Denza B5 Plug-in Hybrid Confirmed for Global Debut, Australian Launch Expected

The Denza B5, a rugged new plug-in hybrid SUV from BYD’s luxury arm, is set to make its global public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. The right-hand-drive version of the vehicle has been confirmed, with the model expected to arrive in Australian showrooms later this year.

Denza, now fully owned by BYD after its original joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, will officially launch in Australia in Q3 2025. The B5 is expected to be one of the first vehicles in its lineup for local buyers.

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A Tough, Off-Road Capable SUV

The Denza B5 shares its platform with the popular BYD Shark 6 dual-cab ute and sits beneath the upcoming Denza B8, a larger three-row PHEV SUV also under consideration for Australia.

The B5 has already been seen testing on Australian roads, with BYD Australia confirming that locally delivered versions will be tuned for Australian conditions in terms of suspension and chassis setup.

Specs and Off-Road Features

Although official model grades and pricing will be announced at Goodwood, a version of the B5 recently tested in China gives a strong indication of what we might expect. It features a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine combined with front and rear electric motors for all-wheel drive capability.

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Powertrain & Battery Details

Specification	Detail
Engine	1.5L Turbocharged Petrol
Electric Motors	Dual motors (front & rear)
Combined Output	505 kW / 760 Nm
EV-Only Range (WLTC)	Up to 100 km
Total Range (NEDC)	Up to 1200 km
Drivetrain	All-Wheel Drive
Kerb Weight	2890 kg
Battery	31.8 kWh BYD Blade (LFP)

Dimensions & Off-Road Specs

Specification	Measurement
Length	4890 mm
Width	1970 mm
Height	1920 mm
Wheelbase	2800 mm
Ground Clearance	220 mm
Wading Depth	700 mm
Approach Angle	35 degrees
Departure Angle	32 degrees
Wheels	18-inch alloy wheels

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Premium Positioning and Market Competition

In China, the B5 is priced between ¥239,800 and ¥302,800, which roughly converts to $51,000–$65,000 AUD. However, pricing in Australia is expected to be higher due to Denza’s premium branding.

The B5 will have little direct competition locally. While PHEVs like the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-60, and Mitsubishi Outlander exist in the market, they are less rugged and not built on body-on-frame platforms. A closer rival might be the Land Rover Defender PHEV, which starts at over $130,000, though the Denza B5 is likely to undercut it significantly.

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BYD Expands Its Footprint in Australia

The introduction of the Denza brand follows BYD’s decision to take full control of local distribution from EVDirect as of July 1. This shift comes on the heels of BYD becoming the first Chinese brand to break into Australia’s top five automotive sales rankings in June.

With Denza’s official Australian launch just around the corner, and the B5 already being prepped for local roads, the brand is set to add another strong contender to the growing electrified SUV segment.