Future models - Denza - B5BYD Denza B5 off-roader likely for AustraliaDenza B5 505kW 4x4 looks likely for Aus, BYD fan spots LHD off-roader testing in NSW13 Jan 2025 BYD sub-brand Denza is looking increasingly likely to arrive in Australia after its powerful B5 plug-in hybrid off-roader was spotted – in left-hand drive guise – undertaking on-road testing in New South Wales by a member of the BYD EV Owners Australia Facebook group.
With the Chinese brand’s Shark 6 ute is proving popular in Australia – local distributor EVDirect confirming more than 5000 orders so far and a boatload of sold-out models circling Australian waters – but could another off-road-ready PHEV model be on the cards for Australia?
It is looking likely, but no timeline or confirmation has been offered as of yet.
What we do know is that the BYD Fangchengbao Bao 5, as it is called in China, was spotted locally but reports indicate the name will change to the Denza B5 for right-hand drive markets.
If the B5 does arrive in Australia, the model poses a serious threat to popular competitors like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado, not to mention the Tank 500 from compatriot GWM that is already available as a hybrid with a PHEV on the horizon.
Late last year EVDirect confirmed the Denza brand will make its way to Australia in 2025, but did not indicate which models were on the cards.
The company has also stated it intends to introduce a model within each vehicle segment, suggesting a 4x4 wagon is high on its list of wants for Australia.
Denza, for context, is BYD’s luxury sub-brand, co-founded by BYD and Mercedes-Benz more than a decade ago, so far producing a range of prestige models including people movers, SUVs and grand tourers.
Since launching in 2012, Mercedes-Benz reduced its share in the company to 10 per cent, before later selling out entirely, meaning Denza is now wholly owned by BYD.
The B5’s appearance, albeit heavily camouflaged, suggests it may be the first as the brand looks to capitalise on Australia’s appetite for off-roaders and, to a lesser degree, plug-in hybrids.
What we know about the B5 so far, based on the Chinese model, is that it is built on BYD’s ladder-frame Dual Mode Off-Road (DMO) platform, which also underpins the Shark 6, but the wagon gets a serious power bump.
The B5 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 125kW, accompanied by dual electric motors producing 485kW for combined outputs of 505kW/760Nm, and it offers a claimed electric-only range of around 120km.
All this equates to a 0-100km/h claim of 4.8 seconds, meaning that the B5, should it arrive locally, will eclipse the performance of its key competitors while offering frugal fuel use and a driving range exceeding 1000km.
Other features include hydraulic height-adjustable suspension with a maximum ground clearance of 310mm, as well as a tech-filled interior that mimics that of the Shark 6, with a 15.6-inch touchscreen and large 12.3-inch instrument display among the inclusions.
In China, the Denza B5 costs around ¥300,000, which equates to around $A65,000, suggesting it may undercut its contemporaries by a significant margin should it arrive locally this year. Read more2nd of December 2024 Australian launch prep has Geely tuning upGeely says it will launch with Aussie-specific setup including suspension, ADAS tuneAll future modelsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hummer HSV Infiniti Hyundai Jaguar Isuzu Kia Jeep Land Rover Lamborghini Lexus LDV Mahindra Lotus Mazda Maserati Mercedes-AMG McLaren MG Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Mini Opel Nissan Peugeot Pagani Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Motor industry news |
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