Tag Archives: Denza

2026 BYD Denza B5 Plug-in Hybrid SUV

BYD is mounting an ambitious assault on the UK’s premium off-road market with the new B5 – a ladder-framed plug-in hybrid SUV that aims to challenge the Land Rover Defender not just in capability, but in power and luxury, too.

Known as the Bao 5 in its native China, the rugged 4×4 is being readied for a UK launch in 2026 under the Denza brand – a premium offshoot of BYD that originated as a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz. At its core, the B5 combines serious off-road hardware with electrified muscle, setting the stage for one of the boldest entries into the British SUV segment in recent memory.

The B5 will debut on UK soil next week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, appearing alongside the equally striking Denza Z9 GT shooting brake and the luxurious D9 MPV, as part of BYD’s expanding electrified offensive.

Supercar Power Meets Hardcore Engineering

Underpinning the B5 is BYD’s robust DMO Super-Hybrid Off-Road platform – a ladder-frame chassis designed specifically for tackling tough terrain. But the real fireworks come from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, delivering a jaw-dropping 677 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. That output eclipses even the mighty Defender V8 Octa, putting the B5 squarely into super-SUV territory.

Despite its performance credentials, the B5 still promises eco-conscious credentials thanks to a 31.8kWh structural battery, allowing for a claimed EV range of up to 78 miles on China’s CLTC cycle – likely translating to around 50 miles under WLTP testing. That figure alone places it among the top plug-in hybrid SUVs for zero-emissions driving.

Built for Britain’s Big SUV Love Affair

Speaking at last year’s Festival of Speed, BYD president Stella Li expressed confidence in the UK market’s appetite for high-end, off-road-capable SUVs.

“In the UK, the roads are narrow but we love these big SUV off-road cars, so Fangchengbao will be here,” she said.

With that insight, BYD’s decision to launch Fangchengbao models like the B5 under the Denza brand in the UK makes strategic sense. Denza is positioned to attract buyers drawn to brands like Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, but who may be tempted by BYD’s fusion of electrification, performance and technology – often at a more compelling price point.

Denza: The New Premium Player

The B5’s arrival will coincide with Denza’s broader UK debut. The Z9 GT, a sleek PHEV shooting brake with grand tourer ambitions, will join the lineup alongside the D9, a high-end MPV aimed squarely at the likes of the Lexus LM. BYD’s increasing focus on hybrids reflects a wider market shift, as EV adoption in Europe shows signs of softening.

Also in the pipeline is the Seal 06, a PHEV estate/saloon hybrid that targets the BMW 3 Series, broadening BYD’s appeal to buyers seeking performance with efficiency – and no charging anxiety.

Source: BYD

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Denza Z9 GT coming to Europe

After the success in the past years, the Chinese manufacturer BYD decided to increase its offer on the old continent with its premium brand Denza. The first model to be offered to European customers will be the Denza Z9 GT.

The Denza Z9 GT was revealed last year as a competitor to the Porsche Taycan. It is 5,180 mm long, 1,990 mm wide and 1,500 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm, which means that it is larger than the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. Up front are angular headlights, a sculpted bumper with large openings and dramatic creases across the hood. There are also LED taillights, a roof spoiler and a secondary spoiler that extends from the trunk lid, setting the Z9 GT apart from the competition.

It is powered by three electric motors, one on the front axle (312 hp) and two on the rear axle (2 x 327 hp), with a total power of 966 hp (720 kW). The car weighs 2,875 kg, which is more than the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUVs, and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). It is equipped with a 100.1 kWh battery, and in China, buyers can also choose a PHEV version with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and three electric motors for a total power of 870 hp.

When it comes to price, the Denza Z9 GT costs between 41,777 and 51,760 euros, depending on the equipment you choose.

Source: BYD

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2025 Denza Z9 GT

At the end of March, the Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD announced that it had produced seven million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company announced on its official website and social network Weibo that the 7 millionth NEV was the Denza N7 SUV, their premium brand car created as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. In a few days (April 25), a new all-electric model will arrive on the market as a competitor to the Porsche Taycan, the Denza Z9 GT.

The Denza Z9 GT is 5,180 mm long, 1,990 mm wide and 1,500 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. This means that it is about 130 mm longer than the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo and 53 mm wider, but also slightly higher. It is powered by three electric motors, one on the front axle (312 hp) and two on the rear axle (2 x 327 hp), with a total power of 966 hp (720 kW). The car weighs 2,875 kg, which is more than the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUVs, and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph).

At first glance, the front of the car is characterized by angular headlights, a sculpted bumper with large openings and dramatic creases across the hood. The bold look continues with a profile with rims designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, flat door handles and creases. At the rear, LED taillights, a roof spoiler and a secondary spoiler that extends from the trunk lid set the Z9 GT apart from the competition.

Battery specifications are still unknown, but it is certain that BYD’s Blade design will be used. We will have more information on April 25, when the premiere of this model will take place.

Source: Denza