Denza B8 launching in Malaysia May 21 – PHEV 4×4, 578 PS, 100 km WLTP EV range, 905 km total

Having opened registrations of interest last month, Denza Malaysia has announced that the new Denza B8 will be launched on May 21, before being on public display at Bangsar Shopping Centre over the weekend of May 22 to May 24. Essentially a rebadged Fangchengbao Bao 8, this massive 4×4 offers a smorgasbord of tech and plenty of performance from its plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Built on a proper ladder frame chassis, the B8 is motivated by a Dual-Mode Off-road (DMO) powertrain, featuring dual electric motors – the front one makes 272 PS (200 kW) and 360 Nm of torque, while the rear motor churns out 408 PS (300 kW) and 400 Nm.

All this is allied to a hybrid-specific 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine producing 197 PS (145 kW) and 350 Nm. Total system output is rather less than the sum of its parts – a still beefy 578 PS (425 kW) and 760 Nm, enabling it to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

Juicing the motors is a 36.8 kWh Blade LFP battery, enabling a pure electric range is 100 km on the WLTP cycle, and with a massive 91 litre petrol tank, total range is quoted at 905 km. The battery supports an impressively high DC fast charging power of 120 kW, as well as AC charging up to 11 kW; there’s also a 6.6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.

Reinforcing its status as a genuine off-roader, the B8 can be specced with both rear and front locking differentials, and it comes with BYD’s novel DiSus-P hydraulic suspension that delivers 140 mm of ride height adjustment. This enables the max water wading depth to increase from 800 at the standard height to 890 mm, as well as bumping up approach and departure angles to 34 and 35 degrees respectively.

The B8’s handsome square-jawed looks were inspired by Japanese mechas and incorporate “Starship Wing” LED headlights, “Energy Thruster” taillights and gloss black body cladding (not exactly practical for an off-roader). Global markets receive 20-inch black Y-spoke alloy wheels, which are an inch smaller than what are available on the Fangchengbao in China.

Inside, you get a plush cabin upholstered in either Jasper Brown or Onyx Black, along with a trio of screens. These include a 12.3-inch instrument display, a massive 17.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a head-up display; unfortunately, export models lose out on the separate 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen offered in China. There’s also a gear selector that rises when the car is started, as well as crystal-like switches for various powertrain functions.

Also fitted are twin 50-watt Qi wireless chargers, heated and cooled armrest storage (basically a fridge) and power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions. An 18-speaker Devialet sound system comes as standard.

The press release states that the B8 will be available in standard and Premium variants, likely corresponding to the seven- and six-seater variants. The latter features second-row massaging captain’s chairs with built-in ottomans, as well as Nappa leather upholstery.

Even the seven-seater gets a power-reclining second-row bench with heating and ventilation. A multi-function switch on the rear doors lets occupants open or close either the window on the other side or the sunroof blind, and they can even activate a one-touch recline function that pushes the front passenger seat forwards for extra legroom.

Both second- and third-row seats can be folded and raised electrically, increasing boot space from a minimum of 147 litres to a maximum of 920 litres (902 litres for the six-seater). You can also raise or lower the suspension from the boot area, but unfortunately, you will have to swing open the side-opening tailgate (which houses the spare tyre) manually. By the way, the B8 is a massive (and heavy) car, measuring 5,195 mm long and tipping the scales at a whopping 3,290 kg.

With all these features and technologies on board – and our tax structure being the way that it is – don’t expect the B8 to come cheap. It will almost certainly breach the RM300,000 mark, and will likely be pricier than even the RM328,800 GWM Tank 500. Still, are you excited for it? Let us know in the comments.

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