Chinese automaker BYD is set to expand its presence in Australia's premium SUV market through its sub-brand Denza, which aims to attract customers considering vehicles from BMW, Audi, Land Rover, or Lexus with its upcoming flagship B8 upper-large off-road plug-in hybrid SUV, scheduled for introduction in 2026.

Scheduled to arrive in showrooms in early 2026, the Denza B8 will be launched shortly after the smaller B5. It will occupy the top position in both the Denza and BYD ranges, becoming the largest and most expensive model offered in Australia to date.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed. However, Denza Australia and New Zealand boss Mark Harland stated that the brand is targeting a competitive entry point.

"I would love a sub-AUD 100,000 (US$ 65,300) starting price, but I can't promise that because we haven't negotiated," said Harland. "What I can say is that I will always aim for the sharpest possible price point. There must be a margin for Denza and a margin for the dealer, but I will always try to negotiate the best possible prices for us."

It is understood that the Denza B8 will not be priced below the similarly sized Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, which starts at AUD 97,990 before on-road costs in base GX form. Denza intends to attract buyers through its features and plug-in hybrid powertrain.

According to Harland, these characteristics are expected to appeal to customers of established premium marques, although he declined to disclose sales targets for the model.

"We're not announcing any aspirations, numbers, or guidance yet," he stated. "My focus is to compete directly with other premium brands. If you look at those brands selling SUVs, BMW would be at the higher end because they have the most sales volume in the premium segment. From Range Rover to Lexus to Audi, there is a spectrum - but I want to challenge them, to enter the market competitively in our first year."

Harland confirmed that Denza plans to announce pricing and full specifications for both the B5 and B8 simultaneously later in 2025. Customers will be able to choose between the B5's five-seat layout and the B8's six- or seven-seat configurations.

The Denza B8 - known in China as the Fangchengbao 8 - uses a ladder-frame chassis derived from that of the BYD Shark 6 and Denza B5.

It measures 5180mm in length, 1994mm in width, and 1905mm in height, with a 2900mm wheelbase, making it longer than the Toyota LandCruiser.

Like its siblings, the Denza B8 features a plug-in hybrid powertrain, though its petrol engine capacity increases from 1.5 litres to 2.0 litres. Combined with two electric motors, the system delivers 450kW of power and 760Nm of torque to all four wheels.

Powered by a 36.8kWh battery, Denza claims an all-electric range of approximately 90km and a combined hybrid range of 905km under the WLTC cycle.

Available in two variants - the seven-seat 7S and six-seat 6S - the Denza B8 has a kerb weight of 3290kg and a payload capacity of 700kg. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3500kg.

The B8 includes front and rear locking differentials and adaptive suspension. Depending on the selected drive mode, approach, departure, and ramp-over angles range between 32-35, 20-27, and 35-39 degrees, respectively.

Full specifications are yet to be confirmed, but the 6S variant will include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.3-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 16-speaker audio system, Nappa leather upholstery, double-glazed windows, soft-closing doors, and a surround-view camera.

The Denza B8 does not feature top-tether child-seat anchorage points in its third-row seats.