third row.The N9 is more road-focused compared to the Denza B5 and B8 premium off-roaders which have recently gone on sale in Australia.There is no word yet on whether the Denz N9 or N8L will come to Australia, but out of the two the N9 would be the most likely.BYD is aggressively expanding its line-up in Australia, including via its Denza high-end sub brand, which opens the door to the N9 coming Down Under.

Is the ‘uncool’ people mover on the verge of a renaissance?New arrivals and rising sales suggest the once daggy family transport could become the new battleground in the Australian market.While large, seven-seat SUVs remain the preferred option for Australian families, people mover sales were up 9.2 per cent in 2025 and have started 2026 with a surge, a whopping 41.1 per cent jump on last year.While the Kia Carnival remains the undisputed champion of people movers, accounting for approximately 80 per cent of its market, there is a new wave of more premium rivals that are catering to a specific audience looking for spacious and luxurious travel.The Chinese brands are, unsurprisingly, leading this charge, as people movers are a much more popular choice in its native market. The likes of the Zeekr 009, LDV Mifa, GAC M8 PHEV and upcoming Denza D9 are all offering space and premium features for both family and business buyers.These add to the likes of the Lexus LM, which is available with an opulent four-seat layout, as well as the Mercedes-Benz Vito and V-Class, giving buyers more choice.Meanwhile in the more family/fleet-orientated segment of the market, the Carnival competes against the Hyundai Staria, new Ford Tourneo and Volkswagen’s new-generation Multivan and Caddy.And, if that’s not enough, there are the all-electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz and Mercedes-Benz EQV to expand the appeal of the people mover even further.So what makes people movers so popular, especially the Carnival?According to Roland Rivero, Kia Australia’s head of product planning, it’s the simple fact they are bigger and more practical than a seven-seat SUV for families that need the space.“I think our dealers do a pretty good job of conveying that while there might be a high desirability of an SUV, because everyone has got one… but for most families a Carnival is a better proposition,” explains Rivero.“For a family, fundamentally a Carnival does a better job.”The combination of more interior space, especially in the third row and a practical boot, as well as the sliding rear doors, are the standout areas where a people mover has the edge over an SUV, says Rivero.“For the most part dealers are able to convey the benefits of the Carnival over an SUV, unless the buyer has a need for four-wheel drive,” he said. “It’s probably the marketing that has driven that SUV popularity.”Rivero added: “Those that discovered the benefits of a people mover, those who have a family, realise quickly how good it can be.”Speaking to CarsGuide in August 2025, Zeekr Australia boss Frank Li admitted he was surprised by the initial slow uptake for the 009 given its popularity in overseas markets but expressed confidence in its long-term prospects.“Before actually, we valued the Australian market very much as well, but you know previously we only had two models and that is quite a niche segment in Australia,” Li explained.“Even though 009 performance is very good – it’s brilliant in south east Asia, like Hong Kong, Malay Thailand, we’re dominating this segment in this market – but the Australian market is obviously not a traditional people mover market. We believe that slowly, slowly our customers will love 009, but that takes time.”The more premium end of the market is a growing space for these more luxurious people movers, and it’s a key reason why Denza (BYD’s luxury sub-brand) is going to launch the D9 in Australia.Paul Ellis, spokesperson for Denza, said the brand’s move into the market is less about attracting fleet buyers and instead a more corporate audience, smaller operators that do luxury transfers and upmarket hotels, as well as families looking for space and comfort.“They’re a niche product, but within that niche there is quite a lot of demand for them,” Ellis told CarsGuide.

Japan has lost its crown as the number one source of new cars for Australia - and it could be for good.

There’s now officially a new best-selling Chinese brand in Australia.

BYD has revealed its new "Blade" battery capable of charging its electric vehicles in rapid time, according to reports.It is the second generation of the signature Blade battery, which is found on all of BYD’s electrified vehicles.Targeted charge times range from 10-70 per cent in five minutes, with a charge from 10-97 per cent taking just nine minutes.For reference, the BYD Sealion 7 currently on sale in Australia charges from 10-80 per cent in 38 minutes, so BYD’s latest battery offers a marked improvement.The battery has also been given some other boosts, including a five per cent higher energy density.One of the models it will debut on is the Denza Z9 GT, which is an all-electric wagon earmarked for Australia within the next year. It features a 122kWh unit offering a driving range of more than 1000km according to the more lenient CLTC measuring process.The Denza Z9 GT will take a little more than 5 minutes to charge from 10-70 per cent on a charger capable of the required output, while a 10-97 per cent charge will take roughly nine minutes.The brand said its new battery can also operate effectively in extreme temperatures, with 20-97 per cent charges at -20-degrees and -30-degrees both taking 12 minutes.The boosted charging times on these new batteries are in tandem with BYD’s recently-unveiled T-shaped megawatt-level charger. It is capable of adding around 400km of driving range in five minutes or a charging speed of two kilometres every second.It is claimed this new charging system is the first mass-produced liquid-cooled megawatt terminal for passenger vehicles. It has an overall bigger design, with dual-plug charging ability, which is enabled by the use of a buffer battery to operate without megawatt grid support.Even without the use of these super fast chargers, BYD claimed its new Blade battery charges 30-50 per cent faster than conventional EV batteries.BYD is targeting 20,000 of these new ‘Flash’ charging stations by the end of 2026, giving the brand a greater charging infrastructure landscape compared to rivals such as Tesla.Locally the boss of its Denza luxury arm has earmarked the possibility of BYD entering the charging hardware game, specifically to deploy the tech-leading megawatt-level chargers.Stay tuned for more on BYD's ambitious plans in 2026 as it plots a top-three finish for the year. The brand has already leapfrogged GWM in the first two months of the year to become Australia's current favourite Chinese brand.

BYD has officially thrown the covers off of its upcoming flagship hybrid SUV via its Chinese social media channels.Previously known as the Dynasty D in pre-reveal form, and suspected to be called the Tang 9 since then, the large SUV, which BYD dubs the ‘Great Tang’ is well over five meters long and competes in an emerging luxury large SUV battleground.Not only will the new SUV be BYD’s largest new car (even larger than the LandCruiser-rivalling Denza B8), but it will also use the company’s new 'Super e' platform which supports a 1000-volt architecture with charging speed targeting 1MW to match the brand’s new ultra-fast charging stacks.While no further spec details of the flagship SUV were revealed, the brand recently told Chinese media its launch would be delayed until the second quarter of 2026 as the company moves to make improvements to ensure its offering is better than its competitors in this emerging Chinese luxury large SUV space.It was spotted in pre-production form recently wearing a 4.9S badge, which in BYD parlance usually indicates the 0-100km/h sprint speed. Some specs, revealed thanks to the vehicle’s filing with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, indicate that it will weigh nearly three tonnes and offer a seven-seat configuration.It will offer either a single motor RWD version with a 300kW output, or a dual-motor version offering a 370kW rear motor and a 215kW front motor.Other features include either 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and the option of air suspension. At this stage it is unclear if BYD will take this flagship offering in Australia, or whether it will leave space for its Denza luxury arm. Chinese media is speculating the Great Tang will cost in excess of A$90,000 in China, which would put this SUV in significant overlap with Denza’s local offerings.In China, the Great Tang will face off against some much-hyped competition like the Zeekr 9X, IM LS9, Leapmotor D16, and the upcoming GWM flagship SUV. All of which are over five-meters long and are plotted to be luxury flagships.Locally, BYD will continue to launch a flurry of new models into the Australian market as it targets at least one car in every segment in order to compete with Toyota.Stay tuned for more on BYD’s plans in Australia later this year.

Denza, the luxury arm of BYD, has unveiled an updated version of its earmarked-for-Australia Z9 GT, with a staggering driving range in excess of 1000km.The Denza Z9 GT electric wagon boasts a driving range of 1036km, from its 122kWh battery, which makes it one of the longest-range EVs in the world. It should be noted that this figure is using the CLTC testing system, which is known for being significantly more lenient than other testing methods. Even using a more stringent testing method, the Z9 GT still has an eye-catching driving range in the EV space, as Chinese automakers compete for the biggest number in each category.The Xiaomi SU7, for instance, has seen its driving range also upgraded to more than 900km, according to CLTC testing.For reference, the longest range EV sold in Australia as of publishing is the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which has a driving range of around 750km on a single charge, although this is to the more accurate WLTP testing cycle.The Z9 GT could be set for an Australian launch, given it has already been confirmed for right-hand drive production. Denza Australia Chief Operating Officer Mark Harland also recently told CarsGuide the car could make its way to Australia within the next year. "If you look to Europe, they have launched the Z9 GT, and that will be available in right-hand drive as well," Harland said. "We haven't confirmed that, but that is one of the cars that is available to me within the next 12 months. And that's a car where if we go 'we see some volume in Australia', which I think there is, then that's definitely the car that I can get here."In Australia it would shape up as a rival for the Porsche Taycan or Audi e-Tron GT.The battery used in the Z9 GT is one of BYD's signature 'Blade' batteries, which means it is made in-house has a lithium-iron-phosphate make-up. It was previously thought that a new type of battery technology was needed to achieve such high driving ranges, such as solid-state or semi solid state, which not only BYD, but Chery and others have announced projects in. The LFP battery from BYD demonstrates 1000km-plus driving ranges are possible without the use of solid-state, which have proved costly to implement. It is not clear which variants of the Z9 GT might be available in Australia, but in China, there are rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants.Along with the 122kWh battery, there is a smaller 102kWh battery, with driving range sitting in the 800km bracket according to CLTC numbers. The rear-wheel drive variant has a single electric motor, producing 370kW, while the all-wheel drive has three motors, producing a combined 850kW.There is also a plug-in hybrid version available in China.Stay tuned for more on Denza's range expansion imminently. Currently the brand offers the B5 and B8 off-road plug-in hybrid SUVs, and has just announced pricing for its D9 luxury people mover.It plots five models on sale (meaning two more to be confirmed) before the end of 2026.

Australia's increasingly crowded people-mover segment has welcomed another new entrant, with the Denza D9 locked in to take on the GAC M8, Zeekr 009, XPeng X9 and Lexus LM.The third model in Denza's Australian line-up – joining the B5 and B8 4WD SUVs – the D9 starts at $85,990 before on-road costs for the FWD variant, and steps to $95,990 for the AWD.It's the third in what Denza promises will be a five-model line-up in Australia by early 2027.Both D9 models are electric and both share a significant 103.3kWh 'Blade' battery. The FWD makes use of a front-mounted electric motor producing 230kW and 360Nm. The AWD then adds a second rear-mounted electric motor, increasing total outputs to 275kW and 470Nm.The big battery means solid driving range, with the AWD returning 480kms on the WLTP cycle, and the FWD delivering 520kms. When it comes time to plug in, the D9 is set up for 200kW DC fast charging, 11kW AC charging, and arrives with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) connection.Inside, there's three rows of seating for a total of seven passengers, with the two chairs up front joined by two captain’s chairs in the second row. At the back, there are three seats in a bench layout.Second-row passengers get massaging seats and Denza is promising space aplenty no matter where you sit, with more than 900mm of legroom even in the third row.Tech in the cabin is strong too, with a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a second 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a third 12.0-inch head-up display. A 14-speaker stereo provides the audio, and a fun touch is the on-board fridge, which doubles as a hotbox, and can be chilled to -6 degrees celsius, or warmed to 50 degrees celsius.Denza concedes the D9 won't produce masses of volume for the brand in Australia, but insists the model will do its part in establishing BYD's premium arm in our market.“We’re introducing a new standard of practical luxury," says Denza Australia COO, Mark Harland.“The Denza D9 offers all occupants first-class comfort, advanced technology, and everyday usability without compromise."

Denza is planning a new-model attack in Australia that will see five Denza-badged models rolling on Australian roads by early 2027, with one of the model's still billed as a "mystery".We have a fairly solid idea of four of those models – including the B5 and B8, obviously, as well as the expected introduction of the Z9 GT shooting brake, and the D9 electric people mover.But the fifth model remains something of a mystery, so we have done some detective work.Denza Australia Chief Operating Officer, Mark Harland told CarsGuide: "There may be a fifth, but the fifth may or may not make it by the end of the year."The fifth one is probably 12 to 18 months (away) at the most."Typically, Denza export vehicles are launched in China first, before being rolled out in right-hand drive about 12 months later. That suggests our mystery vehicle is either on sale in China, or just about to be. One alluring option would be the new Mei-7 or Mei-9 Sedan, the former of which will launch in China shortly. Details remain under wraps for now, but international reports suggest it will offer a version of the Z9's ballistic EV and PHEV powertrains.In the Z9, the EV version is powered by a single electric motor producing 370kW, or offered as a tri-motor monster producing a combined 850kW. A plug-in hybrid variant also makes use of three electric motors, only this time paired with a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid, promising 600-plus kilowatts and an all-electric driving range of around 300kms on the WLTP cycle.Neither the Mei-7 or Mei-9 are currently confirmed for Australia, but Denza here is confident it can access any international models it wishes."I just don't want to overpromise, overcommit. If I took too many cars too quickly without having a dealer network set up, I would get myself in trouble because we wouldn't have the ability to deliver and service all the cars," Mr Harland says.Stay tuned for more as the brand continues to plot an aggressive roll-out as part of an emerging Chinese premium trend, which also includes its primary rival in Australia, Geely's Zeekr.