BYD will unveil multiple models at the upcoming Denza brand launch, with rugged off-road SUVs expected to spearhead the introduction.
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BYD might be a relatively new player in the Australian market now, but it will launch multiple models in the third quarter (July to September) of this year under its incoming Denza premium sub-brand, to quickly expand its line-up and support its sales ambitions.
While the brand launch is earmarked for the next few months, it is expected cars will not be delivered until later in 2025, in either November or December.
Speaking to Drive, BYD Australia Head of Product Sajid Hasan would not be drawn on the Denza launch line-up, but reiterated there will be multiple options under the new-to-Australia premium brand.
“Definitely more than two or three models, but how many exactly? I guess it remains to be confirmed,” Hasan said.
“Given we are trying to work out the total volume, the size of the network, [and] what kind of volume throughput we would need to sustain that.
“We already know there are a handful of models that are being developed in right-hand drive that would be very suitable and great addition to our market.
“Q3, we will have our official brand launch and at that event obviously we will be unveiling the models that we are going to be launching.”
While Hasan would not be drawn on specifics, a Denza B5 has recently been spotted in camouflage around Australia.
The B5, or Fangchengbao Bao 5 as it is also known under BYD’s other sub-brand, is a rugged large SUV with ladder-frame underpinnings in the same vein as the Toyota Prado, Isuzu MU-X, and Ford Everest.
However, unlike its perceived rivals, the B5 is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain – the same one found in the popular BYD Shark 6 ute.
With a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired to two electric motors, the B5 outputs a combined 505kW/760Nm in overseas markets – a sizeable 184kW/110Nm increase over the Australian Shark 6.
As a plug-in hybrid, there also a 31.8kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, contributing to a combined 1200km driving range rating on the more lenient CLTC lab-testing standard.
In addition to the B5, the larger and mechanically related B8 – or Fangchengbao Bao 8 – is also a strong chance given its similar underpinnings and technology.
As a full-sized off-road SUV, the B8 would rival the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol, but again comes packing a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
However, the B8 has an upgraded 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine to compliment its dual-electric motor set-up, combining for a total system output of 550kW/760Nm.
The battery is also larger in the B8, 36.8kWh, but the added weight and seven-seat layout mean the same 1200km total driving range rating as the B5.
Other options available to Denza Australia could be the Z9 wagon or D9 people mover – both available internationally as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or battery electric vehicle (BEV).
Now with both BYD and Denza brands running in-house, it opens the door for efficiency and cost-saving measures that would not have been possible with EVDirect handling importation and distributorship.
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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.
