Denza Australia will be more than just BYD's luxury sub-brand, it will also field models from the cutting-edge Yangwang and off-road-focused Fangchengbao stables.
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BYD Australia’s new Denza luxury sub-brand will be an amalgamation of three different Chinese brands in a bid to secure a foothold in the luxury car market.
Confirmed in a media release, Denza will field “a curated range of premium vehicles from BYD’s three acclaimed sub-brands” – which also include the high-tech Yangwang and off-road-leaning Fangchengbao.
The first two models to launch under the Denza Australia umbrella will be the B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid SUVs – both rebadged Fangchengbao vehicles – confirmed for a November showroom arrival.
But, given BYD Australia’s remarks about offering the vehicles from three brands, Denza and rebranded Yangwang products are also in the pipeline to launch at a later date.
A U8 flagship SUV that has can float on water for short periods of time, and the U9 all-electric supercar, are already in Australia and being used for demonstration purposes.
Options on the table for Denza include the Z9 wagon and D9 people mover – the latter of which would compete directly against the upmarket Zeekr 009.
For now, though, Denza is targeting the Toyota Prado and LandCruiser with the B5 and B8 respectively.
Pricing is still unknown for the B5 and B8 rugged SUVs, but given Denza’s luxury-leaning positioning and high-tech powertrains, costs are likely to sit towards the top-end of the BYD portfolio.
Exact powertrains and outputs are yet to be confirmed for the local B5 and B8, but overseas models provide a strong indication on what to expect.
The B5 is fitted with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine teamed with two electric motors tuned to a 505kW/760Nm combined output – a substantial lift over the powertrain-sharing BYD Shark 6 that punches out 321kW/650Nm.
Fitted with a 31.8kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the combined driving range in the Denza B5 – also known as the Leopard 5 and Fangchengbao 5 in other markets – is rated at 1200km based on the less-stringent CLTC standard.
As for the Denza B8, or Leaopard 8 or Fangchengbao 8, it features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual-electric motor arrangement in overseas markets, resulting in a total system output of 550kW/760Nm.
The larger 36.8kWh battery offsets the B8’s larger size and weight to deliver the same claimed 1200km of total driving range as the B5.
Aside from these two off-road SUVs, BYD Australia will expand its Denza showroom to more models, but exactly what and when is still unclear.
Denza Australia COO Mark Harland said the new brand will appeal to local customers that want a blend of cutting-edge powertrains in premium products.
“Denza will offer a whole new range for consumers wanting a slice of luxury and the latest in innovation,” Harland said.
“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.”
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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
