Denza, a brand from Chinese automaker BYD, is aiming to shake up the luxury SUV market in Europe. Their new weapon? The B5, an electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) designed to rival established players like the Land Rover Defender. While Denza may be unfamiliar to European consumers, its ambitions are clear: to carve out a niche at the high end with sophisticated technology and compelling performance.
The B5 boasts a powerful combination of a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine and dual electric motors, generating a combined 677bhp and 761Nm of torque. This potent setup catapults the SUV from 0 to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds, and its all-wheel-drive system ensures it tackles challenging terrain with confidence. Interestingly, Denza claims an impressive 62 miles of pure electric range— though this figure is based on Chinese testing standards and may vary under European WLTP regulations.
The brand is targeting a launch in Europe in late 2026, where it will initially offer the B5 alongside its Z9 GT megawagon, D9 people carrier, and other models designed to compete directly with established brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
Beyond sheer power, Denza emphasizes luxury and technology. The B5’s interior is dominated by a large 15.6-inch central display that controls most vehicle functions. Its spacious cabin accommodates both front and rear passengers comfortably. The car itself measures in at a substantial 4.9 meters long, nearly 2 meters wide, and almost 3 meters tall, suggesting generous dimensions for cargo and passenger space.
A Closer Look at Off-Road Capabilities
To showcase the B5’s off-road prowess, Denza hosted test drives at its state-of-the-art facility in Zhengzhou, China. The $30 million complex features a dedicated off-road course designed to highlight the SUV’s strengths.
While speed wasn’t the focus of this test track, which includes steep inclines, challenging banking, simulated sand dunes, water crossings, and mixed surfaces, the B5’s substantial power felt more than adequate. The car handled bumps and uneven terrain with ease, showcasing its robust suspension setup. The steep banking sections tested the vehicle’s stability, with Denza claiming a lean angle exceeding 30 degrees before tipping over—a remarkable feat of engineering for such a large SUV.
The course also included a dramatic set of stairs, which the B5 navigated smoothly by gently “bobbing” up and down each step. The inclusion of cameras offering top-down and undercarriage views further demonstrated Denza’s focus on providing drivers with comprehensive visibility and confidence when tackling tricky off-road situations.
“Crawl mode,” activated via a button on the central display, proved particularly effective on a steep incline, allowing the B5 to ascend effortlessly without driver intervention. This feature emphasizes the car’s commitment to user-friendliness even in challenging off-road scenarios.
The Denza B5’s initial impression suggests a serious contender for the luxury SUV market. Its impressive technology, potent powertrain, and genuine off-road capability make it an intriguing alternative to established brands like Land Rover. While its success will depend on factors like pricing and brand recognition in Europe, the B5 certainly has the potential to shake up the established order.
