Denza B8 teased for Malaysia, ROIs open – 748 PS plug-in hybrid 4x4 SUV set to join D9 EV MPV

Malaysia’s premium electrified SUV space is about to get a shot in the arm as Denza quietly lines up its second model for the local market. More than a year after the launch of the Denza D9 to kick off the brand’s local presence, they’ve has now opened registrations of interest for the all-new Denza B8; a full-size, three-row plug-in hybrid SUV that brings serious off-road credentials to the table, if not looking like it does. 

Interestingly, this move comes after BYD Malaysia remained tight-lipped about future Denza products earlier this year, only confirming the upcoming Denza Z9 GT. The B8’s sudden appearance suggests a more aggressive rollout strategy is now in play.

No pricing has been announced yet, but with the D9 currently ranging from RM259k to RM309k, the B8 is shaping up to be a flagship SUV offering with serious presence, both on- and off-road.

If the B8 looks familiar, that’s because it’s essentially a rebadged Fangchengbao Bao 8, sold in China under BYD’s rugged sub-brand. For global markets like Malaysia, the more recognisable and easier to pronounce Denza branding takes over, positioning it as a more premium, lifestyle-oriented offering.

And make no mistake, this is a big machine. Measuring 5,195 mm long, 1,994 mm wide and 1,905 mm tall, the B8 dwarfs many rivals, even edging past the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 in overall length. Compared to the smaller Fangchengbao Bao 5 (also known as the B5), it’s significantly larger in every dimension, with a stretched 2,920 mm wheelbase that promises generous cabin space across all three rows.

Under the skin lies BYD’s Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) Super Hybrid system, pairing a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a dual electric motor setup and a dedicated hybrid transmission. Combined outputs vary depending on the source, but top figures point to as much as 748 PS and 760 Nm, enough to catapult this near-2.5-tonne SUV from 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, endowing sports car pace into what’s underneath it all a ladder-frame off-roader.

As you might imagine, electrification plays a key role here. A 36.8 kWh Blade LFP battery delivers up to 125 km of pure electric range (CLTC), while total driving range can stretch impressively to around 1,000–1,200 km depending on the test cycle. DC fast charging is rated at up to 120 kW, enabling a 30–80% top-up in just 16 minutes, while AC charging maxes out at 11 kW. There’s also Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, adding a layer of versatility for outdoor use.

Built on a ladder-frame DMO platform, the B8 is designed to go beyond urban duties. It boasts 310 mm of ground clearance and an 890 mm wading depth, along with up to 16 selectable drive modes and BYD’s DiSus-P intelligent damping system. This puts it squarely in contention with lifestyle off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender and GWM Tank 300, while also overlapping with newer entrants such as the Jetour T2.

Inside, the B8 leans heavily into tech and luxury. Expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a massive 17.3-inch central touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, dual wireless chargers, tri-zone climate control, and even built-in features like a refrigerator/hot box combo.

An 800W 18-speaker sound system from in-house audio arm Devialet should sufficiently elevate the in-car experience, while higher-spec variants in other markets add a head-up display and even night vision.

Seating configurations are likely to mirror other markets, with both six- and seven-seat layouts on offer. The former gets individual second-row captain seats with added luxuries such as massage functions and powered leg rests, further reinforcing its premium positioning.

Safety-wise, the B8 comes fully loaded with ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.