2026 Denza B8 launched in Malaysia from RM458k - 2 variant of 612PS off-road luxury PHEV

After spending the last year or so as a one-car brand with the popular D9 MPV, Denza has finally expanded its local line-up with something even more imposing: the all-new B8. And make no mistake, this thing is enormous. 

Priced from a hefty RM458,800 for the 7-seat Dynamic variant and RM518,800 for the flagship 6-seat Premium, the B8 immediately positions itself at the very top end of the Chinese SUV market in Malaysia, taking the top spot as the most expensive car sold here by a Chinese brand - at least, for now. 

But the B8 is not merely trying to compete with traditional luxury SUVs. It arrives with serious hardware, serious performance and enough technology to make even established luxury staples take notice.

Essentially, what Malaysians are getting is a rebadged version of the Fangchengbao Bao 8 sold in China under BYD’s more off-road-focused Fangchengbao sub-brand. While the name may change for export markets, the recipe remains the same: a massive body-on-frame electrified SUV designed to blend luxury, brute strength and a modern PHEV powertrain into one rather substantial package.

Dimensionally, the B8 is dwarfs most other cars on our roads. Measuring 5,195 mm long, 1,994 mm wide and 1,905 mm tall, with a generous 2,920 mm wheelbase, it even eclipses the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 in overall length and width. It is also larger than the GWM Tank 500 in nearly every measurable aspect.

From the outside, the B8 strikes a surprisingly restrained appearance for something this large. Unlike many modern SUVs that lean heavily into exaggerated styling cues, the Denza adopts a cleaner, more mature design language. The squared-off proportions, upright stance and relatively uncluttered surfaces give it genuine road presence without appearing overly aggressive.

There are still modern touches, of course. Hidden door handles and gloss black body cladding add a more urban-friendly vibe, while the locally-specced black 20-inch Y-spoke wheels wrapped in 275/55 Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres provide a nice contrast against the body. Mind you, China’s Bao 8 rides on larger 21-inch wheels. 

Underneath all that sheet metal lies the real headline act. The B8 uses BYD’s Dual Mode Off-road, or DMO, 'Super Hybrid' system; a plug-in hybrid powertrain specifically engineered for heavy-duty off-roaders. The setup combines a longitudinally-mounted 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 197 PS and 350 Nm with dual electric motors and a dedicated hybrid transmission.

The front electric motor contributes 272 PS and 360 Nm, while the rear motor delivers a substantial 408 PS and 400 Nm. Combined system output stands at a staggering 612 PS and 760 Nm of torque.

For a vehicle weighing well into 3-tonne territory, or 3,290 kg, those figures translate into genuinely shocking performance. Denza claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 4.8 seconds, which is frankly absurd for something this large and heavy.

Like many Chinese-developed plug-in hybrids, the B8 prioritises electric driving as much as possible. The 36.8 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate battery powers the vehicle almost exclusively until the state of charge drops to around 25%, at which point the combustion engine seamlessly steps in to sustain the battery and optimise efficiency.

The system intelligently transitions between Pure EV, series hybrid and parallel hybrid driving modes without the driver really noticing. On paper, the B8 can travel up to 115 km on electric power alone under the less strict NEDC cycle, translating to roughly 100 km in more realistic WLTP conditions.

Total combined driving range is rated at 1,040 km NEDC, thanks partly to an enormous 91-litre fuel tank that's significantly larger than the Tank 500’s 75 litre unit. Fuel consumption is claimed at as 'low' as 9.89 litres per 100 km under NEDC testing. 

Charging performance is equally solid for something this size. DC fast charging maxes out at 120 kW, enabling a 30-80% top-up in just 16 minutes. AC charging supports up to 11 kW, while vehicle-to-load functionality is also included, offering up to 6.6 kW of external power output. 

One of its standout features is Denza’s DiSus-P hydraulic suspension system, which provides up to 140 mm of adjustable ride height. Besides improving ground clearance, the system boosts the SUV’s wading depth from an already substantial 800 mm to 890 mm.

Approach and departure angles also improve significantly when fully raised, increasing from 30 and 29 degrees to 34 and 35 degrees respectively. There’s even a “Leopard Turn” function that's essentially Denza’s version of a tank turn, allowing the SUV to pivot tightly in confined terrain. 

Inside, the B8 shifts focus from ruggedness to outright luxury. Both variants come lavishly equipped with four soft-close doors (the boot also has a soft-close function), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a massive 17.3-inch central touchscreen. Malaysia does miss out on the front passenger display available in China, but there is still plenty of tech onboard.

Other standard features include dual 50W wireless charging pads, a cooled and heated armrest storage compartment, tri-zone climate control and powered front seats with ventilation, heating and massage functions. Audio duties are handled by an 18-speaker Devialet sound system, marking the first time the French high-end audio brand has appeared in a Malaysian-market vehicle.

Rear passengers are also treated to thoughtful convenience features, and rear seat appointments can rival that of a luxury MPV with its lounge-like ambiance. A multifunction switch on the rear doors allows occupants to control the opposite-side window or even operate the sunroof blind. There is also a one-touch relaxation function that automatically moves the front passenger seat forward to maximise rear legroom. Both the second and third row seats can be electrically folded and raised as well. 

The Dynamic features a conventional 2-3-2 seven-seat layout, complete with a powered middle-row bench seat featuring heating and ventilation. Meanwhile, the Premium adopts a far more luxurious 2-2-2 arrangement with captain chairs, massage functionality, ventilation and Ottoman leg rests. It also gains full Nappa leather upholstery.

Boot capacity stands at 920 litres in the seven-seater and 902 litres in the six-seater with the rear-most seats folded, while both offer 147 litres with all rows upright. The Premium further separates itself with additional high-end features including infrared night vision, front and rear locking differentials, a digital rear-view mirror, a head-up display and dynamic side bolsters for the front seats.

Customers can choose from 5 exterior colours: Alpine White, Emerald Green, Nebula Blue, Dawn Gold and Eclipse Black – paired with either Jasper Brown or Onyx Black interior themes. Safety equipment is comprehensive too, with 9 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, alongside a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems featuring autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Warranty coverage entails 6 years or 150,000 km for the vehicle, plus 8 years or 160,000 km for the high-voltage battery and hybrid drive unit components. Buyers also receive 7 complimentary maintenance services over 6 years worth RM10,000, along with a complimentary V2L adapter.

It's worth noting that the launch vehicles shown here were Australian-spec units, explaining the inclusion the rear tow hitch, which won't be available here. On a brighter note, the Premium variant for Malaysia does sound like one of the highest-spec export versions available globally outside China, where the Bao 8 also receives LiDAR technology.

Whether Malaysians are ready for a RM500k Chinese luxury off-roader remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, the Denza B8 does not arrive lacking ambition.