Denza B8 2027 review: 6S

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

9 / 10

There are two well-specified grades available in the Denza B8 line-up, and we’re testing the more premium 6S, a six-seater priced from $97,990 before on-road costs.

There aren't many direct rivals if you’re strictly looking at plug-in hybrid powertrains, but in the broader upper-large SUV segment it lines up against heavy hitters like the Land Rover Defender 110 P300e X-Dynamic HSE PHEV (from $143,200 MSRP), the Audi Q7 TFSI S line (from $112,415 MSRP), and the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Sahara ZX Hybrid (from $156,810 MSRP). On price alone, the B8 undercuts them all quite comfortably.

Standard equipment is generous. The 6S features Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and a versatile centre console that functions as a fridge or hot box. Impressively, all three rows are electrically adjustable, while the front and second-row captain’s chairs also offer heating, ventilation and massage functions.

Technology is a clear highlight, headlined by a 17.3-inch central display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with crisp graphics, alongside an 18-speaker Devialet sound system, coloured head-up display and digital rear-view mirror. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six USB-C ports (two per row), a 12-volt socket and dual wireless charging pads.

Practical touches include a full-size spare wheel, soft-close doors (including the tailgate), a Type 2 CCS charging port with DC fast-charging capability, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality and three-zone climate control.

Related cars for sale on CarsGuide

See more Denza B8s for sale View cars for sale

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?

9 / 10

The B8 is a behemoth, with a strong on-road presence defined by its boxy, chunky styling, side steps, 20-inch Michelin tyres and rear-mounted spare wheel. It channels clear Defender-like cues without feeling like a Temu copy, and overall, it works.

Inside, the cabin leans heavily into a premium feel, with a standout dashboard design that incorporates practical handholds, storage and ambient lighting. The large central display takes centre stage, but it’s the physical gear 'switches' that give the cockpit an aviation-inspired feel.

The gear selector also adds a bit of theatre, tucking itself away into the console when the vehicle is switched off.

Nappa leather upholstery feels soft and high-quality, and the panoramic sunroof makes it feel airy and welcoming. Overall, there’s a strong emphasis on tactile surfaces, and most touchpoints feel appropriately premium.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

8 / 10

The front row is spacious, and the seats are downright comfortable on longer drives. With the added functions, it’s easy to feel fresh after a road trip, although the heated seat function runs quite hot even on its lowest setting, making it hard to use for extended periods.

Access to the front row feels more like a step up than a slide in, but it’s still relatively easy thanks to the grab handles and wide side steps. The internal push-button door release is less convincing, though, and can be awkward to locate and use, particularly in low light.

The media system is a highlight, with crisp graphics and a responsive touchscreen. It feels more intuitive than many systems from emerging Chinese brands and connects easily to wireless Apple CarPlay. While integrated climate controls aren’t usually my preference, the shortcut 'three-finger' gesture for temperature and fan speed helps offset some of that frustration.

Up front, storage is bountiful with a large glovebox, a sunglasses holder, a middle console that doubles as a fridge or hotbox, and a large centre console that houses dual wireless charging pads and a handy shelf underneath for smaller items, although this is where the USB-C ports and 12-volt socket are tucked away and they can be a bit fiddly to access.

The second row is just as comfortable as the front, with generous space and supportive seating. The extendable under-thigh support and adjustable armrests add to the comfort, while walk-through access to the third row is useful. That said, families may miss a middle seat, and there are only two top tether anchor points in the whole car.

Features in the second row are well-covered, including climate control, directional airvents and access to the centre console fridge via an electrically sliding drawer, which is ideal for drinks and snacks. The only real omission here is sunblinds but it's not a dealbreaker.

The third row is best suited to children, with limited legroom but still usable for short trips. It does, however, include USB-C ports and directional air vents.

Boot space is generous with up to 902L of capacity with the third row folded and up to 147L with all three rows in place. With the third row folded, it easily swallowed larger items such as a road bike (with the front wheel removed), along with school bags and luggage. The swing tailgate can be a little awkward in tight car parks as it opens towards the road, rather than the kerb, but the soft-close function is a nice bonus.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?

8 / 10

The B8 6S is a plug-in hybrid, four-wheel drive that pairs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors. Together, they produce up to 425kW and 760Nm.

That output supports a braked towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, making it suitable for serious towing duties, if required.

While it doesn’t feature a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case (it has simulated low-range gearing), it does offer 16 drive and terrain modes, along with a claimed wading depth of up to 890mm for more demanding conditions.

The PHEV combo also gives it a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of just 4.8-seconds but in real-world conditions, initial acceleration off the line can feel a little underwhelming in everyday driving.

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?

8 / 10

The B8 offers a claimed WLTP electric-only range of up to 100km, with an overall driving range of around 905km. If you keep the battery topped up regularly, it can significantly extend the time between fuel stops in everyday use.

My trip computer reading of 7.2L/100km reflects a week of more demanding driving, including highway and mountain roads. That puts it a fair way off the claimed combined consumption figure of 3.9L/100km, although not unexpectedly given the conditions.

Charging is handled via a Type 2 CCS port, allowing both AC and DC charging. It supports up to 120kW DC fast charging, which is uncommon for a plug-in hybrid and a welcome inclusion here.

While official charging times aren’t quoted, my testing saw a 20 to 100 per cent charge completed in around 38 minutes on a 150kW charger.

Driving – What's it like to drive?

6 / 10

Despite its impressive claimed performance figures, the Denza B8 can feel like a heavy vehicle off the line, with its 3.3-tonne mass noticeable when accelerating into traffic or making quick directional changes.

Once underway, it settles into a more comfortable rhythm. There’s enough performance on tap for everyday driving and hill climbs, where it feels more responsive and capable of keeping pace with traffic. However, under heavier throttle, the power delivery can feel a little unsettled.

Handling is more of a mixed experience. The steering is lighter than expected, which can make the B8 feel slightly vague through turns and at lower speeds. There’s also a noticeable level of vibration through the steering wheel and body, which takes some shine off its premium aspirations.

The double-wishbone suspension does a good job of absorbing larger bumps, but in corners it can feel a touch floaty, with some body roll evident. Visibility is generally good through the front, although the A- and B-pillars are quite thick, with the B-pillar particularly intrusive on the driver’s side.

On the positive side, cabin refinement is strong. Road and wind noise are well contained, even at higher speeds, making it easy to hold conversations across all three rows and appreciate the sound system.

Practicality in tight spaces is another strength. The camera system activates automatically in confined conditions, which is especially useful in car parks and ramps. The 360-degree camera is also impressively clear on the large central display, and it has a sharp 12m turning circle, making the B8 easier to place than its size might suggest.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

8 / 10

The B8 holds a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating based on 2025 testing and is equipped with 11 airbags, including side-chest airbags for all three rows, which is more comprehensive than what you typically see in this segment.

Given its size and relatively chunky pillars, the blind-spot view monitor is particularly useful, projecting a live camera feed of the blind spot onto the display. There’s also a side-exit assist system for added protection when opening doors in traffic.

The safety suite is extensive, with seatbelt reminders across all rows, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping aid, emergency lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, front and rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, and front and rear collision warning.

In everyday use, most systems are well calibrated, although the driver monitoring and speed sign recognition alerts can feel overly intrusive at times.

Autonomous emergency braking is also included, with detection for cars, cyclists, motorcycles and pedestrians, operating from 4km/h through to 150km/h.

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

7 / 10

The B8 is covered by Denza’s six-year/150,000km warranty, which sits in line with expectations for the segment. A pre-purchased five-year servicing plan is available for $3745.50, which is reasonable given the vehicle’s positioning.

Servicing is required every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first. The B8 also supports BYD connected services via an app, including remote vehicle start.

Denza currently has a limited physical footprint, with seven service centres nationwide.

Verdict