LATEST NEWS
Brawny B5, B8 to kick off Denza push
Richard Bosselman
October 2, 2025
BYD’s luxury brand is about to launch here, with a pair of dirt-ready plug-in hybrids.
INTENT to kick off in New Zealand next month with a pair of related premium-themed plug in hybrid off-roaders has been confirmed by Denza.
The B5 and B8, also known regionally as the Leopard 5 and Leopard 8, share commonality in powertrain and platform with BYD’s latest product here the Shark 6 utility.
They will be pitched as urban family vehicles with adventurous bent, reflecting they are structured for serious off-seal work - they are built on a ladder-frame chassis.
Perceived rivals are cited as the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.
The B5 features a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired to two electric motors, which in overseas markets combine for a claimed 505kW/760Nm. The B8 has a larger 2.0-litre engine, making 550kW/760Nm.
The Shark 6 has a claimed 321kW/650Nm output.
Arrival of Denza has been anticipated, and further models are expected.
The D9 large seven seater people carrier and the Z9GT, a hunkered performance five-door station wagon, are also being exported to right hand drive markets.
The exact structure of sales representation has yet to be shared.
The make is a sub-brand of BYD, which is represented in New Zealand by Ateco, a multi-franchise operation, as BYD NZ.
Denza has been associated with BYD Australia and New Zealand, which appears to present as a separate operation. It is based across the Tasman.
This formed earlier this year when BYD distribution there switched up to being a factory operation, having started out with a third party importer there, EVDirect.
BYD NZ has not shared any comment about Denza, which founded in 2010 and is to BYD what Lexus is to Toyota - a kind of upmarket luxury marque that sits above the mainstream mothership.
The flagship is the Z9GT (below), a stylish wagon that's slightly larger than the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo and offered in electric and plug-in hybrid forms.
The announcement in respect to the B5 and B8 has come via an automotive news agency in Australia, which posts company releases.
Denza says it intends to portray as a new force, set to reshape the Australia and NZ automotive landscape, with local debut in November.
“Born from BYD’s proven global success, Denza has been crafted to anticipate the needs of the modern driver, and promises to deliver a new standard in cutting-edge technology and design.
“In a world-first, Denza is set to electrify the Australian and New Zealand market with a curated range of premium vehicles from BYD’s three acclaimed sub-brands - reimagined under the Denza name.”
The other two sub-brands hinted at could be Fangchengbao and Yangwang, the latter best known for a giant off-road wagon with amphibious aptitude, and the U9, an electric hypercard that recently claimed a world performance record.
It said the B5 and B8 benefit from BYD’s DM-O (dual off-road) technology, which is describes as being a breakthrough drivetrain “that merges off-road cred with EV efficiency, these Denza vehicles redefine how adventure, sustainability and sophistication can co-exist.”
The models sell in China with Fangchengbao badging.
Media reports from Australia say the Denza models will differ slightly in terms of styling, with the B8 model sporting a revised bumper with unique front scuff plate and lacking a roof-mounted camera system used by its Chinese counterpart.
Denza chief operating officer Mark Harland says Denza “will offer a whole new range for consumers wanting a slice of luxury and the latest in innovation.
“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.”
Harland took up his role with Denza in August. He joined from EVDirect, where he served as chief operating officer. He was instrumental in BYD’s rapid growth in Australia.
An announcement then said Harland’s “extensive knowledge of OEM operations and dealer networks will be crucial in driving the success of Denza in Australia and New Zealand.”
